Solar de Sao Joao Hotel

Reading some of the reviews, I was wondering what this place would be like. It is not luxury accommodation, but was very clean, beds and towels changed regularly, and in a quiet location. No noise from The Strip, but this was late October when we arrived. We had originally booked a 2-bed, 2 bathroom apartment for the family through the Gift Company and were taking a 2 yr old with us, for which we had booked a cot. Unfortunately my daughter's family could not travel at the last minute because of illness, so I went with a girlfriend. We were horrified to find that one of the bedrooms and bathrooms was up a winding stone staircase within the apartment, with slippery marble on the stair treads. This was very steep and would have been disastrous had we got the 2 yr old with us. For mobile adults it was fine, although difficult to get a heavy suitcase up the stone steps. We were on the top floor at the end of the corridor (Rm 308) which had a lovely roof terrace which faced the sun all day and where we were able to eat our breakfast on the table and chairs provided up there. The pool was not heated and children there found this disappointing - the water was very cold despite very warm weather the week we were there. Get the mini-train which leaves every 20 mins from the top of The Strip for a scenic circular drive down into the Old Town, where there is a greater choice of decent restaurants. The Cockerel is worth a visit though if you want to eat nearby!

I and 9 of my friends and family have just returned from our 4th stay at the Solar De Sao Joao. As usual we were well looked after by the staff. All our rooms were cleaned daily with fresh towels and bedding replenished regularly. Ok, so the hotel is a little 80s style but so what. It's close to all the attractions of the strip but just far enough away to be a peaceful location that can be enjoyed by an array of ages. We enjoyed our two weeks there so much that we are heading back this weekend for another week. If you are looking for a relaxing break just two minutes walking distance from the strip, then this is the place to go

We have just got back from staying at the "solar".it was ok and i mean just ok.lets start by saying I have read some of the other reviews and would like to put it how we saw it. The pool area is in need of a good make over with broken tiles and paving slabs everywhere also the pool water is very clouldy and not in my mind safe as you could not even see the bottom at the shallow end(1.24mtrs) never mind the deep ?. We were in the annexe block in a 2 bed apartment which to say was supposed to have been refurbished 2/3 years ago it was like going back to 1974.I think the tv was from granada rentals.the cold and hot water flow rate was non existant and there is not much chance of having a good shower.don't even mention the bidet !.when you complain you get the same sort of answer for everything "it is what it is".Then there was the noise as there is no air conditioning we had to keep our windows open at night but the sound of music coming from the disco till 4am was enough to make victor meldrew go crazy and as for the car park outside on the saturday night with slamming doors/loud shouting and revving engines till 4.30am.I know this wasn't really the hotels fault but there again the other hotels in the road had chains across to stop this but not ours.there were numerous other things to go on about but frankly if this hotel wants to keep you coming back then they have lost a customer. I suppose "you gets what you pays for" and as we booked through a travel agent I will be contacting them to advise of my problems. Some people might totally disagree with my views and it might be that they have stayed in the main apartment block or maybe my standards differ from theres !. On the plus side we will be returning to Portugal next year and will probably be going to another resort west of Albufeira.

Let me start on a positive, the apartments are very central both for the shops, restaurants and ‘The Strip’. The pool was clean and there is an abundance of sun loungers with free cushioned mattresses. The pool side snack bar is basic but food is good and not too costly. The gardens surrounding the pool are beautiful and the setting is perfect for a relaxing laze by the pool. There was always plenty of hot water in the apartment at any time of the day with great power in the shower. The cleaners came everyday and are very friendly and do a great job. Now the negative part, one word Cockroaches! I had read on the website before we booked that some previous guests had experienced problems with cockroaches on the ground floor apartments. With this in mind we specifically requested for a first floor apartment with our original booking. We then emailed to confirm the reservation one week prior to arrival, which was confirmed by the hotel. When we arrived we were advised there were no first floor apartments available but were offered a 2-bedroom apartment with a private garden (the ‘Cockroach Palace’ as it soon was named) for no additional cost as we had only booked for a 1-bed. This particular apartment was situated away from the main block in a block by a car park and rubbish bins. Firstly the overwhelming smell of damp when entering the apartment was stifling. The shutters, which took great strength and willpower to lift to allow light in. The 70’s style décor we could just about come to terms with along with the damp beds but on the 2nd day when we spotted a huge cockroach in one of the wardrobes hanging off my friends linen trousers. We managed to tackle the our ‘friend’ out to the garden door from the bedroom and breathed a sigh of relief that was until his uncle, aunts, cousins and most of his cockroach family decided to come and live in the wardrobe in the bedroom! We complained to reception who were not very helpful and gave us a bug spray, which when sprayed not only made you gag but brought tears to your eyes. However not to be beaten we continued to tackle the critters with rubber gloves, drinking glasses and a lot of screaming and standing on chairs! We were also told to keep all doors and windows closed – so not only were we subjected to sharing our apartment with our freeloading ‘friends’ but in the month of June were told to sit in a prison like apartment with now natural daylight and sweat profusely. Eventually after we tacked upwards of 20 cockroaches and sleepless nights of listening to them running around the apartment we decided enough was enough and once again complained to reception without success, undeterred we asked to speak to the Hotel Manager. What can I say about Lilly (The Hotel Director). Patronising is the word that best describes Lilly. She was very dismissive of our complaint and at the beginning of our conversation refused to even entertain the idea that her apartments may have a cockroach problem. When we suggested she came and viewed ‘Cockroach Palace’ she surprisingly declined. After some very loud discussions in the main reception whereby my friend and I discussed the “cockroach infestation in their hotel” in front of bemused guests booking in we were eventually offered a first floor apartment in the main block – bliss! I must say Lilly did provide us with a small bottle of wine; however a higher level of service and less of her dismissive manor would have been more welcome! Apartment number two was like paradise, albeit with its recognisable 70’s décor and our view of a building site from the balcony and a few more miniature ‘friends’ came a calling but nothing compared to ‘Cockroach Palace’ The moral of this review is be prepared for a 1 – 2* quality apartment not 3*, always insist on a first floor apartment and be stern with Lilly! Also beware when asking reception to call you a taxi – they charge €1.50 for the privilege.

have stayed 3 times 1st time may 2006 me,hubby,kids 19,11,9,8 in 2 bed appartment very spacious,had a great time very clean friendly staff,lovely large pool,beautiful gardens,ideal position short walk brings you out onto centre of 'the strip' so can head either way also went as couple in oct 06 stayed in studio plenty of spaceagain,also went for christmas 06 and new year 13 of us in 3 2 bed appartments once turnd heating up was lovely and warm as weather was cold at night but put shutters down before go out at night to keep heat in or takes a long time to warm up overall though would def go again!!

I travelled to this hotel with my husband and my three children 1 age 5 and 2 aged 2. This hotel is not a 3*** it is maybe a 1-2 *. The cleaners did come everyday though and they did work hard. Unfortunatly i had a couple of things mysteriously go missing the night before we were coming home. I had to unpack all our suitcases to double check. Unfortunatly they were not there. When i went to report it at reception the person said i dont know english.Which to me was strange working on a hotel receeption desk. The staff are friendly at the hotel. The bar was only open a few hours everyday i think the latest was 6.30 pm. DONT USE THE TELEPHONE IN THE ROOM. I rang home to England and was on the phone for exactly 3 mins 12 seconds and it cost me 14 euros. Also dont put coins in the telephones they dont work. buy a card for the phones they are simple to use you can get them from just about anywhere restaurants, shops, currency exchange etc. I bought 1 for 5 euros and i used it about 6 times and i still came home with money left on it. Portugal is only ideal for peak season as there is nothing to do for the kids not even a little park with a swing or slide. We went to Zoomarine and had a good day this is the only park open all year round. Crazyworld and the waterpark are closed until April- May. If you are going in the summer go to ERINS BAR it looks marvellous for familys but unfortunatly it was closed why we were there. The Cockerel Country kitchen is well worth a visit its just round the corner from this hotel it cooks lovely homemade british meals. If you are after some real chips not frozen go to LITTLE BRITAIN. This has a kids area as well so everyone is happy. For Fish and Chips go to LARAS its near club praia de oura. Make sure you take extra towels with you as we only got 2 clean towels why we were there for 5 of us. WATCH OUT FOR THE MEN GIVING OUT DISCOUNT CARDS THEY ARE TRYING TO GET YOU TO GO TO A HOTEL. They say you have won a laptop, 900 euros etc but it is to get you to buy a timeshare. We got stuck there for 5 1/2 hours with our children and they escort you to the toilet when you want to go its awful. The people are from CPO and its RCI which is a genuine timeshare company but they ask for stupid fees. Anyway just be aware. All in all i think it would have been a lovely holiday if i had gone in summer as the awful weather didnt help.

Stayed there for 10 nights. They make no attempt to cater for the British, this place is almost completely set up for the Dutch and Germans. The TV in the rooms is a small 12 portable, with only 2 English channels, Sky news, and CNN. Wanted to watch England V Sweden in the bar, and the only channel that they had was in German. The cleaning regularly got done at 5pm, just when we were coming in from the beach. One day we returned and wanted to collect our key for the room, the receptionist was on the phone, and proceeded to talk for 5 minutes with us standing right in front of her, as soon as she put the phone down, she started to come towards us when the phone rang again, she turned around and answered it!!! Another 5 minute wait. The rooms are very dark, old wood, bathrooms are very dated, and our shutters never worked, even when they sent someone out to fix them.

We've just come back from a fortnight at these apartments, its a lovely place the rooms are huge - we had a one bed apartment - huge patio, read reviews before said accommodation is very 80's, only the kitchen & bathroom tiles. Our apartment was so comfy felt like home, you also have a TV with SKY news so the other half was pleased as the world cup is on! The rooms are cleaned every single day and spare towels and pillows are left in the room. Its a 10-15 minute walk to the oura beach which is just lovely and the srtip is 5 mins away, dont panic you dont get any noise from the bars. Just round the corner is the Cockerel country kitchen - food is fantastic - english home cooked - try the pork steaks with sage & onion gravy, the owner dave is a bit of a character too! not a place to spend the whole evening but if your after comfort food its a must after a long night on the strip! A very mixed group of people, families, couples and the odd stag & hen night!! we had 29 fella's arrive! but was no problem - the manager a lady made sure they knew how to behave, the bar shuts at 7pm so no late night noise. we'll be going back if only to feed the cat!! apologies to anyone in room 110 - you may have a little tabby arrive every morning - just couldnt resist her. Oh and on the last day we realised you can use the pool at the oura view beach club - its lovely steps away from the beach - just up from Vivaldo's sea front restaraunt.

I've just returned from an excellent week in portugal with my 2 friends (aged 18) and was very pleased with our accommodation. It was a great price for a week and our one bedroomed appartment was really clean and spacious. There was a maid service everyday and the kitchen was well equipt-apart from a kettle. We had a gorgeous view of the pool. and as our first holiday away alone the staff were helpful and friendly wnytime of the day. The location was perfect, only a few minutes from bars, shops and clubs. And only a short walk down the hill to the beautiful beach. I would definately reccommend these apartments and would definately return next summer.

This hotel has a half and half approach to life. It is great half the time and strange the rest. Firstly it appears to be a largely Dutch accomodating place - and they demand high standards, which is what the hotel provides. Also, being a popular hotel with Dutch tourists the staff all have basic English (some very advanced). The pool is nice and the bar is very useful (although sadly it closes at 7pm or 6:30pm depending on the day) and the sun loungers etc are easy to use and you can always get one. Personally I only spent the morning at the hotel and went to the beach in the afternoon (with a snooze in between). Unfortunately there is a complete lack of customer service from two of the front desk staff. They are rude and disinterested and there most of the time. Should you go you will know exactly who I mean. An example would be that our transfer company said to have a word with the hotel and they would call them to arrange our transfer back to the airport at the end of the trip. The unhelpful staff simply shrugged her shoulders and said they had never heard of the company and made no attempt to help. The younger member of staff (for reference she seems to work earlier in the morning) made some investigations on my behalf and arranged the whole thing - same hotel, same counter, completely different attitude. As the grumpy pair speak fluent English there seems to be little excuse for this attitude problem. All in all it could be great but falls down because of this. The communal toilets also leave much to be desired on the hygiene front. Three out of five for this traveller. I'd probably go back.