Quinta da Espada, Evora

Advantages: Cheap, central to both areas
Disadvantages: Not much hot water and no air conditioning

...The Quinta Da Bellavista apartments are situated right in the middle of Albufeira, with a good 15 minutes walk to either the old town or The Strip, which is regarded as the new town and where all the night life and action is. The reception, pool area and bar are on the opposite side of the road from the apartments. We checked in (23rd June 08) and had to give a deposit of 50 euros this was to cover any damages and would be refunded at the end of the holiday. This deposit was not mentioned in the holiday brochure so beware of this when you go. The apartment was clean and tidy, with non of the signs of squashed mosquitoes on the walls. you find a bunk bed in the hall way right opposite the toilet, i'm not sure I would have wanted to sleep there. In the toilet there is a bath, with shower, sink and foot bath. There is a mirror... Read review

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Advantages: Excellent service, nice quite location
Disadvantages: No lifts or ramp for those with walking difficulties

...~Introduction~ During our holiday to Maderia recently we stayed at a very nice little hotel called Quinta da Casa Branca. It is part of the Estalagem hotel chain and is included on a list of small luxury hotels of the world. Our travel agent Expedia had this hotel down as four stars so we were surprised when we turned up to see that the hotel had five stars on the gate. So who was right Expedia or Estalagem? ~Location~ Madeira is off the coast of West Africa, it is an steep sided granite mass sat out in the Atlantic ocean. The capital of this small island is Funchal in a bay on the southern coast. Quinta da Casa Branca (QCB) is located in the relatively quiet holiday apartment area of Casa Branca. QCB is north of the main hotels along the cliffs and west of Funchal's city centre. The hotel is on a crescent shaped parcel of land... Read review

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Advantages: History, World Heritage Site, gastronomy, authenticity
Disadvantages: Distance from main tourism spots

...The historic city of Évora is located in the south of Portugal, in the region of Alto Alentejo. Évora has its origins in the Roman times and vestiges from that period can still be seen all over this beautiful walled town. In the Middle Ages, after many conflicts between Visigoths and the Moors, the city became an important centre for learning and the arts under Avis dynasty (1385-1580). During Roman occupation Évora was called “Liberalitas Julia” and the most remarkable remaining of this era is the stunning “Temple of Diana”. In 1986, UNESCO has recognized Évora’s international heritage value by declaring it a World Heritage City. This honoured title is in itself a promise to the visitor that the historic city of Évora has a lot to offer. The region is predominantly agricultural and reminds me of Lincolnshire in the UK. Vast... Read review

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