Plaza Real Apartments

Just returned last week from Plaza Real, Praia Da Rocha, Algarve. Brilliant!!! Have already booked for same next year, even same apartment.
We had a 1 bed roomed apartment for 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 13 year olds. Our apartment overlooked the pool so we could sit on our balcony and watch the boys while they were in the pool. The apartment was large and spotlessly clean, kitchen had a full cooker, full size fridge/freezer, toaster, everything you needed if you wanted to cook. Although it is only self catering, the bar does some lovely food and if you wanted to eat in your own apartment they would put the food into foil containers for you to take away.
Couldn’t fault the accommodation or the bar or reception, the reception was open 24 hours a day for money exchange etc. The resort centre is only actually a 10 minute walk away down a dirt path, but quite a distance if you go the proper road route. Taxis are very cheap, about 3-4 euros to get you into town or even the next town of Portimao. The resorts are kept very clean and really do put us to shame.
Would recommend this resort to everyone except maybe older people as to get to the beach there are about 80 steps to negotiate, fine going down but not so clever getting back up. Brilliant holiday, lovely local people, very clean beaches. Can't wait for next year to come around so that we can go back !!!! 10 out of 10.

Convenient location about 10 min easy walk to beach. but away from main seafront area, so quieter at night.
Excellent standard of accommodation - spacious one bed roomed apartment for 2 tall adults and one tall 14 year old. High standard of cleanliness, and complex fairly new.
Pool was a bit small for our tastes - we normally like at least one big one with slides etc. but otherwise good facilities, friendly staff - and thoughtful touches like paperbacks to borrow at reception in case you run out!
A very useful info. pack from the professional Thomson rep. with important info. for self caterers - e.g. location of the nearest large supermarket (15mins easy walk) better value than the more conveniently located, but seriously overpriced mini market round the corner - where a simple baguette was 4 times the price charged in other places. Would definitely go again.

This was our second trip to these apartments. We first went as a couple in 2002 and this year returned with our 22 month old child.
On both occasions we had a fantastic holiday. The staff are helpful and friendly, the rooms immaculate and the food great. Praia da Rocha has something for everyone and Portimao is very close. Lagos is only a train ride away at the cost of 1 euro.
Altogether a great place, we hope to return very soon.