Reviews of Vilanova Villas & Apartments, Sao Joao, Portugal

I went away to this hotel with 2...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

XL, Then Easy Jet because of the collapse of XL

Submitted By:

Miss L Davis

Comments:

I went away to this hotel with 2 of my friends for a week away in September. We were impressed with the location of the hotel as we are 21 and enjoy nightlife. This hotel is right on the strip in new town. To be honest we didn't pay a huge amount for the hotel (around £250 each for a week) When we arrived the reception staff were very rude. This was throughout our stay too. When we arrived to our room we had 2 matresses on the floor that were sofas. We had to make these into beds ourselves and honestly should only sleep 2. We spoke to reception about this and they assured us they slept 3!



The sheets were not changed atall during the whole stay. Towels were changed ones. The floor was filthy and when the maids "made" our beds daily they literally threw the sheets over all of our belongings!!!!



The air con didn't work and reception didn't care that it was faulty. The walk to the room was in the dark because the lights didn't work! The shower leaked and once again they didn't care, and also the sink blocked.The only good thing was the TV had english channels.



48 hours before we had to call for a taxi via the receptionist. When we arrived and asked her to do this she was very rude and said she wouldn't do it until the evening before our pickup and muttered something in spanish and laughed as we walked off. When we left we had to hand over the keys etc they didn't even acknowledge us! No goodbye or anything!



The one good thing as I've said is the location (if you like loud music until all hours) and the pool was lovely, although the pool area wasn't cleaned daily as there was a mouldy slice of orange stuck to the floor for 2 days!!



Albuferia itself is a lovely place to visit but DONOT stay at VilaNova!!!



After the collapse of XL we had to fly with easy jet who are equally as rubbish. They didn't stock up on sandwiches or any hot food, a few cosmetic items wern't available. Also the toilets were horrible and the staff were not very good atall. Basically don't fly easy jet either!!

WE WENT IN JUNE O6 AND 07....AND...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss L NOBLETT

Comments:

WE WENT IN JUNE O6 AND 07....AND IT IS THE BEST HLIDAY EVA, THE KIDS ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT THERE....WE FOUND THE STAFF POLITE AND HELPFULL.....THE STRIP WITH RESTAURANT AND BARS IS RIGHT ON THE DOORSTEP AND THE BEACH ISNT FAR AND GIVES U A GOOD WORKOUT LOL.....ENTERTAINMENT IS GOOD AND WE WILL BE GOING AGAIN MOST DEFINATELY.....WE STAYED IN THE VILLAS AND THEY R VERY CLEAN AND TIDY ALL IN ALL IT GREAT......ALSO A GREAT PLACE TO EAT THAT IS GOOD FOOD AND CHEAP IS TOM AND JERRYS THE KIDS ADORE IT.......THUMBS UP 2 VILLANOVA!!!

After reading some of the...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss J Weston

Comments:

After reading some of the comments about the Villanova, I can see how easily someone could be turned off of this place. In all honesty, i think a 6 to 7 out of 10 rating is fair.

When we arrived the thomson rep literally just put us all out of the coach with no direction as to where we should go, but we found it in the end. That wasn't the last time we were lost. the next adventure was finding the villa. it is not clearly signposted and in the blazing heat, the last thing you want to do is to walk back and forth with a heavy suitcase (which we did. haha).



Also, we were not aware that we were on 'the strip' until we got there. It didn't casue too much of a problem because our villa faced away from it, but there was still a bit of noise coming from that direction also, but nothing to keep you up at night or anything.

The location was good. whatever you wanted to do was right on your door-step. there was a supermarket onsite and a few take-aways close by, which were a great help!! (if a little expensive)

The Villa was clean (no roaches as mentioned in another review). The only thing that slightly bothered me was the musty smell, where the villa had not been aired like all Winter. This was easily fixed with some air freshener.



The pool was another story. we didnt venture in because it was primarily occupied by the seagulls. lol. Our neighbour counted 20 of them one day.



The reception staff were very friendly to my Partner and I, which is more than I can say for the thomson rep. very slack and not very attentive.



Very "English" orientated place. We met NO portugese people apart from the workers at the hotel.

If you feel more comfortable being in a place that feels like England with heat (with comforts like BBC 1 & 2 and ITV), then this is the place for you. If you fancy something a bit more authentic, then you need to go elsewhere!!

we have been going to portugal...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr C Martin

Comments:

we have been going to portugal for about 7 years 2 or 3 timesa year now and i have been to alot ov the hotels on the strip but the villa nova was the best the room was clean there was things for the kids quises for the adults



i would and have recomended the vila nova the only problem there is alot ov coman over there and time shares and it gets frustrating after a bit and i have been on to thomson website this year and the villa nova has been taken off and dont no what is happening and is a another tour opperater????????????????/

We went there in 2006 with with...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss A Begum

Comments:

We went there in 2006 with with my 10 year old daughter and her friend, my 2 year old son and my partner. Had a fantastic time. Thomson the dog was out more times then i can remember - my son loved it. We went back again June 07, what a disappointment. Thomson the dog was hardly out, on our last night, i was told that Thomson would be about throughout the day and he wasn't, then at the Casablanca bar, we got there at 8pm, we had the best seats in the house, after asking about Thomson about 6 times, Thomson finally came out at 10:45pm and only stayed out for 15 minutes. My son was very disappointed and i as far from happy to see my son so dissapointed and very tired by that stage. On the flight back, i filled in the questionnaire and i stated how disappointed i was, suprise suprise i heard nothing back. I also went into the Thomson branch and complained, all i got was an apology.

Because my son loves Thomson the dog, i am planning another trip with Thomson Superfamily, as Mrs K Wright stated on page 1, i dont think they are taking anyone but Portugese people as i have tried to book Vilanova but cannot find it!!

Just got back from Vilinova...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr S Ardley

Comments:

Just got back from Vilinova apartments for 7days in Portugal, what a shock me and my partner got to the apartments about 2pm and it was a lovely day and we chucked our stuf down and decided to go get some water etc, within 2miniuits walking down the strip i was approched by gispys trying to sell me cocaine, weed you name it, and they were not quiet about it they just hang around and wait for you to come out your hotel, by the end of the hoilday i had masterd the time pattens they work on but i shouldnt have to, they think all young people just want drugs and that put a downer on the hoilday as i was always looking round to see if someone was follwing me, also the timeshare people * well there called MEMBER GETTERS now * they dont do timeshares they get you to become a member of a timeshare (samething) a load of rubbish, and there is loads and loads of them BEWARE, just remember you get nothing for nothing, apart from that the hotel was ok it was just the location, i would go back there but not to the Strip i would stay in the old town (albufaira) that was great all closed in lots of shops etc, we just choose the wrong place to stay.,



S

Brilliant holiday! There was me,...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs A McMaster

Comments:

Brilliant holiday! There was me, my hubby and daughter age 9. We stayed at the Vilanova in Albufeira, a Thomson Super Family Complex.



I was worried before we went because of some of the reviews but we had a super time. First about the Vilanova.



We stayed in a studio with the mattresses on the concrete bases, argh I hear you cry, not the case at all! Very comfortable. The camp bed my daughter slept on was as big as mine and my husband’s bed. I can imagine these studios get very warm in the summer even with the fan we hired. You do have to pay a deposit for the room and TV remote but we just used the money in the duty free at the airport, it was about 50e all together.



Great pool, my daughter loved it, very big with diving boards. Yes there were a couple of people with ear infections but I think this was more to do with the kids spending 5-6 hours a day in the pool!



The entertainment was superb. All the reps gave 100% all the time, and it was the end of the season. We didn’t take part but loved watching. Sometimes the music at the pool was a bit loud but they turned it down a little when I asked. Kids clubs were cool (so my daughter said). They did loads of activities every day accept one.



Now about 'The Strip'! All this is a road lined with pubs, restaurants, and shops. It wasn't what I expected, quite quiet, but we did go in October! Good restaurants, Paradise Bar, Tom & Jerries, Senior Frogs, Freddie’s, try any though they all charge about the same.



We had wall to wall sunshine for 2 weeks except one morning and would love to go back, although we did hear that Thomson were not going back next year!! Boo Hoo!

The Villanova Apartments were...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss L Prentice

Comments:

The Villanova Apartments were more than I was expecting. On arrival we were welcomed by the reps, who shown us to reception.



We were meant to have 2 apartments but instead was given a villa. We went to are villa which was very nice looking from the outside an even better on the inn. There was two bedrooms, and sitting room which turned into a bedroom at night, a little kitchen area with all you would need and the bathroom.



All were very spacious; bedrooms had lots of storage space. We had a lovely garden area to sit in with table and chairs which looked out on to the pool area.



In an around the pool was keep clean an tidy, there was a poolside snack bar which was nice for a snack.



The hotel had lots of entertainment; you had lots of kids club, entertainment around the pool in the day time then entertainment at night time. All of the reps were great, they did their best to make everybody happy and make a holiday what you would want it to be.



The hotel was in a great location, everything was in walking distance; there was a train that took you into the old town run from morning till early hours of next morning. The beach was bout 15mins walk but a nice walk and was lovely when you got down there.



Thomson also did a lot of day trips, they all looked very well and not a bad price. We went to zoo marine, it was a great day out, lots to see an do, is well worth going to. We also went to the water park a lot of fun, just remember the sun cream.



If you ever think of going to Algarve I would say go to Albufeira an stay at Villanova apartments, it’s a place that will suit all ages. We all had lots of fun.

Just returned from 7 days...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Mr D L PORTEOUS

Comments:

Just returned from 7 days holiday at the Vilanova. The whole family went, this included my wife, 2 sons, daughter in law and 2 grandchildren. About the accommodation, the apartments were not too bad though we found the cleaners were lazy and would skip apartments if they thought they could get away with it. On the positive side the Casablanca bar staff were very professional and friendly. The Thomson kidzone reps were very good and kept the children occupied. They worked very hard.



On our second night there both my sons were attacked from behind on the "strip". They were rushed to hospital by ambulance. My eldest son, (30) had his face and head stamped on and suffered severe concussion which he is only now recovering. My youngest son (26) needed 6 stitches to his head he was also kicked and stamped on. The next day we spoke to a female Thomson rep. She said that she had heard about the incident but it could have happened anywhere, she acted like she didn't care. I have to say at this point this is our third visit to the Vilanova and nothing like this happened before. Also we were approached by drug dealers and prostitutes.

We booked VilaNova knowing that...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr W Reilly

Comments:

We booked VilaNova knowing that it was a child friendly place and we are a middle aged couple. All the write-ups were good. However, don't go there if you are a couple looking for a bit of peace and quiet to sleep, especially at 5am in the morning.



The place, as we found out when we got there is called the Blackpool of Portugal. It is full of drunken Brits belting out Karaoke and showing themselves and the British people up with their behaviour. I felt ashamed to be British. The Strip, as its known down the middle of Albufeira is just a road full of restaurants and bars that don't close till 4am. There are loads of street sellers trying to sell you anything from watches to drugs. We had some nice meals there but not off the tourists menus. Tourist food is all chicken and chips. Try El Rancho for the steaks and chicken you cook yourself on a hot plate or the Chinese next door. Also Johnny Hoopers is good fun but the roast dinner is not that big, you need a dessert or cheese plate to finish off.

Another thing we found is that the Ex-pats party quite hard and we found ourselves on the end of their topless drunken behaviour a number of times. Don't get me wrong, we love a party and a good time but we do have limits.



Now, the VilaNova: if you are going there and are given one of the Studios don't go!! Don't take it because by the time you get there and have tasted the Studio life the Reps will say they can't find anywhere else for you to move into in Portugal. We complained twice and got no response. After 5 days we found ourselves going out and getting drunk to help us get some sleep for 2 or 3 hours.



The clubs and pubs stop Karaoke at 4am then you have the Brits shouting and arguing, singing etc till 5am. Some of the language quite bad so the kids in the VilaNova must have heard it all. Then between 5am and 6am the street cleaners start, they have the industrial blowers followed by the road sweeper which can take up to 45 minutes to complete the area. After that at about 6 or 7, (we were comatose at this time) the block cleaners come round shouting and using loud walkie talkies. We used earplugs of cotton wool and all we got were sore ears!!! Then of course, the children in the block are getting up shouting and banging doors. No one in VilaNova knows how to close a door quietly!! Old Albufeira seemed a little more calmer.



When you get to VilaNova you have to pay a deposit, ours was only 35euros but its money out of your holiday. The whole VilaNova concept is great for families but the Studio apartments are just too noisy. The Reps can also be a bit aloof, mostly the female ones.



No, we wouldn't go back and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Portugal is lovely and the day trip to Seville was ok, don't do the Thomsons trips they are overpriced, go to the Ticket Shop under the VilaNova by the supermarket and book there, cheaper and better service.



We will not go back even at a greatly reduced rate. I'm sure its fine for families, though NOT in the Studios!!!

Me, my mum and step dad had a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss Vj Brownhill

Comments:

Me, my mum and step dad had a wicked time in the Vilanova, I'm 17 and having the clubs and bars right outside is perfect! I am coming back for my 18th hopefully next May! If I can find it on the Thomson website! I cant wait I had such a good time, the staff were brilliant the pool was wicked just a little cold:) cant wait to come back!

We went to the Villanova in July...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs S Denner

Comments:

We went to the Villanova in July this year and we had a fantastic time, we were very pleased with the location right on the strip just great. The rooms were basic but well kept I didn't find any faults, the pool was great when we were there and the bar snacks were fine.



the main reason why our holiday here was so fab was because of the entertainment team who made a fantastic effort all day and night especially Dan the man who was brilliant and knew all my childrens names by the end of our weeks stay, it is one of the reasons why we will be returning next year and taking the rest of our family with us.

We have just returned from the...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr P D Shaw

Comments:

We have just returned from the Vilanova after spending 14 days there. We had a brilliant time with lots of things to do, if you want to or you could just chill out next to the pool.



The entertainers work tirelessly hard all day to make it such a good holiday especially Dan the man and Hyper Hannah, nothing is to much trouble for them. We would definitely go there again.



There are loads of restaurants and bars, you are spoilt for choice and there is not much noise to keep you up at night. The location of the accommodation is great just at the back of the strip. We stayed in the apartments 1 bedroom, where it slept quite comfortably 3 adults and a 14 year old.



The pool is really big with 3 diving boards on it which is great fun for all the kids but just beware the deep end is 11 feet deep. I would recommend you go to the Indian restaurant at the top of the strip just opposite the marachino supermarket, the food there is brilliant and also the La Bamba restaurant just down the strip the food here is excellent too. We would definitely recommend the Vilanova, a great time had by all.

Villanova apartments are very...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs L Dunkley

Comments:

Villanova apartments are very dated and old.



The surroundings are very unsafe there were 2 breaks ins when we were there just above us. There’s really no security on a night or lights.



The pool was nice and big but the tiles were very dangerous for kids as they were slipping.



The pool bar was very expensive and the food was rubbish.



It was supposed to be Thomson super families but it wasn’t I was very disappointed.

Me and my Husband decided to go...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mooha

Comments:

Me and my Husband decided to go to Portugal this year for our holiday, we were offered a one bedroom apartment for the price of a studio at the Villanova. Little did we know what was coming. First of all we had an eleven hour delay on the flight going out, which took the time that we arrived at the Villanova to 12 o'clock midnight instead of getting there at 11:10am that morning.



On top of that we were on block 5, room 5106 right opposite the Ancora pub/restaurant/disco bar. Don't get me wrong we like music but not that loud. It was going till 4/5 o'clock in the morning.

Wouldn't go to that apartment again. What do we think of the holiday? Very Tiring.