Garbe Hotel, Armacao De Pera, Portugal
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £91
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Hotel Garbe enjoys a prime position in the resort. Built on a cliff top the hotel has superb views of the sea and surrounding areas and has direct access to the beach. There are a total of 184 guest rooms all of which are fully equipped with modern facilities and amenities. loading...
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Garbe Hotel Reviews
" A lovely hotel, clean, bright and... "
Submitted By: Mrs S M Roberts
A lovely hotel, clean, bright and welcoming. Staff couldn't do enough for you. People on reception were extremely friendly and helpful and the dining room staff were the nicest we have ever known.
Meals were an absolute pleasure, unrushed and there was plenty of space between the tables. We were glad we opted for half board basis. Food was hot, with a good choice, well presented and the dining room was spotless.
We weren't keen on Armacao itself. It's described as a pretty little fishing village but it's scruffy, run down, covered in graffiti, has lots of dog dirt on the pavements and it could do with a good hose down and brush-up.
Also then planning people need to look at their policies. Lovely old buildings are dwarfed by some unfinished and ugly high rise flats and the whole character has been lost.
In the old town there are lots of cafes (I wouldn't call them restaurants) and we were very glad we didn't have to eat in them. from the state of the outsides I dread to think what the kitchens were like.
Meals were an absolute pleasure, unrushed and there was plenty of space between the tables. We were glad we opted for half board basis. Food was hot, with a good choice, well presented and the dining room was spotless.
We weren't keen on Armacao itself. It's described as a pretty little fishing village but it's scruffy, run down, covered in graffiti, has lots of dog dirt on the pavements and it could do with a good hose down and brush-up.
Also then planning people need to look at their policies. Lovely old buildings are dwarfed by some unfinished and ugly high rise flats and the whole character has been lost.
In the old town there are lots of cafes (I wouldn't call them restaurants) and we were very glad we didn't have to eat in them. from the state of the outsides I dread to think what the kitchens were like.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Travel Club
" Hello - the family went as a group,... "
Submitted By: Ms N E Cottee
Hello - the family went as a group, Grandparents, me, and two children aged 11 and 13, it was a great holiday for all ages. The Hotel deserves its 4 stars, the rooms were pristine clean, fully carpeted and very spacious, the staff were professional and couldn't do more to help.
The swimming pool is smallish and deep with showers and bar to hand with plenty of sun loungers. Good amount of privacy offered around the swimming pool as the sun catchments areas are terraced, so you don't feel overlooked, some of us gals went topless! The Hotel is right on top of the fine sandy beach and crystal clear waters make for excellent swimming or hiring all sorts of water sports equipment. Totally relaxing, and unspoiled. The food at the Garbe caters of most tastes, French, German or English it also has a specialty Indian Restaurant. The Hotel's barbeques are a must which includes all manner of fish, meats and vegetables/ salads.
The main bar is elegant and relaxing and during each evening hosts entertainment of different kinds. The Hotel is putting together a games room- great for the children and the Hairdressing Salon is a must. Loads of places to visit, if you have children, Zoo marine, thrills and spills and of course animals reptiles and an underwater sea park including sharks, turtles, rays (touch and feel) swim with the Dolphins for £80, etc, etc, Aqualand - go on, its a water spectacular, Granddad did it!
This is our regular holiday venue, your children won't be disappointed. They are also safe, it is a largish hotel but exceedingly quite, you don't notice other children, and children of above age are perfectly safe alone in the hotel to do as they wish so they have a bit of well earned independence. All unescorted/escorted children appeared well mannered and well behaved, that was nice to see. It was also nice not to overdress for once.
The swimming pool is smallish and deep with showers and bar to hand with plenty of sun loungers. Good amount of privacy offered around the swimming pool as the sun catchments areas are terraced, so you don't feel overlooked, some of us gals went topless! The Hotel is right on top of the fine sandy beach and crystal clear waters make for excellent swimming or hiring all sorts of water sports equipment. Totally relaxing, and unspoiled. The food at the Garbe caters of most tastes, French, German or English it also has a specialty Indian Restaurant. The Hotel's barbeques are a must which includes all manner of fish, meats and vegetables/ salads.
The main bar is elegant and relaxing and during each evening hosts entertainment of different kinds. The Hotel is putting together a games room- great for the children and the Hairdressing Salon is a must. Loads of places to visit, if you have children, Zoo marine, thrills and spills and of course animals reptiles and an underwater sea park including sharks, turtles, rays (touch and feel) swim with the Dolphins for £80, etc, etc, Aqualand - go on, its a water spectacular, Granddad did it!
This is our regular holiday venue, your children won't be disappointed. They are also safe, it is a largish hotel but exceedingly quite, you don't notice other children, and children of above age are perfectly safe alone in the hotel to do as they wish so they have a bit of well earned independence. All unescorted/escorted children appeared well mannered and well behaved, that was nice to see. It was also nice not to overdress for once.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Hadn't booked here, we were moved... "
Submitted By: Mr G Wright
Hadn't booked here, we were moved from the nearby Gale Nautico when it turned out to be full. This was a blessing in disguise as the Garbe seemed like the best hotel in the village, and the oldest.
Built in the 60's, it seems to have been recently refurbished as the rooms were very modern and clean inside. Worth paying extra for a sea view, as these rooms were among the original part of the hotel and so generally much bigger than the more recent additions on the land side.
The village was lovely, very popular with the locals, plenty of good places to eat so we didn't eat in the hotel apart from breakfast, which was fine. Pick up a 'Free map' (tall and thin, printed in red and black) from outside some of the restaurants, this recommends some of the best places to eat.
The pool is small and deep, and right on the beachfront, the beach is lovely, with clear seas and no sign of any biting or stinging creatures! We didn't end up going anywhere, just stayed on the beach and went out in the old part of the village in the evening, but if you wanted to explore the bus stop is right outside, or it might be worth hiring a car.
We did take a trip on a fishing boat to see the local caves, cost 30 euros for 2 and we had the boat to ourselves, lasted about 1 1/2 hours, a bit long but great value for money. If you like caves, or boats, then this is worth a go. The fishermen wait just off shore for customers. There were other activities on the beach too, hiring large pedalos with slides on seemed to be popular.
A great and not too expensive place to go, a good relaxing holiday.
Built in the 60's, it seems to have been recently refurbished as the rooms were very modern and clean inside. Worth paying extra for a sea view, as these rooms were among the original part of the hotel and so generally much bigger than the more recent additions on the land side.
The village was lovely, very popular with the locals, plenty of good places to eat so we didn't eat in the hotel apart from breakfast, which was fine. Pick up a 'Free map' (tall and thin, printed in red and black) from outside some of the restaurants, this recommends some of the best places to eat.
The pool is small and deep, and right on the beachfront, the beach is lovely, with clear seas and no sign of any biting or stinging creatures! We didn't end up going anywhere, just stayed on the beach and went out in the old part of the village in the evening, but if you wanted to explore the bus stop is right outside, or it might be worth hiring a car.
We did take a trip on a fishing boat to see the local caves, cost 30 euros for 2 and we had the boat to ourselves, lasted about 1 1/2 hours, a bit long but great value for money. If you like caves, or boats, then this is worth a go. The fishermen wait just off shore for customers. There were other activities on the beach too, hiring large pedalos with slides on seemed to be popular.
A great and not too expensive place to go, a good relaxing holiday.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Expedia
" Proved perfect for our requirements a... "
Submitted By: hellofrompeter
Proved perfect for our requirements a short break over Christmas (seven nights). This was a return visit for the adults but this time we also took the two children.
The Garbe is quiet and peaceful atmosphere! The beach area is picturesque, but in the background the town is not very picturesque with its towering skyline; (Armacao de Pera is the Portuguese's holiday location. Having said that, you will find a few local areas that are very attractive and you can shop in the real local shops, which is great fun.
There are plenty of walks along the beach and you can catch a bus to go further.
The Garbe is a great place to stay for relaxation. The choice at breakfast is good, hot or cold there is something for everyone.
The staff are fantastic and can't do enough to help.
The Hotel is on the beach and it was worth paying extra for a sea view!
As we were taking the family we found that it was best to book with the hotel direct, as the local travel company/airline wanted to put us in two rooms, however the Garbe does have rooms for the family. The children slept on camp beds which was not a problem. The hotel arranged some entertainment, which included swimming in the sea on Christmas Day.
We are hoping to return again in 2006.
The Garbe is quiet and peaceful atmosphere! The beach area is picturesque, but in the background the town is not very picturesque with its towering skyline; (Armacao de Pera is the Portuguese's holiday location. Having said that, you will find a few local areas that are very attractive and you can shop in the real local shops, which is great fun.
There are plenty of walks along the beach and you can catch a bus to go further.
The Garbe is a great place to stay for relaxation. The choice at breakfast is good, hot or cold there is something for everyone.
The staff are fantastic and can't do enough to help.
The Hotel is on the beach and it was worth paying extra for a sea view!
As we were taking the family we found that it was best to book with the hotel direct, as the local travel company/airline wanted to put us in two rooms, however the Garbe does have rooms for the family. The children slept on camp beds which was not a problem. The hotel arranged some entertainment, which included swimming in the sea on Christmas Day.
We are hoping to return again in 2006.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Wonderful relaxing holiday. A week... "
Submitted By: Ms L Hayward
Wonderful relaxing holiday. A week was not enough. The hotel was clean and staff very helpful, the breakfast was very filling with plenty to choose from. Location couldn’t have been any better, directly on the beach, and a pool that over looks the sea.
Two recommendations: if you drive, hire a car, so that you can see more because Hotel Garbe is quite “old skool” still...hardly and tourists and lot of locals, which was refreshing. Secondly, take a cardy/jumper or something for the evening, even though the weather hits 35 during the day, at night the temperature drops, and being directly on the Atlantic Ocean, there is quite a sea breeze.
Definitely going back next year!
Two recommendations: if you drive, hire a car, so that you can see more because Hotel Garbe is quite “old skool” still...hardly and tourists and lot of locals, which was refreshing. Secondly, take a cardy/jumper or something for the evening, even though the weather hits 35 during the day, at night the temperature drops, and being directly on the Atlantic Ocean, there is quite a sea breeze.
Definitely going back next year!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Expedia
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Myself and my sister recently visited The Garbe and were both very impressed with the cleanliness of our room, the linen was changed each day as were our towels. We paid the extra for a balcony and bath which although I had second thoughts about, I would certainly recommend – the balcony is more than big enough to seat two people comfortably with a small table – we sat out on ours every lunch time – there were walls either side which also provided us with shade during the hottest times of the day – something much appreciated when you go in August! Swimming Pool is 1/3 of the size it needs to be for a hotel of this size – especially when kids are flinging themselves in from all angles it doesn’t make for the most relaxing place to take a dip.
Our only complaint about the hotel was the breakfast which was included in our deal – we weren’t impressed with it at all – although there was a large range of food I found the cooked food to be inedible, the mushrooms seemed to be boiled in disinfectant and the sausages dripped with fat. There was only a couple of items of fruit on offer, pineapple and melon in a large bowl. If you are happy to eat bread and cheese then you won’t find it a problem. We ended up skipping breakfast most mornings anyway and having an earlier lunch. The hotel bar (right by the poole) was quite expensive but nice if you wanted a cold beer etc, we went to the little shop near Clipper (a lovely restaurant) and bought water, bread, olives etc for our room – made our holiday very cheap.
Also make sure you get up at a decent time and bag your sunbed! People get up early and place their towels on as many as possible so to avoid disappointment I suggest you do the same.
The steps going down to the beach weren’t obvious to us immediately, they are positioned just to the left of the hotel – brilliant being able to walk straight down on to the beach, which I must say is beautiful – we paid the 14 euros on the last day for the sunbeds and used them for about ten hours so well worth the money.
We went to some lovely restaurants – the Chinese ( go right coming out of the hotel – the restaurants get better the further away you walk) was extremely good value and a hit with the locals. I recommend Clipper for their fantastic Sardines, Porter was good but make sure you book or get their earlier as they tend to rush your order towards the end of the evening. If you can be bothered and are looking for somewhere really special to eat, go right outside the hotel and then continue along as far as you possibly can.. you come to a small pontoon area with the most stunning restaurant and best food you can find! Although a touch more expensive it’s worth every penny – beautiful views and seats on the beach for drinks in the evening.
There are also some lovely beach bars with bean bags etc we were shown these by some local Portuguese guys we met out there – absolutely amazing, stunning views early evening and the staff were so friendly.
I’d also recommend the fishing trip – 30 euros for 1.5 hours – worth every penny – the beaches you see are stunning and they actually take you inside the caves so make sure you have a camera at the ready.
Also went on the rubber-ring ride – interesting – most horrific thing I’ve ever done in my life…not recommended unless you enjoy feeling like you've torn every ligament in your body for 3 days afterwards
Overall – fantastic place – average hotel but perfect position – the Algarve is stunning, desperate to go back again!!
Advice: Stunning - the people are all delightful and happy to help, beautiful beaches
Activities: Clipper, fishing trip, beaches
Good for: Beach