Cerro Malpique Apartments, Albufeira, Portugal

Hotel Information

Recent Price: £68
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User Rating:
7 / 10
(19 User Reviews)
Hotel Class: Cerro Malpique Apartments Studios ReviewsCerro Malpique Apartments Studios ReviewsCerro Malpique Apartments Studios ReviewsCerro Malpique Apartments Studios Reviews

Hotel Description:

Modern and stylish, the Cerro Malpique is perfect for couples in search of daytime relaxation with resort attractions at hand. Overlooking the Old Town of Albufeira, this complex boasts a great setting with scenic views, but may be unsuitable for customers with walking difficulties. 800 metres from the beach, 600 metres from the resort centre of Albufeira and 100 metres from the nearest mini market.
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Cerro Malpique Apartments Reviews

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" Cerro Malpique 1 "

We booked this holiday last minute and the reviews for this apartment were very good, however there are two different buildings, Cerro Malpique II and Cerro Malpique I, but both are listed as one review. When we arrived we were allocated Cerro Malpique I, dont be fooled by the joint reviews as Cerro Malpique II has been newly renovated. The location of the building is fantastic and we were not put off by the famous steps down to the old town but I couldnt imagine my parents enjoying these steps as we are in our thirties. The staff are lovely especially the young lady who works on reception. I was very disapointed by are apartment it had obviously not been cleaned there were remains of crips on the floor from the previous people. The kitchen floor was filthy and I had to clean the rusty fridge. The beds were literally floor level and there was dust on all the lamps and bedside cabinets. The lounge carpet was stained beyond belief and was covered in huge rips and holes and the sofas were covered in grains of sand. The bathroom was clean but I was nearly sick when I saw the state of the toilet brush. the balcony had a lovely view over looking the pool and sea but was full of cobwebs and a stained table. The pool area was lovely and there are plenty of sun lounges and a good atmosphere. Albufiera is beautful and its just a shame we were in Cerro Malpique I.

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  • User Rating:
    5 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" We loved these apartments. Our room... "

We loved these apartments. Our room was very nice, overlooked the pool. The pool is small, but was adequate for the amount of sunbeds there was. And there is toilets under the pool area, which were handy for our last day!

Lidl is only approx 8 mins walk away, and the bridge that you had to walk to, to get picked up for trips was only 10 mins walk, just up from Lidl. To get to the old town took you 5 mins walk. Would recommend Dom Jardin in the old town, nice sea bass and steak. Castel do bispo near the Marina is good for food and also you get a good view of the Marina.

Albuferia has quite a few hills so probably not recommend for those with mobility difficulties. We certainly came back a bit fitter than when we went!!

It's approximately 20 mins walk to the "Modelo" supermarket next to the Brisa Sol. It's very cheap, and you can cash travellers chqs. Although you can also do this at reception. It's 30 mins walk to the Strip. We ate out a few times at the Strip, we loved the Portfino Restuarant. Pork porteguese style very tasty. My hubby had the Monkfish rice with Clams,Prawns and Mussels which he really enjoyed. Nice pleasant staff too.

Would recommend Slide and Splash, we ended up going twice because we ended up enjoying it so much.

All in all, these apartments were in a good position, it's nearer the Old Town but there is plenty of restuarants, bars and shops to keep everyone entertained. Also the beautiful beach is beside the Old Town so probably only ten mins away. There was no entertainment at the apartments and no bar, but wasn't a problem for us as we would just pop to the apartment for refreshments. And we were out most evenings.

I would certainly recommend these apartments to anyone.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:MyTravel

" I stayed at Cerro Malpique 11 mid... "

I stayed at Cerro Malpique 11 mid October 2007 with my parents and aunt. Just wanted to say that the apartments were excellent - probably the biggest and most modern that we had visited in some time, and we generally go on 2/3 holidays a year.

It was great to have a toaster and microwave in the apartments - which is not always the case. It was lovely and quiet when we were there - no trouble with sleeping at night due to noisy neighbours! The balcony was a good size and got the sun nearly all day which would be a bonus if you did not want to travel too far.

My parents are in the 65 - 70 age group and had very little trouble with the steps down to the Old Town - its definitely not a big problem. Also this apartment is one of the nearest to the lovely new bus station - roughly a 20 min walk - this gives you some independence to explore further afield (such as Faro, Lagos etc) without hiring a car or being restricted to tours.

The only downside for tours is that if you book one the operators pick you up at the bridge on the main road (a five min walk away) and do not come right to the apartments - so we did feel rather discriminated against, in that respect! All in all, an excellent holiday and would have no qualms about returning.

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:MyTravel

" We stayed at the Cerro Malpique... "

We stayed at the Cerro Malpique during the 1st week of September, apartment was lovely, really clean and spacious. The guys at reception were great really impressed at how down to earth they were. Only facility is the pool, no night time entertainment there, but all that was catered for in the old town just a few mins down the steps (not the best apt to stay at if don't like steps). I wasn't mad about the steep steps but they're not that bad!

The old town is lovely, although I think the area was winding down from the summer which wasn't great for myself (age 21) or my boyfriend (age 24) who would have liked a livelier atmosphere, but the new town is really buzzing if that's what your into.

A great holiday all round, the area was just a bit boring, it may have had a lot to do with the time of year. I would greatly recommend the slide and splash park for a day out!

For any Irish tourists looking for any Irish bar you'll be disappointed with the selection.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Direct Holidays

" Quiet area away from the busy town.... "

Quiet area away from the busy town. The town was a 10 minute walk away down some steps.
The apartments were clean and had everything you needed. Plenty of free sun beds, no need to get up early to put your towels out (this may be different in high season) and there was even a sauna.

There was a little shop 5minutes walk away and sold most things, for a bigger shop there was a supermarket 10 minutes away. 24 hour Reception, staff very friendly and helpful. There also was internet access in reception.

Downside
The rooms weren't air conditioned so had to keep the balcony door open on a night. The pool wasn't in the best of condition, there was quite a few tiles missing from the bottom.

You had to vacate your room at 10am, no courtesy room was offered. There were poolside toilets but no luggage room or changing rooms. Luggage was left in reception. There were showers near the sauna in a closed area but they were cold.

I wouldn't recommend this place to people with young families as there wasn't much to do and it was quite a hilly. More ideal for couples who want a quiet relaxing holiday.

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  • User Rating:
    7 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:MyTravel

" We have just returned from the... "

We have just returned from the Algarve, staying at the Cerro Malpique 1 apartments.

I was very well pleased with the accommodation. Very well equipped with everything one needs even a dishwasher although I do not know how to use one.

The only drawback was the steep steps down to the square (5mins) walk. Night life great there also the new Marina. Quite a walk but very pleasant.

Buses frequent to all parts of Albufeira old and new town. If you are looking for something to do at apartments, sorry to disappoint only the swimming pool.

Little supermarkets everywhere around. Modelo Lidles etc.

A very good holiday and will be going back in Dec for Xmas and New Year.

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  • User Rating:
    3 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Direct Holidays

" We stayed here a few years back on a... "

We stayed here a few years back on a family holiday this included a 14 year old.

I have to say that although the accommodation was basic the standard of hygiene, and service we received was fantastic.

We were made aware of the hill that it was on hence the name of the apartment, and also it was listed in the brochure, we didn't have a problem with this.

We were welcomed and enjoyed every minute of our stay; we still talk about that holiday to this day and are planning our next year’s holiday to the hotel.

I would recommend this hotel to anyone without walking difficulties. This hotel is not on top of the hustle and bustle of Portugal but is in easy reach of it, if that’s what you fancy.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:MyTravel

" I also have stayed at the Cerro... "

I also have stayed at the Cerro Malpique I and have to say that it was possibly the nicest holiday I've had, and I have been on many holidays to many countries.

Yes, the apartments are based on top of a steep climb - I do believe this is explained in the brochure. We prepared ourselves for an enormous climb but upon actually walking up and down the hill it was actually quite a pleasant walk, certainly gave you some exercise for the day but not quite a 'hiking holiday' as previously described.

It’s simple really; if you do not want to have a steep climb to get to the town then don't book a hotel/apartment that is situated on top of a hill and states in the brochure there is a steep climb.

The apartments were clean, well maintained and staff were friendly and helpful. We didn’t see much of the rep but that didn't bother us as they only want to sell you things anyway, we did however go on the jeep safari day which was fantastic - highly recommended!

Lidl (the nearest supermarket) is quite a walk away, about 20 mins in the opposite direction of the town. I wouldn’t recommend it in the blazing heat so try and go first thing in the morning, we always left about 8.30 in the morning and were back relaxing by 10.

You can always use a taxi if you would rather and if you have young children with you I wouldn’t suggest you trying to get them to walk it. We just did a weekly shop same as we do at home and so only had to go twice as there are plenty of local shops around in the town anyway!

I would highly recommend Cerro Malpique to any couples and families - probably more suited to older children and not so much toddlers as yes, there is only a pool and so more difficult for little ones to stay entertained, but that’s what day trips are for!

We are now in the process of planning our 2008 holiday and we have Cerro Malpique as one of our choices. I would not hesitate in returning despite that our daughter will only be 3.

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Airtours

" I am back from Cerro Malpique 1 a few... "

I am back from Cerro Malpique 1 a few weeks now but just had to say that our apartments were basic but all you do is sleep and shower there as you are out all day. I agreed with the last comment about the cleaners being noisy but I didn’t complain as they were very polite and always spoke to us.

I felt the receptionists were a little off hand and didn’t want to be hassled. The hill coming out of the apartments was a nightmare it’s a wonder we didn’t break our necks as I slipped more than once they really should do something about this! I found the "bar", a joke in the description in the brochure the description was the bar for Cero Malpique 1 and 2's is in Cero Malpique 1..what bar?! It was a row of shelves behind reception with a few bottles on it!

The pool was miniscule so we went to our friends pool every day. On the upside Cerro Malpique 2 was beautiful, we had our family stay there and they were most impressed, it was modern, stylish and bright with a good size balcony which you could sunbath or just sit out on. The pool was also a good size. On the whole I would go back but not to 1. The steps to the old town were a challenge in its self but we took it in our stride as being all part of the experience!

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  • User Rating:
    7 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:MyTravel

" We have just returned from a week in... "

We have just returned from a week in Cerro Malpique apartments and I can honestly say this was the worst accommodation I have ever stayed in.

The basic problem was continual noise from the second we arrived until we left. We arrived at around 23.00 looking forward to a relaxing holiday and within an hour had to complain to reception about noise from other residents. Hoping that we would feel better in the morning we had a sleepless night and then eventually fell asleep just as the sun was coming up BUT then the cleaning staff started and we were again woken up with continual banging of doors scraping of chairs on tile floors and loud talking etc (Cleaning staff noise continued all week)

I complained to the rep but was brushed off with the advice that we were just tired as had only arrived. The following week was just a sleepless nightmare. The basic problem with Cerro Malpique is it has appalling design flaws and the slightest noise echos throughout the entire building.

The facilities for kids are non existent so what happens is that they start kicking footballs around and playing in the only small flat area which happens to be just outside the resident’s balcony area. This area is between Cerro Malpique 1 and 2 so the noise is incredible due to it echoing between the apartments. The tiny pool area is also just outside the balcony area so we were unable to use the balcony as there was continual noise all day and night.

To compound matters there is some building work literally next door and what appears to be a new hotel is being built with the usual cranes/workman/noise during the day etc!! Other couples I spoke to had exactly the same complaints so I not being over sensitive. The staff are OK but not interested in talking to noisy residents although the hill issue was not a problem (See previous reviews).

The day we checked out we heard that one apartment had been broken in to!!
We were bitterly disappointed with Cerro Malpique and and as a result did not enjoy Portugal and will not be returning. AVOID AT ALL COSTS



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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Airtours

" I have just returned from Cerro... "

I have just returned from Cerro Malpique from a lovely weeks holiday with my boyfriend. It was our first time together to The Algarve so didn’t know where was best to pick for a hotel. The hotel being on a hill didn’t really bother us, as we only made one trip a day to old town which was night time for food and drinks. Everyone was friendly. I do agree about the short notice about the road works. But this did not effect us very much, yes old town was full of road works, but you just walk around it.

I must admit the walk to Lidl was a bit tiring with bottles of water up the hill. But there is a mini market around the corner.

The hotel room was decent enough, apart from the bathroom door didn’t shut, and I was told I could use the hotel phone for my phone card several times, and it never worked. And for a young couple who are away from family for first time, we weren’t happy. Not many public phones, we found one in the old town.

The rep didn’t give a lot of help, she gave us a free map of Vilamoura, and said she could give us ones for the area we were in, yet when we walked into the Geordie Viking there were free maps there!

All shop and bar staff in the Algarve are really friendly, and I can’t wait to go back again!

The only one thing that was a downer on our holiday was my boyfriend being hit on the arm by a car driving far to fast towards out hotel, where there were road works, we had no where to walk apart from the road, luckily his watch was hit and snapped and not his arm! With not speaking Portuguese we just walked away from the guy who did it. As you don’t know what they are saying or what they could do next.

I would recommend this hotel, and this place. It was a great holiday for my first holiday without my parents. I will go back again in a few years.

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:MyTravel

" Apartments were not the problem.... "

Apartments were not the problem. Lack of information from tour operator was. Flight times changed (3 hours early) without any information passed onto us.

Letter from tour operator regarding minor road works in the old town arrived 2 days before departure. OK not a problem within Cerro Malpique but who goes on holiday to stay by the pool all day long?

Been to Albufeira before and it was lovely, atmosphere brilliant. This year it was heartbreaking. The whole town looked like a bomb had been dropped. Every single square inch of road or pavement had been dug up.

Very difficult to walk about, no atmosphere at all just dust and noise, went with Albufeira virgins who will not return, ever.

Also beware, holiday rep charged €9 each to pre book seats on the flight home, did not happen!

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  • User Rating:
    5 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Airtours

" Yes it is on a hill, so you get... "

Yes it is on a hill, so you get fantastic views, I am 52 and not the fittest in the world and had no problems walking back up the steps to the hotel.

The apartments were very spacious well equipped clean and comfortable. They were cleaned six days out of the seven we were there, I have no hesitation in recommending them.

The square in the old town was being dug up to put in new water pipes and was inconvenient having to pick your way around the rubble but this is temporary and should not put anyone off Albufeira.

Because of the work being carried out a lot of bars and restaurants around the square were closed so I found the choice of food limited, especially if you are not a lover of fish.

However if you move away from the square there was plenty of restaurants, If you like Chinese I would recommend 'Tim Tim' above McDonalds as good as I've had and the staff were friendly and great fun.

If you're in the old town and want a relaxing drink in good company try the Geordie Viking Hosts Tony & Linda are so friendly you are made to feel welcome as soon as you go in, we spent a lot of time there and enjoyed every moment.

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Airtours

" Wonderful place to spend winter... "

Wonderful place to spend winter months nice warm sunshine during day.
Quite cold of an evening.

Spent our days walking the beautiful beaches and having lunch alfresco.
Food in restaurants very good and the Local Red wine was excellent.
The apartments Cerro Malpique were very spacious and well equipped for self catering holiday.

Very clean and fresh towels supplied three times in a week.
The hotel staff were not over friendly but were very helpful if you required it.
I thought this was an ideal place for a nice quite get away break for the winter.
However looking a that size of the town and the amount of accommodation that is available I should imagine that it is very different in the summer months.

I for one will be looking and a long winter break there again next January.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Airtours

" I have just returned from a very... "

I have just returned from a very enjoyable 2 week stay at Cerro Malpique 1. B4 i left I was a bit concerned in view of the mixed reviews.

However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The accommodation was lovely, it even had a dishwasher. The pool did appear to be a bit small initially, but as this is not a large establishment it was more than adequate and never became overcrowded.

I could understand why the elderly or infirm would be concerned about the climb, (up), the steps from the Square where most of the nightlife was situated, but I really didn’t find them an issue.
I would certainly return again.

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Direct Holidays
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