incl. Breakfast - HRS Rating: /10 - Hotel California is situated in Albufeira, centre of ... more
the Algarve, southern part of Portugal. From where everyone may travel to ancient capital of the Algarve (Silves) at just 20 km, Loule, old town, Vilamoura, Quart...
A small, friendly, family-run hotel, the 3-star California stands in a level location in ... more
the centre of Albufeira well situated in a pedestrian street, with shops, restaurants, bars and discos nearby, and the Fishermans Beach only 200 yards away. There ...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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 ...
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 ...
Advantages: Excellent Location, Clean, Good Food Disadvantages: No fridges in rooms
This is my third time staying in Albufeira (March 2007). I have previously stayed at the Paraisio and Brisa Sol which are also four star hotels next door to the Vale Gale Cerra Alagoa.
Out of all three hotels this is my first choice, followed by the paraisio.
The staff in the hotel speak good english and service was very efficient. I was also give an upgrade to my room. I was put on 2nd floor and got moved to the 3rd floor in a newer room. (the hotel are in the process of modernising all the rooms, so I would recommend you try to get one with at least the number 42 at the end i.e. 142,242,342,44)
The hotel operate on a key card system as opposed to having to carry keys around. I also lost my key card and the staff did not charge me, nor seem unduly worried.
The room itself was large with two twin beds pushed together ...
