Tropical Sol Apartments, Sao Joao, Portugal
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Situated in Areiras de Sao Joao, in the town of Albufeira, Tropical Sol is located in one of the most pleasant corners of this region and provides you, all year round, the perfect conditions for your holidays under the Algarve Sun. loading...
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Tropical Sol Apartments Reviews
" Tropical Sol "
Submitted By: SCOOTER BOY
My wife, Jane, and I have stayed at the Tropical Sol four times in the last three years.
The hotel itself is always spotless and the staff could not be more helpful. The bar and the poolside snack bar are excellent and , again, the staff are very friendly. We have stayed in the studio apartment's by the pool and the 1 bedroom apartment's above the pool and have never had any problem's. I noticed that older review's mentioned a strip club across the road, as far as I know this does not exist anymore, I'm sure I would have noticed. The great thing about the Sol is the short distance to The Strip and all the great pub's and resturaunt's, make sure you pick up a map to the Strip and surrounding area's of interest. The hotel run's a mini bus down to the beach and back at various time's, this has two advantages, 1. it is all right walking down the strip to the beach but it get's very steep at the bottom and after you have spent a few hour's swimming and lying about on the breathtaking beach, not to mention a few beer's! the last thing you want is a slog up the hill! 2. You get to avoid the really anoying timeshare mob and the stupid scratchcard scheme they employ (everyone's a winner!), thankfully there is less and less of them each year, they hang about the middle of the strip between Jinky's and Lineker's and further down at the roundabout beside The Kilt and the Kelt, you will get used to totally ignoring them. You must visit Old Albufeira, get the mini train at The Steak House and for an all day ticket you get to see all round Albufeira and you can jump on and off as you please, great value. Good pub's that sell good grub as well are: The Kilt and the Kelt,(bottom of strip), Father Eds (Erins Isle, top of strip), Banannas (top of strip), Coconut's (top of strip) The Majestic Indian,(half way down on right). All these are within 20 minutes of the Tropical Sol. We are hoping to return in August again to this great hotel and resort.
The hotel itself is always spotless and the staff could not be more helpful. The bar and the poolside snack bar are excellent and , again, the staff are very friendly. We have stayed in the studio apartment's by the pool and the 1 bedroom apartment's above the pool and have never had any problem's. I noticed that older review's mentioned a strip club across the road, as far as I know this does not exist anymore, I'm sure I would have noticed. The great thing about the Sol is the short distance to The Strip and all the great pub's and resturaunt's, make sure you pick up a map to the Strip and surrounding area's of interest. The hotel run's a mini bus down to the beach and back at various time's, this has two advantages, 1. it is all right walking down the strip to the beach but it get's very steep at the bottom and after you have spent a few hour's swimming and lying about on the breathtaking beach, not to mention a few beer's! the last thing you want is a slog up the hill! 2. You get to avoid the really anoying timeshare mob and the stupid scratchcard scheme they employ (everyone's a winner!), thankfully there is less and less of them each year, they hang about the middle of the strip between Jinky's and Lineker's and further down at the roundabout beside The Kilt and the Kelt, you will get used to totally ignoring them. You must visit Old Albufeira, get the mini train at The Steak House and for an all day ticket you get to see all round Albufeira and you can jump on and off as you please, great value. Good pub's that sell good grub as well are: The Kilt and the Kelt,(bottom of strip), Father Eds (Erins Isle, top of strip), Banannas (top of strip), Coconut's (top of strip) The Majestic Indian,(half way down on right). All these are within 20 minutes of the Tropical Sol. We are hoping to return in August again to this great hotel and resort.
Advice: Great hotel in a great resort, ideal for couples and family's.
Activities: Jinky's, The Kilt, Father Eds, The Norwegian bar, The beach, Old Albufeira
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Just arrived back from Tropical Sol... "
Submitted By: Mrs J DAVIES
Just arrived back from Tropical Sol Apartments just one word great. The location only a five minute walk from The Strip. so none of the noise that you get near The Strip. The apartments were spotlessly clean, well equipped apart from having no electric kettle, you wait a long time for a cup of tea. The staff were polite, friendly especially in the snack bar and the bar. Ladies dont take your high heels to this resort, the pavements are uneven and slippery but that is the only fault I can find. Good places to eat and drink are The Paradise Bar, great value food and drink. The Jade is a really good Chinese restaurant. Bit more upmarket is The Portofino, the seafood rice is to die for. Good night is Johnny Hoopers jazz bar, the entertainment is great but the food is a bit expensive and lacking organisation but the entertainment outweighed all that. This was our 5th trip to Sao Jao and it wont be our last and we will definetely be staying at The Tropical Sol again.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" just returned from tropical sol and... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Howells
just returned from tropical sol and will certainly be going back again we have stayed in the algarve many times but these have got to be the best apartments so far spacious clean and in a great area easily walkable to the strip in wedges or flat shoes do not attempt to wear heels as the pavements are badly in need of repair maid service 6 times a week clean towels every day pool big clean and freezing. kitchen has toaster microwave and two rings which we found ample but if you want to eat out try the pool bar good food and friendly staff also angelus bar is a must where mageurita gives you a terrific welcome and tom the best karaoke show on the island has you laughing till you ache we also found the golden gate chinese on the strip excellent brill food and good prices and if the guy outside doesnt bring a smile to your face you really shouldnt be on holiday entertainment in tropical sol a bit basic but give the guy on guitar a try and if you stay long enough he really is kinda funny all in all a great holiday
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We've stayed in his area on a number... "
Submitted By: Mr T Bancroft
We've stayed in his area on a number of occasions (Rodrimar, Valmangude, Alta Oura, etc.) but the Tropical Sol is the best. Clean well decorated rooms, well equipped kitchen area and comfy beds.
Nice pool area as mentioned earlier and handy pool side snack bar to get a tasty breakfast or mid-day meal at reasonable prices.
We noticed older reviews on this site and wondered about the comments about the strip club in the basement of the Oura Hotel across the street. I am pretty sure that this is now closed down. There were no information signs outside as in previous years, the entrance steps were always in darkness and we certainly heard no noises.
The Tropical Sol bar is reasonably priced and run by Marco and his partner Rosanna and they are two of the nicest people you could hope to meet.
As regards internet access, if they still haven't got it when you arrive, try the Valmangude Jardim down the street, they have it in the foyer and they will let anyone use it - you just swipe your credit card - it's not too costly.
We have stayed in the Brisa Sol nearby which is owned by the same people. This is also a great accommodation, but the Tropical is just as good and has cheaper brochure prices!
We are already thinking of returning in May 2008. Last May the weather was excellent with only two slightly cloudy days all fortnight. Also prices are cheaper in May, and as the hour has just been put forward again (both here and in Portugal) the nights are lighter longer.
I would seriously recommend the Tropical Sol Aparthotel.
Nice pool area as mentioned earlier and handy pool side snack bar to get a tasty breakfast or mid-day meal at reasonable prices.
We noticed older reviews on this site and wondered about the comments about the strip club in the basement of the Oura Hotel across the street. I am pretty sure that this is now closed down. There were no information signs outside as in previous years, the entrance steps were always in darkness and we certainly heard no noises.
The Tropical Sol bar is reasonably priced and run by Marco and his partner Rosanna and they are two of the nicest people you could hope to meet.
As regards internet access, if they still haven't got it when you arrive, try the Valmangude Jardim down the street, they have it in the foyer and they will let anyone use it - you just swipe your credit card - it's not too costly.
We have stayed in the Brisa Sol nearby which is owned by the same people. This is also a great accommodation, but the Tropical is just as good and has cheaper brochure prices!
We are already thinking of returning in May 2008. Last May the weather was excellent with only two slightly cloudy days all fortnight. Also prices are cheaper in May, and as the hour has just been put forward again (both here and in Portugal) the nights are lighter longer.
I would seriously recommend the Tropical Sol Aparthotel.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We have recently just come back from... "
Submitted By: Mr A Blyth
We have recently just come back from a 2 week stay at this hotel, and I must say its one of the nicest 'Self Catering' holidays we have ever been on!
After arriving at the hotel much later than expected (5 hour delay due to technical fault) we walked into the main entrance and were greeted by a very smart, modern reception area and were checked in by a friendly man on reception who gave us our key (or card as it was) and directed us to our room.
We were very pleasantly surprised at the standard of the 1 bedroom apartment, it was very clean, spacious and had everything we needed, and the decor was very nice too. All the rooms in this hotel have a pool view, and there is a games room with pool table (€5 euros), few arcade games and a tennis court (€8 euros per hour), there is a very nice pool bar with a small variety of meals and snacks and is run/owned by an extremely friendly Portuguese woman who was nothing but friendly and polite and always smiling which was great!
The hotel bar was good with again very friendly bar staff, and the odd live singer and karaoke session and reasonably priced. Only thing it lacked was more to do, maybe a bit more music on the nights there was no entertainment would of been good, especially as there was a few of us in our 20's in our group so would of liked that.
The hotel itself could of done with a few more facilities, one main one being internet access as you have to walk some way (either to the strip to Mary Ann’s bar or up to the centre near Mc D’s) to get to the nearest internet cafe. There is internet at the hotel for reception so would not be too hard to add a terminal for customers use!
The resort itself if great, this was the 3rd time we have been there so knew where everything was and if your looking for English grub go to Mary Ann’s at the bottom of the strip. Only problem with the strip like it always has been is old blokes asking us lads 'do you want to buy some hash' which is annoying as no one likes that kind of stuff threw in your face all the time (about 7 times to our friend when he walked down one night) apart from that its safe and friendly.
If you like water parks visit slide and splash its the best one, there is also aquashow which is fairly new/revamped but we didn’t go this time but I would AVOID Aqualand - big one as its utter rubbish, we went a few years ago when it was just the big one and its never changed, hardly any slides, and the ones they have are crap. No investment since Aqualand bought it, which is a shame as it could be so good. Zoo Marine is also good, we didn’t go this time but have been before and you can pay about £100 to swim with dolphins, which is def an experience!!
Overall this accommodation is excellent, no sign of the strip joint people have mentioned in the past there is nothing near it which could be this so I would not worry about that at all.
If there is one its obviously that discreet we never saw it in the 2 weeks we were there.
After arriving at the hotel much later than expected (5 hour delay due to technical fault) we walked into the main entrance and were greeted by a very smart, modern reception area and were checked in by a friendly man on reception who gave us our key (or card as it was) and directed us to our room.
We were very pleasantly surprised at the standard of the 1 bedroom apartment, it was very clean, spacious and had everything we needed, and the decor was very nice too. All the rooms in this hotel have a pool view, and there is a games room with pool table (€5 euros), few arcade games and a tennis court (€8 euros per hour), there is a very nice pool bar with a small variety of meals and snacks and is run/owned by an extremely friendly Portuguese woman who was nothing but friendly and polite and always smiling which was great!
The hotel bar was good with again very friendly bar staff, and the odd live singer and karaoke session and reasonably priced. Only thing it lacked was more to do, maybe a bit more music on the nights there was no entertainment would of been good, especially as there was a few of us in our 20's in our group so would of liked that.
The hotel itself could of done with a few more facilities, one main one being internet access as you have to walk some way (either to the strip to Mary Ann’s bar or up to the centre near Mc D’s) to get to the nearest internet cafe. There is internet at the hotel for reception so would not be too hard to add a terminal for customers use!
The resort itself if great, this was the 3rd time we have been there so knew where everything was and if your looking for English grub go to Mary Ann’s at the bottom of the strip. Only problem with the strip like it always has been is old blokes asking us lads 'do you want to buy some hash' which is annoying as no one likes that kind of stuff threw in your face all the time (about 7 times to our friend when he walked down one night) apart from that its safe and friendly.
If you like water parks visit slide and splash its the best one, there is also aquashow which is fairly new/revamped but we didn’t go this time but I would AVOID Aqualand - big one as its utter rubbish, we went a few years ago when it was just the big one and its never changed, hardly any slides, and the ones they have are crap. No investment since Aqualand bought it, which is a shame as it could be so good. Zoo Marine is also good, we didn’t go this time but have been before and you can pay about £100 to swim with dolphins, which is def an experience!!
Overall this accommodation is excellent, no sign of the strip joint people have mentioned in the past there is nothing near it which could be this so I would not worry about that at all.
If there is one its obviously that discreet we never saw it in the 2 weeks we were there.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Was at this lovely hotel back in the... "
Submitted By: SHUGGIE
Was at this lovely hotel back in the first week of February......and simply we could not fault this place at all. On a much smaller scale than some of the bigger chain hotels, but that was so good about this place.
Lovely big rooms, very clean and probably the best we’ve ever stayed in. The rooms also had TV with bbc1 and 2 and itv, I know you go on holiday to get away from it all, but the nights we had to stay in with our wee boy playing up...it was great to have!
All the rooms overlook the pool area and get the sun, which was good for the time of year, bar one day of rain ! Walk to the old town was 20 min or so....to the strip only 5 min or so !.....if you get a chance to go here.........DO IT !! WE CERTAINLY WILL RETURN IN 2008 SHUGGIE
Lovely big rooms, very clean and probably the best we’ve ever stayed in. The rooms also had TV with bbc1 and 2 and itv, I know you go on holiday to get away from it all, but the nights we had to stay in with our wee boy playing up...it was great to have!
All the rooms overlook the pool area and get the sun, which was good for the time of year, bar one day of rain ! Walk to the old town was 20 min or so....to the strip only 5 min or so !.....if you get a chance to go here.........DO IT !! WE CERTAINLY WILL RETURN IN 2008 SHUGGIE
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:flexitrips
" Hi, we stayed at the Tropical Sol for... "
Submitted By: Miss J Armitage
Hi, we stayed at the Tropical Sol for a week at the beginning of September and the apartments were fabululous, probably the best i've stayed in so far. Its only a ten minute walk to the strip where there are some lovely restaurants, try the Portuguese style steak and you won't be disapointed.
The pool was a good size and we found it easy to get sun lounges (although it was quite quiet the week we went).
Visited Zoomarine which is a must if you have children, my 8yr old loved the dolphin show.
If you go to the beach best bet is to get a Taxi to the nearest one (only costs 3/4 euros) but the waves are some times quite scary.
Overall an excellent place to stay and would recommend it to anyone.
The pool was a good size and we found it easy to get sun lounges (although it was quite quiet the week we went).
Visited Zoomarine which is a must if you have children, my 8yr old loved the dolphin show.
If you go to the beach best bet is to get a Taxi to the nearest one (only costs 3/4 euros) but the waves are some times quite scary.
Overall an excellent place to stay and would recommend it to anyone.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Went to Algarve for a 2 week holiday... "
Submitted By: J Mc Lauhglin
Went to Algarve for a 2 week holiday in august...found the Algarve a lovely place and the apartments could not be faulted...staff friendly..
Entertainment great and situated about ten mins from strip where shops were lovely and nightlife was great! Was sorry to leave. The apartments themselves were lovely and spacious. They were cleaned on a regular basis by the maids. Only fault i found was towels were placed on sun loungers very early in morning.
One night we went to "kiss" eclub which is open until 7am... When we returned at 6.00am people were out putting their towels on sun loungers....which was a little ridiculous! Met lots of great friends and still keep in contact....would definitely go back!
Entertainment great and situated about ten mins from strip where shops were lovely and nightlife was great! Was sorry to leave. The apartments themselves were lovely and spacious. They were cleaned on a regular basis by the maids. Only fault i found was towels were placed on sun loungers very early in morning.
One night we went to "kiss" eclub which is open until 7am... When we returned at 6.00am people were out putting their towels on sun loungers....which was a little ridiculous! Met lots of great friends and still keep in contact....would definitely go back!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2004
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The Tropical Sol Apartments in Soao... "
Submitted By: Mr S McCabe
The Tropical Sol Apartments in Soao Jao are spacious, clean and well equipped. We stayed in Room 306, which was a two bedroom, two bathroom air-conditioned apartment located three floors directly above the reception, hotel bar area. There was a maid service six days of the week. The kitchen was well equipped with hob, microwave and sink/drainer but lacked an oven. We have stayed in far worse both at home and abroad.
There was large pool with a diving board, which ran from a depth of 0.5m to nearly 4m deep. The pool and surrounding area were cleaned daily. Bagging sunbeds was rife, towels would be placed on beds hours before the sunbeds would be used. The vast majority of Holidaymakers at the Tropical Sol were British with a few Spanish towards the end of our stay. There is a full-size Tennis Court available to hire at €8 per hour including equipment.
There are at least six supermarkets within a ten minute walk and a bakery within 100 yards.
We found the Staff friendly and efficient. The entertainment available was not to our taste consisting of a singer/guitarist, a Parrot show and two nights of Karaoke which went on until after 1am.The noise from the Karaoke and holidaymakers taking up to an hour to settle down afterwards meant sleep before 2:15am was difficult on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Directly opposite our apartment was the Oura Hotel, which had a Female Strip Club, attached. The Club was open until 3am for six nights out of seven. During the day it caused no problems but at 3am when it closed, the drunken yobbish behaviour of its visitors meant you would be woken up. With men shouting and screaming, taxis arriving/departing with horns tooting and wheels screeching, you were guaranteed a broken nights sleep.
The apartments are located within five minutes walk of the Strip, which consists of lots of shops and restaurants. Though the meals were reasonably priced, there was no quality. Some bargains were to be had in the shops especially leather goods. We visited Albufiera old town and found it expensive, crowded and not worth the visit.
The roads around Soao Jao were busy with poor driving and speeding common amongst Portuguese and British alike, especially at night.
Overall, we found the Algarve a pleasant place to holiday and the Tropical Sol was a good base. The weather was superb with a steady breeze 24/7.It rained on our last day for approx. 2 hours but soon dried.
There was large pool with a diving board, which ran from a depth of 0.5m to nearly 4m deep. The pool and surrounding area were cleaned daily. Bagging sunbeds was rife, towels would be placed on beds hours before the sunbeds would be used. The vast majority of Holidaymakers at the Tropical Sol were British with a few Spanish towards the end of our stay. There is a full-size Tennis Court available to hire at €8 per hour including equipment.
There are at least six supermarkets within a ten minute walk and a bakery within 100 yards.
We found the Staff friendly and efficient. The entertainment available was not to our taste consisting of a singer/guitarist, a Parrot show and two nights of Karaoke which went on until after 1am.The noise from the Karaoke and holidaymakers taking up to an hour to settle down afterwards meant sleep before 2:15am was difficult on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Directly opposite our apartment was the Oura Hotel, which had a Female Strip Club, attached. The Club was open until 3am for six nights out of seven. During the day it caused no problems but at 3am when it closed, the drunken yobbish behaviour of its visitors meant you would be woken up. With men shouting and screaming, taxis arriving/departing with horns tooting and wheels screeching, you were guaranteed a broken nights sleep.
The apartments are located within five minutes walk of the Strip, which consists of lots of shops and restaurants. Though the meals were reasonably priced, there was no quality. Some bargains were to be had in the shops especially leather goods. We visited Albufiera old town and found it expensive, crowded and not worth the visit.
The roads around Soao Jao were busy with poor driving and speeding common amongst Portuguese and British alike, especially at night.
Overall, we found the Algarve a pleasant place to holiday and the Tropical Sol was a good base. The weather was superb with a steady breeze 24/7.It rained on our last day for approx. 2 hours but soon dried.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2004
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" The apartments were very roomy, clean... "
Submitted By: Mrs K Harrison
The apartments were very roomy, clean and comfortable. The facilities included a microwave, TV with BBC channel and air conditioning in the bedroom and lounge. We didn’t have to hire anything like on previous holidays. The staff were very helpful, nothing was too much trouble. <br><br>
There was a poolside cafe, which was excellent, and tennis courts. The pool was surrounded by lawns and greenery, which made up for the built up area outside the apartments. There was a very good bakery just down the road and a supermarket close by. As we ate out each evening it was very handy for 'The Strip' where there were a good choice of restaurants and 'touristy' shops. <br><br>
There were a few downfalls though:
There was a strip club directly opposite - quite discreet but on occasions large amounts of youths congregated outside our apartments. The pool was really cold at this time of year (April). It was about 10 minutes walk away from the gorgeous beaches, although we did find out too late that a free courtesy bus ran daily to the beach and the old town from our apartments.
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Overall we were very pleased with the apartments but it was too early in the season and therefore really quiet especially for our children aged 13 and 15. <br><br>
There was a poolside cafe, which was excellent, and tennis courts. The pool was surrounded by lawns and greenery, which made up for the built up area outside the apartments. There was a very good bakery just down the road and a supermarket close by. As we ate out each evening it was very handy for 'The Strip' where there were a good choice of restaurants and 'touristy' shops. <br><br>
There were a few downfalls though:
There was a strip club directly opposite - quite discreet but on occasions large amounts of youths congregated outside our apartments. The pool was really cold at this time of year (April). It was about 10 minutes walk away from the gorgeous beaches, although we did find out too late that a free courtesy bus ran daily to the beach and the old town from our apartments.
<br>
Overall we were very pleased with the apartments but it was too early in the season and therefore really quiet especially for our children aged 13 and 15. <br><br>
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2004
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Airtours
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staff realy freindly & Very Lovely couple who run poolside bar nice meals very good service. Have been to Tropical Sol 3 times lust love it going back again in 2010
Perfect distance from the strip 5 mins walk
Advice: Lovely freindly place
Activities: Three palms
Good for: Beach