More Traveller Reviews of Aquamarina Beach Club Hotel
Not 4* & Not for The English!!
from AdsBoo
As we, (Me, My Wife & our 1Yr Old Daughter), had booked to stay in the Aquamarina, we were a little bit worried when the transfer coach pulled into the Adriana. We were later told by our rep at our welcome meeting that that the Adriana had bought out the Aquamarina part of the hotel over two years ago, but had failed to integrate them, including not changing any name signs or resort layout maps. . Having said that, check-in was very quick & efficient, and the little golf buggy that took us to our room saved us a 10 minute walk through very well kept gardens. The room was adequate but by no means 4*. It was clean and fairly spacious, but Portuguese standards obviously differ to what us Brits would class as 4*. The food also was not 4*, barely 3* at certain times. The cuisine is geared up very much for our continental neighbours, and as such, there is not a lot of choice. The food tended to be the same each day, but did get slightly better towards the end of the fortnight. The smaller restaurant at the Aquamarina end of the resort seemed to us to be the 'poorer' relation. There was even less choice here and the food even colder. The waiting staff are all very nice though, and are always on hand to clear away used plates/cutlery. The two outdoor pool areas were very nice though, with plenty of loungers, although you'll have to get up VERY early to beat the Germans!! As our daughter was normally up at 7am, we were regularly going to breakfast for when the restaurant opened at 8am, and still struggled to get a sunbed. I'm sure some people were putting towels on beds on their way back from the bar at Midnight!! The indoor pool is also very nice, being slightly warmer that the outdoor pools. The only downside was the 'Jobs-worth' at the indoor pool telling you that you can't use balls when there is only you in the pool!! Try telling that to 1Yr old that wants to play all day!! The childrens' entertainment, from what we could tell as our daughter was too young to participate, was run by the Germans for the Germans. Having said that, there was evening entertainment for all kids, but this was dancing to same tape night after night. We won't be returning unless this Hotel underwent a drastic makeover. Mr & Mrs Wilson, North Yorkshire.
Not for the English!!
from lynettemaxwell
We (my fiance and my 1 year old daughter) have just returned from a 5 day trip to the Aquamarina/Adriana Beach Club Resort. On arriving at Faro Airport, there were no transfers as promised by the travel agent, thus resulting in a taxi journey which cost us 44 Euros, great start to an all inclusive holiday!!! We had paid £1049 to come to Portugal and already it seemed doomed. Once we had set down at the complex reception, it became apparent that there was no "Rep" and there was not another English couple in the place. The place was swarming with German and Portuguese holiday makers, who we soon found out, use the complex as somewhere to get away on a long weekend. We were escorted to our village style room, which, was not by any standard a 4 star room. The living quarters were cramped and we had to have a cot put in also. The beds were damp and our clothes soon took on a damp feel too! The bathroom was almost the size of the bedroom, for what reason, we will never know. it had a chipped bath tub too, surely not 4 star standards by any means. Wouldn't it make more sense to make the rooms bigger by utilising some of the unwanted space in the bathroom?!! The maids were very pleasant and our room was kept spotless. The food was ok, nothing to shout home about. However, the breakfasts were disgusting, I certainly do not like cold eggs, fried nor scrambled!! The sausages left alot to be desired. A terrible attempt at an english breakfast. I found it very hard to feed my baby girl and she actually stopped eating properly!!! The "entertainment" left alot to be desired and by day 2 we were desperate to say the least, to get the hell out of the boring complex which was, quote from taxi driver "on the end of the world" aka "the middle of nowhere". We spent a good 100 euros, taxing into Albufeira and buying supplies for eating and drinking in our bedroom!! (all inclusive????). The most positive aspects of this holiday were, spending time as a family on what was our first family holiday, the views from the cliff top on which the hotel sits (oh there is 94 steps down to the beach) and our trip to the fantastic ZooMarine, the dolphins won our hearts. If you are into a holiday where no-one speaks to you or even tries to interact with you, then this is the place for you. Butlins back home is better in my eyes. A note about the weather - Thundering & Lightening the 1st day and then it did brighten up, however, I do believe that it was better back home, but that is just sods law.
WOULD NOT RETURN
from Angie2906
My partner and I have just returned form a week holiday at the Aquamarina hotel Algarve. We booked on an “ All Inclusive” basis with Direct Holidays paying £ 980.00 in total for us both. We had fantastic weather and enjoyed the holiday but would not return to this hotel. It is suitable for couples and familes who are ooking for a quite “ away form it all” holiday Location The hotel complex is located in “The Middle of Nowhere” probably a good half hour walk along the road to the nearest shop or bar. Courtesy buses run in the town 4 times a day but at no logical time of return – 9.00 11.00 3.30 and 7.30. Only return buses were ½ hour after leaving hotel so could not spend the evening in the town. Taxis were not too expensive costing about 10 euro into Albafura. One day we walked along the beach into Villamoura. It took just over an hour but was really pleasant walk. We strolled around the marina where there are plenty of bars restaurants and shops. The return taxi was 15 euro. Hotel Layout Village style complex set in lovely grounds with 2 swimming pools as well as indoor pool. Whilst we were there was no problems with sun loungers with plenty of loungers available all day in the shade and the sun. The indoor pool area contained a Jacuzzi and sauna. Rooms Spacious and not badly decorated but not 4*. Wardrobe door missing, tiles in bathroom broken, shower head not working properly. Room was clean and had balcony overlooking garden. Food The food was OK but was the same every day. Breakfast was always cold – nothing like greasy cold fried eggs to start the day ! Evening meal was a challenge to find anything. There was no logic to the way the food was laid out. Usually about 10 choices of deserts but always the same ! One of the most annoying things about the food was we were not aloud to take even a piece of cake or a handful of crisp out of the indoor snack bar even to have with afternoon tea. The “man on the door” would chase guest around the pool to retrieve any crisps, cake etc they may have taken to eat outside. There was no outdoor or pool snackbar of any kind Entertainment Very poor. Most evenings there was a “Show” of some kind in the indoor theatre. It was quite uncomfortable and very formal to sit in. One night there was in outdoor dance show. This was much better. Show only lasted about ½ hour. There were 2 bars with piano plays in each. One was much livelier then the other. Excursions We booked 2 trips with our tour rep, Best of The West and Jeep Safari. We were sorry we booked both. The first had11 pick ups after us ( the same when we returned ) We were an hour and half driving before we left the resort. With no toilet on the bus and no time for breakfast before leaving this was not much fun ! Tours were not as described. In hindsight we wished we had hired a car as we originally intended to do
Management response from JuliaAlgarve
14 Jan 2007
This resort will shortly be completely refurbished to 5 star standard, to include a luxury spa and possibly golf. It has been temporarily closed and will be under new ownership. There will also be the possiblity to become an owner as a number of rooms will be joined to make one or two bedroom apartments. This is a spectacular location and very convenient for those who love serious golfing in Vilamoura. The intention is that this and the sister residence Adriana Clube will be open for the Masters in October, but some rooms should be available in the summer. Please contact me on julia@homealgarve.net if I can help answer any further questions. I would like to encourage anyone to try this location it has a great deal to offer.
Don't the Portuguese eat hot food???
from Alan&Margaret
Reviewers from North Wales, UK We returned yesterday from our first holiday on the Algarve, staying at the Aquamarina Beach Hotel for a week - so let's be positive....... the weather was wonderful, the beach was close to hand and beautiful. The buildings are modern and the grounds well designed, 2 good pools, decent bars and plenty of free sunloungers in the gardens and on the beach. The bar staff, who seem to be working under extreme pressure, were always cheerful and friendly. But it's very definitely downhill from now on. The 4 star rating obviously is based on facilites not customer service. If you book this hotel expecting 4 stars to show quality, you will be very disappointed. ... we were allocated a room that was small to say the least and the balcony was large enough for one table, 2 chairs but no people! Beware - if Reception attempt to put you in block AA or AB - refuse immediately. After the intervention of the our excellent holiday rep, Su Evans, we were offered and accepted an alternative room in the main complex - this was adequate but not 4 star. The Reception staff were offhand almost to the point of rudeness. The Management and catering staff have yet to master the craft of keeping cooked food hot. There was a reasonable variety of food but it was never, ever hot - or even lukewarm - cold fried eggs are not a good start to the day! The restaurant seemed overrun with small, unsupervised children and if you decided to eat after 8.30pm it very difficult to find a table. This could be an extremely good hotel in which to spend a holiday but without strong management changes it will never match up to the expections of British holidaymakers. We would not recommend this hotel to anyone.
Not 4 star
from ogoshi
Definatly not a 4 star hotel more like a 2 star, worst beds I have ever slept on felt like lying on a wooden board, pillows felt as if filling was half bricks, bathroom tiles cracked bath chipped, rooms not very clean, somedays 5 pm before room was made up, no pool towels, woke up one night found the bed crawling with ants room had to be sprayed with ant killer. No laundrette, could not find out hotel charges for washing clothes, Could be up to a 10 minute walk to the dining room and you had to go early or it could be a struggle to find a seat. A great many children running about in the dining room unsupervised, dipping spoons into trays of food tasting it then returning what was left to the tray. For over £ 2000 I spent for this holiday I could have had a good cruise in the Caribbean. John & Margaret
Gorgeous, would definitely go back
from GaynorKW
I have just returned from a week long holiday at this hotel, my first time in Portgual and my first time going all-inclusive. I loved it. The hotel is beautiful, set out like a little village with grass, bright flowers and little birds all around. Our room was situated next to the secondary pool and snack bar so it was a little quieter. My partner and I wanted a quiet, relaxing, romantic week away from anything British and the hotel was perfect for this (even with the World Cup on!). We enjoyed the local food, e.g. fresh fish, calamari and salad and the lovely desserts. The food does get a little cold / chewy the longer it sits in the buffet but generally was nice. The bar staff and waiters were lovely. The hotel is very out of the way but the beach is so close and we walked to Villamora along the beach, took about 45 minutes. We went out one day to Splash and Slide waterpark for a bit of excitement but we were more than happy to lounge on the sunbeds and read or sunbathe for the rest of the time. One word of warning about the private beach - there was a very strong current in the sea and no flags / warnings anywhere. My partner was badly injured after being knocked over by a wave (they break right on the beach so it doens't matter if you're just paddling) so I would reccommend caution when swimming!
A week not two
from A TripAdvisor Member
First the good points,Staff were excellent,friendly and spoke very good english. Grounds were well maintained as was the accomadation. Plenty of food but is geared more for the continental pallette not your pie and mash brigade. Bad points. No tea making facilities in the rooms and you can't get a cuppa until breakfast at 0800 when breakfast starts this is the same at night when the restaraunt closes (2100) Coffee is available to buy but it is supposed to be all inclusve? One type of beer (lager) very weak and the spirits are weaker! you can drink the spirits all day without fear of a hangover. Entertainment consists of a organist in the lounge area. All other entertainment takes place in a separate theatre so any seats you get in the lounge are lost if you choose the show. The show starts at 2100 and is all over by 2200 but you get a extra hour if you choose the organist! Bar shuts at 2300 but drinks available to buy untill 0030 No payphones on site and none nearby-all calls are made from your room and cost an absolute fortune, 3 calls to the u.k. cost me 35 euros. Mini-bus goes into town at 0900 1100 returning at 1600 1700 if you get bored a taxi will cost you 10 euros, more if you go to Villamora because the mini-bus don't go there. Yes i would return for a week not two! Please don't be put off the views are stunning.
Loved the resort
from A TripAdvisor Member
we recently went to aquamarina beach club for one week on a family holiday, the complex was set out very well with lovely gardens all around, it was very quiet as it was so early in the year but staff were friendly and there was indoor activities to do when the weather was not so good, the beach was a short walk and down some steps, and our faveourite part of the holiday was the 2 times we went to Vilamoura once we walked there along the cliffs and spent the afternoon there and the 2nd time was evening the marina is stunning with shops and restuarants. Overall we enjoyed the holiday we would only go back in peak season as it was a bit too quiet the only main negative was the food we found once you got to your table it wasnt very hot.
A mixed review!
from A TripAdvisor Member
Having read several reviews on various websites regarding this hotel, I would like to offer our recent experience at Aquamarina Beach Club in the Algarve. Positives: - Rooms are clean and wonderfully airconditioned and serviced. - The grounds are immaculate. - The swimming pool has endless loungers and the grassy areas are cleaned often and in great condition. - The staff, contrary to all reports we have read, are multi-lingual, friendly and helpful (as long as you are to them) - The hotel offers free buses into town through-out the day. - The hotel has its own beach, something most hotels on the Algarve can not boast. - Tour operators run excellent tours with pickup and drop-offs straight outside the hotel. - The salad and seafood served are fresh and delicious. - They offer shower rooms and food and drink all day on the day you check out (we checked out at 6pm and still had the all-inclusive part of our trip until we physically left) - The waiting staff are very efficient and always helpful. - The food IS endless and the cake/dessert selection is world-class. Negatives: - Do not stay for 14 days! Come 7 days the food was making its way back round to the start of the menu again. - The meat is cooked in bulk which lead to blandness and lack of presentation. - The hotel is isolated, so ensure that the beach, pool and bar is as far as you want to venture without booking tours. - The bar only offers one type of beer and this was weak at best. - The juice and soft-drink is sub-standard All up, this is a four-star hotel, but lets itself down a little with the en-masse cooking of main meals and poor quality soft-drinks and juice. A 7 day trip here is recommended however and if you have already booked, don't fear as we loved our 7 day relaxation holiday, spent by the pool, playing mini-golf and organised trips into town.
Not a 4 star hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
We have just returned from the Aquamarina after 14 days,this hotel may have 4 star rooms and grounds but it stops there. The entertainment is a joke and stops at 10pm its like a ghost town by 10:30 the food is on a three day rota and has never seen 4 star. Its a 40min walk to civilisation via the beach or a dusty forest we spent over £70 on taxis just to get out on a night,very quite and not worth the £4600 i would never go again and that goes for at least 20 other holidamakers i talked to I have stayed in better 3 star hotels
More hotel photos
We have just returned from a 2wk stay at the Aquamarina and overall had a very good time (2 adults & 2kids 11 + 13). Having read some previous reviews we were a little bit apprehensive with regards to the hotel staff, but all were friendly and helpful. The resort itself is... more