I see many people DONT bother to rate back (naughty really: happy to take but not give). I will only...
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Member since:07.09.2002
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Flights: The nearest airport is Faro in Portugal. BA flies there as do the main cheapos. Ryan Air flies from Stanstead whilst Easy Jet flies from Gatwick, Luton and Stanstead. The earlier the flight is booked the cheaper the cost.
Faro Airport: A smallish airport. Quite quick once landed but not too funny when flying back, as once you're through security, the shops and eating area is quite small. Expect long and slow queues when trying to eat or drink.
Taxi's: Are available from the airport but I dont know their cost. If you're with a tour operator they will usually supply transport. If you've booked with the hotel direct, they can arrange an air-conditioned taxi for a fee of about 30 Euro's. Travelling time to Albufeira is about 40 mins.
Albufeira:
Imagine a road about 1 mile long, with a few roundabouts dotted along it. On the north side are a few shops, houses and buildings. On the south (beach) side are many of the hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Brisa Sol Hotel: This is a 4 star self catering Hotel. There are about 6 levels with rooms on most levels and 2 medium sized lifts. The hotel is within a 15 min walk to either the old town or the new town. The rough cost in the medium season will be about £400 for 7 days and you could experience the following:-
Reception: This is open 24 hours a day with English speaking staff. A bowl of nice boiled sweets is always on top! They sell tickets to hotel functions, act as a bureau de change and also sell tickets to assorted trips. Check their prices to the tour operators, as the hotel is usually cheaper.
Rooms: All rooms are on-suite with a toilet and bath/shower. All have settee's and a TV. The self catering unit consists of a kitchen area containing an oven, plates, cutlery, fridge, cupboards, kettle, etc. All you need to cook and prepare food. NO food is supplied though so you will need to visit the nearby hypermarket. Rooms all have a safe in them but the workings need to be hired from the reception at a small extra charge. Rooms all have a balcony with a table and chairs, just right for that evening relaxing drink after a hard days sunbathing. About 12 rooms are on the ground floor where their balconys open out onto the pool area. These can be very useful (see below under 'other useful bits').
Pool area: There is one main pool, rectangular in shape. One end is suitable for diving whilst the other is great for paddleing and swimming. A small childrens pool is right by the shallow end.
A second pool is close by in part of the building. This is kept heated and ideal for 'larger' children. Just dont go in this then jump in the outdoor pool, otherwise it'll be an aaaarrragggghhhh job.
The main pool area is surrounded by lush grass. Plastic lounger chairs are available, for FREE, though you have to collect the soft matresses daily from the pile.
Snacks: Right by the pool is a snack bar, with the usual sort of burger, hotdogs and fries on the menu. A bar is close by to sell soft drinks and alcohol. Naturally the freezer is close by with appropriate ices to cool you (try a lemon cornetto: Just GREAT).
Breakfast and Main Meals: Breakfast, buffet style, can be bought as an extra. This is served in the main restaurant. Lunch and dinner can also be purchased from the Al la carte menu. Prices of the dishes vary but expect it to be about 15 Euro's for just a main course. No need to book usually as they tend to be quite quiet.
Entertainment: Most nights have music and dancing in the 1st floor bar. Should your room be below or above this, dont expect much peace and quiet before 1am! The hotel also has a weekly event by the pool, such as a bar-b-que. The prices are reasonable per ticket and you get unlimited food and drink. The floor show tends to be costume dancing and dragging guests out to look stupid....... or should that be join in the fun!!
Other useful Bits: Access to the pool area is ONLY available from 9am so you dont have to get up at 6am to 'reserve' a lounger. It does get quite busy just after though. If you have one of the ground floor rooms, that lead straight out into the pool area, then you'll be able to get first pickings of where you want to bathe. If you have children, these rooms are IDEAL! A gym is available just collect the key card from the reception. A spa/jacuzzi is available inside, for a fee of 3 Euro's per person. Just go on your own to the reception and pay for one key card, to save money. You let yourself into the locked spa area. Be AWARE: If anyone else also books a keycard to the spa they can enter at any time so be cautious if you happen to be getting amorous.....
Shops: There is a large Hypermarket 5 mins away so its easy to buy your goods to stock up in the room. Prices are quite good. Over the road is a KFC, a Chinese and a Burger King. Both the 'old town' and the 'new town' are about a 15 min walk away. Multiple restaurants, bars and gift shops are available.
Beach: This is about a 20 min walk at a steady pace. Its sandy and there are many parasols available for hire. Cost is about 10 Euro for the day. Toilets are also available for free. There are a few restaurants and snack places on the beach but the prices are not overally cheap. Consider taking your own food and just buying cold drinks and ice-creams. The sea is stoney but bareable to walk in. A few rocks & small cliffs are close-by. Perfect for the children to explore, look in the rock pools and try to catch a crab.
Going Home: The hotel has a free courtsey room available if you have a late flight to enable a fullish last day. If you've travelled without a tour operator, remember to book your taxi a few days before departure. It'll be the usual 30 Euro fee.
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