Varandas de Albufeira

Unfortunately, we didn't read the reviews before we booked. Live and learn. Having read about the smell of drains from the bathroom, we were a little concerned. Oh my...the smell was horrendous. Getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and that smell, it wakes you up and makes you feel nauseous. We bought bleach and a neutralizing air spray from the very convenient shopping centre across the road (a plus) but didnt really touch it. The room itself was lovely, a premium room with double balcony overlooking the pool. Fridge and small freezer, toaster and microwave. I was pleased there was a toaster as the breakfast was mediocre. The once hot food was under lamps but not being kept warm and they should have had a muslin over the bread instead of flies... The staff were lovely, the room clean and comfortable, but that smell...a deal breaker. Definitely a 3 star not 4. We didn't want to move rooms and risk losing our good one with a lovely view, because I believe it is a problem with the building and not individual rooms. There were people in reception asking to change rooms because of it. The sunbeds are really quite uncomfortable and the pool has patches where floor tiles need replacing. The hotel is aware of the drainage problem, and has been for a while looking at the reviews, but clearly hasn't remedied it. The bar closes at 7.30pm and there is no evening entertainment - but there are enough bars and restaurants to go out to nearby. The coach also doesn't drop you outside the hotel, but up the road, same for pick up. A good location for shops and restaurants, but definitely won't be back.

After reading the reviews we weren’t expecting much but this hotel massively exceeded our expectations. We had a pool view room which was huge, very modern and clean. The cleaner came every single day and even knocked to ask if they could clean if we weren’t out. We didn’t eat breakfast here as we were self catering but we had the toastie and drinks from the bar which were perfect and cheap. All the staff were friendly. When the room next to us were very loud arguing we called reception and they sorted it straight away. I would say the rooms aren’t very well sound proofed though so bring ear plugs. Location was perfect. 15 minute walk either way to Newtown and old town or an Uber for €3-4. For the price, this is a very good hotel. Very much a boutique style hotel so don’t expect it to be lively with loads going on but to chill and sleep it’s perfect.

Just home from a week in emeralds hotel, the reception staff did what was needed, quick check in and ordered taxis when we needed them, the smell is real and quite strong when the room was shut up, didn't need my hairdryer the one provided was great , breakfast was plenty and friendly staff

Fantastic value for money. Very clean large rooms with comfortable beds and a lovely powerful shower. Small kitchenette had microwave, kettle, fridge, coffee machine, cutlery and crockery. You do need to do your own washing up but we didn't mind. The air conditioning was quiet and worked really well. We were rooms 314 & 315. Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was very good, microwave available if you prefer your food hotter. Plenty of sunbeds around the pool, no ****** putting towels on them at 6am. Location great. Head to the main road , turn left, A nice 15 minutes walk to Old Town and another 10 minutes on to harbour area. Or head to main road, turn right, past the big worms on roundabout, its only a 10 minutes walk to new town & the lively nightlife strip. For the Main long beach head towards old town. Smaller cove beaches head to the new town area. Supermarket ( inside shopping center)is a 2 minute walk. If you head toward the new town on the main road, after worm roundabout you will pass a small restaurant called something like Castello. They offer a 3 course tourist menu for 14 euros. Best food we had. Also lovely food places by the harbour, better quality, variety and price compared to the new town area. Happy Holidays.

Easy to get parked outside, we drove over from Spain and split our stay in different hotels in different areas. Definitely a 3 star not 4. Rooms are modern, had a recent renovation however walls are already looking grubby. Rest of the hotel dated, lifts from the 80s. Small reception area with no atmosphere. Was greeted with a vile smell when we entered the room, could taste it! Reception apologised and the manager told me there’s no rooms available to change but they could sort it if I went back at 9am the next day. Which I did, the lady told me there’s a room but it needs cleaning, come back in an hour. Went out of breakfast and came back, still not ready, told another hour, went back again to be told they haven’t checked out yet, and check out is 12! So I asked why they told me 10am, and they said they didn’t and made out I was lying. Why would I need to that. Very strange behaviour from the staff. Anyway we got a new room on the top floor around 2pm, still a slight smell but manageable . They clearly know they have a problem with the drains in the bathroom it’s been mentioned several times on here. So went to the pool, which is in need to new sunbeds. Pool seemed clean. Just didn’t have a nice feel to it. Wouldn’t stay again, but I like the area, made a note of the other hotels close by for our next visit.

Beautiful hotel! I'm currently here in room 312. I read the poor reviews.. please ignore them. The lady in reception with curls checked us in and was very welcoming - she even helped me with luggage as hubby in wheelchair and she knew I was overwhelmed. Cleaning ladies excellent. Great location. AMAZING air-conditioning. I will be back ASAP.