Pe do Lago Apartments

I'm a 17 year old girl who went to the Pe Do Lago apartments with my mum for 1 week during February half term 2009.
We arrived at around 10am (transfer time was around 30 minutes), only to be told that our room wasn't ready until 1:30pm. This didn't really bother us, but a few other people who were on our coach didn't look impressed about this.
We put our luggage in a luggage room, which was handy.
The reception room in Parque Morabel was nice and clean, and the staff behind the desk were friendly and helpful. So our 1st impressions were good.
As soon as we were told our room wasn't ready yet, we were informed about the mini van which took you from the apartments to the marina and/or the beach.
This was used by the people in the apartments only, and collections times from the reception were at 9am, 11am and then 4pm pick up time from the marina. This service was free, and is a good idea for those who can't walk very far.
We were put in the Pe do Lago apartments, which were about a 5 minute walk from reception.
Again, the mini van took us there so we didn't have to drag our suitcases across the road!
Our apartment was really nice. Nice and big for 2 people for a weeks stay. The bathroom was brand new (we didn't think it had ever been used before us)and had a bath and shower in. Water was always nice and hot!!
We also had a microwave, a fridge, and lots of cooking untensils supplied.
There was also a tv in our room, but didn't have any english speaking channels on. This didn't bother us however, as you don't come on holiday to watch telly!! Although most of the programmes shown we have equililents to (Just For Laughs and You've Been Framed) so we could watch it knowing what was happening. It was good though watching portuguese programmes though haha.
Cleaners came in every day, and were polite and friendly. They mopped the floors everyday, cleaned the bathroom everyday and gave us fresh towels every other day.
Don't forget to tip them at the end of your holiday, as they deserve it as they work damn hard!!!
Weather: Very warm and plesant during our stay. Highs of around 20 degrees c, and came back with a nice tan!!! We forgot it was February!
However at night time it got quite cold, but if you need more blankets on your bed, as the cleaners and they will happily get you some.
The apartments are situated a 30 minute walk from the marina. A very nice walk, which we did everytime we went down. If you decide to walk, at the roundabout you take the path where the statue is facing towards. Don't get lost like we did!!
Beach is about a 10 mins walk from marina. Very clean and sandy, and stretches on for miles. Just the beach you dream of! However in summer it may become quite busy.
We did a few excursions. However, we did notice that Thomas Cook excusions have become quite expensive recently (used them a few times for various holidays) they were asking 35 Euros for a walking trip!! Each!!
For Thomas Cook we booked the trip to Seville in Spain. About 45 euros each. This was very well organised, and had a great day.
We also went on the trip to "The Land's End" of the Algarve, using Follow Me Tours ( down by the harbour at the marina) as this was a lot cheaper than what Thomas Cook were charging.
Again, very well organised and had a great day! We have now officially travelled along the coast of the Algarve!! Stunning views at the peak and had time in Lagos for refreshments and/or shopping.
Follow Me Tours are recommended.
We also booked Loule market at the reception on a Saturday. We were taken in the minivan by staff and had about 2 hours around Loule market.
The pool was nice, although a bit too cold to use in February.
Flights were good to and from Faro,no delays. However Faro airport is dear. We paid 1 Euro 80 for a small tub of pringles, but on the plane (where you would expect it to be dearer) was £1.20!
All in all a great holiday and would use these apartments again if coming to Portugal!!