Hotel Balaia Mar, Albufeira

Advantages: Near all amenities. Good central Location.
Disadvantages: You cannot book the sun (pity)

...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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: theres always somthing to do- be it internet cafe, tennis, or swimming
Disadvantages: the jealousy you'll behold when you see the larger owned apartments with private pools!!

...I've visited this resort 7 times, each time staying for two weeks. I found the atmosphere friendly, the workers at reception helpful and english-speaking and there was plenty to do at the resort. There are many pools around the resort, nearby newsagents, a spa, tennnis courts(with childrens instructed lessons available) and there are plenty of parking spaces around the resort, not to mention the wonderful golf course, with golf lessons and instructors. The apartments are well equipped with decent comfortable beds, bed setees and televisions. My apartment had two bathrooms, one being ensuite, both with baths and overhead showers. There are at least 2 lovely beaches walking distance from balaia village and the resort is very near the main shopping village. Fantastic resort.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: the food, staff, the pools
Disadvantages: might be a bit too quiet for some person

...Falesia Hotel The hotel isn't actually in Albufeira but in Acoteias, which is about 15 minutes from the city of Albufeira, 20 minutes from Villamoura and 30-40 minutes from Faro Airport. We booked the holiday through Thomson. This is classed as a Thompson Gold holiday as the hotel is a 4 star. We paid £330 per person for 7 nights half board in the month of April. So was it worth it? Let's see. When we arrived at the hotel, we had to queue up for our rooms to get allocated. The people on the desk were friendly and helpful. The Room The hotels has 170 rooms. I think because I had requested a double bed, our options were limited. We were given a room on the second floor but unlike the rest of the rooms that had keycards, we given keys. Room 211A. The room was nice but seemed to be a lot smaller than the other... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful