Clube Praia da Oura, Albufeira

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money	Good
Quality of Rooms	Excellent
Standard of Service	Excellent
Quality of Facilities	Excellent

Advantages:	kids,club, bar, beach, 2 pools, jacuzzis, entertainent, shops, self catering
Disadvantages:	have to meet with CPO staff who will want to sell you timeshare

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I bought a timeshare here about 20 years ago with my husband and we have been going here on and off in that time with our growing family so we've seen some changes in that time - mostly good, I have to add.

One of the most significant changes is the addition of properties to the complex giving flexible accommodation visitors. This means that depending on your profile you will either be allocated the beach front CPO apartments (families with children), Hotel Oura Praia which is a about 10 minutes' walk from the beach (couples) and the newly aquired Hotel Oura which is just a few minutes' walk from the beach and I undersdand is aimed more the young clubbers.

There is also 'S' block which is where we own which is just a very small block just outside the main complex and directly behind the beach. It may not appeal to everyone but we like it because the proportions are much bigger than the standard. We are on the first floor so balconies are peculiary long and thing (great for hanging out the washing but not much else) Although the aprtment is officially listed as a one bedroom, we have suitcase room which is very snuggly fursnished with 2 extra beds (one bed is stored under the other). With the double sofa bed in the spacious lounge we can accommodated up to 6 people if necessary. One problem noted by occupants of the lower floor (who do have luxuriously large terraces with sun loungers) is that the trees from the neighbouring property are now so large they are blocking the sunshine!! Still the roof is furnished with sun loungers if you want somewhere very quiet as it is almost always deserted.

The main complex is considerably busier and runs a comprehensive programme for children and adults alike with a kids club and lots of entertainment, belly dancing classes, Portugues lessons etc. The grounds are impeccably maintained with lush greenery surrounding the two pools, 4 jacuzzis, giant chess, bowls green and various bar. I have had a look round the Hotel Oura Praia and I would describe it as 4 star with gym, pool, restaurant, bar, pool table. Both sites are just a few minutes' walk from the shops and loads of restaurants.

For clubby noisy footbally type pubs (can you tell its not for me!) you need to go to the Strip. There are loads of restaurants all doing 'British freindly' food for €6-7 like chicken piri piri and chips or spare ribs or grilled sardines. If you prefer something a bit quieter or grown up try the road directly in front of the Hotel Oura Praia. As well as decent sized supermarket there are restaurants also charging €6-7 for a meal which feel distinctly more authentic. Our favourite place is Bon Garfo which translates as Good Fork illustrated by a giant fork over the doorway. Its full of Portuguese (always a good sign) both on holiday and working. Most of the staff don't speak english so its also a chance to try and break away from the British steriotype and actually try and learn to speak the local language. The food is laid out buffet style so you help yourself pop your plate on the scales (yes they charge by the weight) and pay at the till before finding a seat. This year we payed €1 per 100g so while I enjoyed a variety of salads and interesting veggie things my husband and son feasted on whole sardines, salmon steaks, sausages and other meaty treats. For a family of 4 with drinks we typically ate out for less tha £20.

Would I recommed CPO. Definately. There is something for everyone, young and old both on-site and in the area. The only drawback is you will be expected to attend one of their meetings. Trust me they will hound you down until you make an apointment. Its a bit annoying when you've gone there to switch off from the daily toil to have to do this. They will dress it up as a customer service to check you are happy but they will be angling for new business in their timeshare market even if you are an owener. My strategy is to tell them we are completely satisfied and they can do nothing to improve our satsifaction. They then have nothing to sell us and we can get out. They don't go for the hard sell but if you show the slightest sign of being interested then you will get the executive tour to the best properties, free slap up meal in the restaurant while they hook you in with the benefits. the beneifits are good but if you are reading this it is probably because you've found a cheap deal on the net which may in all honesty be the best way of enjoying CPO commitment free.

If you found this helpful please nmake sure you tick the helpful box. Many thanks and I hope you enjoy your hols.