Falesia Hotel

5 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from 10 days relaxing stay at the Falesia, We agree with previous comments read that the walk to the beach could be difficult for some, however the bus to the local resorts from the hotel are good value,and easier than the local bus travel.
The evening entertainment from Jo Slow and Joe (Quiff) is great. And the resident singer Colin is lovely to listen to and very talented..
Would have been nice to have a kettle in the bedroom, but other than that the Hotel was quiet and ideal for a nice rest, lovely restaurant and clean comfortable rooms.
Very much enjoyed.
Chris & Phil Hertfordshire

18 readers found this review helpful

If you are after a quiet holiday then this is the location for you. The Falesia hotel is situated in a quiet location on the Algarve, however on saying that there is a regular bus service to both Albuferia and Villamoura at a reasonable charge. There is also a daily beach service provided by the hotel too. The beaches are stunning although a fair distance from the Hotel. A walk through the gardens of the neighbouring hotel down to the beach is a ‘must do’. Another lovely place to visit is the Honey Farm (no longer a working honey farm). It is within walking distance from the Hotel (approx 1mile) and once you are there, you will be impressed by the coffee’s/food served, plus treated to the most fantastic views. The staff at Falesia are some of the friendliest, helpful and efficient I have come across on a Thomson’s Gold (I have been to several). This includes all staff from Reception, Restaurant, Bar Staff and Cleaning. The entertainments team deserve a special mention, consisting of Jo Slow (What an amazing entertainer – this girl is such a people person and has amazing talent too), Joe (Quiff), Katie and Zee were all excellent and most certainly made our holiday with both daily activities and evening entertainment. They all worked extremely and should be congratulated on their efforts. If you are looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday then I would thoroughly recommend a visit to the Falesia.

5 readers found this review helpful

Stayed here for a week and found the hotel to be very clean and comfortable and the staff excellent . Food very good with plenty of choice and the restaurant was very clean and restaurant staff great , they really looked after us and made us welcome . Our room was spacious and very clean and comfortable and this is a super hotel except that it is so far from the beach . A hire car would be recommended. Loved the Algarve but beware when out and about as I almost had my purse stolen and I usually consider myself to be careful with my belongings . All in all a great holiday in a highly recommended hotel .

16 readers found this review helpful

Being first time holidaying as just a couple, it was great to be in a hotel without other people's children as this hotel restricts children ubder 16.
really friendly staff, quality food.for those that have ventured into many other 4 star hotels they may have found more faults, however the only 2 that stand out for me as well as some other reviewers are
1. The distance to the beach, yes they run a bus 4 times aday but location does restrict the evening walk that many people like to take whilst on holiday, however there is hotel evening entertainment.
2. The charge for a fridge of £25 per week is excessive and we have feed this back to the hotel. They offer the same unit as a minibar which is probably not greatly used but costing them electricty. Suggestion would be to offer fridge for max £10 per week.
for information the hotel does offer free towels for the sunbeds which saves weight in the suitcase.
overall very pleased

11 readers found this review helpful

Thank you so much superior travel.A really helpful young lady called Jayne recommended this hotel to us and what fantastic advice she gave us.The hotel and staff where marvellous ,the food excelled all expectations.The Chef was there every meal time to greet you .And couldn't do enough to make your meal times enjoyable.So take our advice book with superior travel .We've used them before and nothing is to much trouble for them .Try this hotel it's well worth a visit.

6 readers found this review helpful

Having upgraded to Junior Suite ie incl Bath Robes,Slippers,Tea Coffee making facilities,Fruit,Wine, Water,safety Deposit Box we were appalled to have to pay 25 euros for use of Fridge in the room, where were we supposed to keep the water.No champagne on arrival as with other Thomson Gold Hotels, room 409 not clean ie smell in cupboard,coffee stains on balcony all week,bathroom tiles,Outdoor Pool had a deep slope which all i spoke to agreed, bearing in mind the average age of most guests was 55+,why does water have to be deep?, entertainment was very poor only two professional acts in 7 nights, having said that the food was excellent.

54 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from an excellent week at the Falesia Hotel, Acoteias. Hotel is first class, as are the food, welcome and service. Meals are buffet style with waiter service for your drinks in the evenings.
Just a few features which might detract from the holiday for some people:-
1. The hotel location is not the best if you like a beach to be handy nearby. The nearest beach front is about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the hotel, through the grounds of the nearby Sheraton Pine Cliffs, down via a lift to a boarded walkway which has many steps. If you are less than fully mobile you will find it a struggle on the walk back from beach to hotel, especially if the lift is not working as happened to us on one occasion.
There is, however, a courtesy bus laid on by the hotel which runs to Praia da Falesia but only a limited number of seats and journeys, possibly Thomsons might run an extra bus or two in high season.
2. There is nowhere attractive near the hotel to take a walk after your evening meal (which we usually like to do). Acoteias is just a little place along a fairly busy road with a few anonymous-looking bars, restaurants and shops. For an enjoyable evening stroll you would need to go into Albufeira which is 15/20 minutes by bus or taxi.
3. Unless you pay for a superior room (as we did - there were no standard ones left when we booked) you would have to pay for a safe. The fridge is also charged for, both for a standard and a superior room.
4. Thomsons will charge you 5 Euros for a street map of Albufeira or Vilamoura. Best to run one off the Internet before you travel. They do however supply local bus timetables.
Owing to the terrible Pound/Euro rate we avoided excursions, which are expensive at the best of times, and did not hire a car. There is, however, a free "Blanket Trip" to Tavira which is a very nice waterside location with plenty of places to eat. We used the local buses extensively (look out for the EVA sign at the bus stops) and occasionally a taxi. (There is a taxi rank just a short distance from the hotel). Bus fares are very reasonable and there are two routes running through the area: one which calls at a stop near the hotel and runs into Albufeira, and another which runs through Olhos D'Agua, the nearest stop being about 15/20 minutes' walk from the hotel. This second bus will also get you to Albufeira, and in the other direction to Vilamoura. We always managed to get a seat and the buses usually ran more or less on time.
If you fancy a trip a little farther afield, go to Albufeira bus station where there are excellent connections to Lagos, Portimao, Praia da Rocha, etc. Again, fares are very reasonable (cost to Portimao was 8.20 Euros return per person - journey time from Albufeira approx. 45 minutes).
A big plus factor of the hotel is its seclusion. (If you like peace and quiet of course). Our room was at the back of the hotel, and there was almost no noise outside at night. No sea views however.
All in all, excellent, with just a few reservations as listed above.

18 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from the Falesia and couldnt wait to put our review on here ,we have just had the most lovely holiday,from the moment we stepped in thr foyer all th estaff are very friendly and there is nothing they wont do for you ,the food is of the highest standard and so much choice with differnt theme evenings. Where ever you go in the hotel it is spotless,the beds are kingsize and very very comfortable. The only minor fault is the drinks they ars nearly double to bars in the village and this was the common view from all we spoke to.But we will be returning next year and will be recommending the hotel to friends

6 readers found this review helpful

Oh my word this hotel exceeded al expectations. The reps were fantasic readily available even on days off to check guests were o.k. The food was so varied we normally like to visit smal restaurants but were contnet for the first time ever to eat all our evening meals in the hotel. The wine prices are not too extravagant. All staff were fantastic - very hapy and atentive. If you can ask for a room away from the bar and on the top floor. Rooms were of a good size All in all much better than I expected for the price paid.

5 readers found this review helpful

This hotel was fabulous, lovely and clean, beautiful gardens. The staff were great what was really impressive was when we arrived and walked into the hotel our cases were taken from us and taken up to our rooms and checking in was made so easy and quick. The weather was lovely, Portugal is a great place and the old town in Albuferia is a great place to go for an evening out. The food was lovely the only thing i would comment on was that the food was not always hot even if you were there for the restaurant opening. The Thomsons reps were pleasant and always at the hotel when they should be. The entertainment was the only thing that let this hotel down, however the resident duo sophistication were very good but the entertainment team were not to the standard you would expect from a gold hotel! There was only one night that they brought an act in from the UK and compared to other gold hotels this was a big let down. It was a bit boring watching the entertainment team fool around on stage and act like children all week (this is a break where people go to get away from childish behaviour).
I would certainly go back to the Algarve again and perhaps to this hotel as the only thing that needs improved is the entertainment package with a little more variety! Also just be aware that the drinks in the hotel are quite expensive!