Vidamar Resorts Algarve

Wine and Books is the perfect place to relax. The main pool as lots of sun loungers and many available at all times of the day. We choose to do the adult pool for a couple of days that did have an extra charge but was definitely worth it. The staff at the adult pool were really friendly and provided great customer service! We booked the bed which also came with bean bags to lounge on, there was a sun loungers option also. We dined at two restaurants during our stay, Cocos and Oriental flavours both were outstanding from the service to the food and presentation. We used Uber throughout our stay and never had to wait longer then ten minutes. The room was beautiful but would have liked a full length mirror and a kettle. We would definitely visit this hotel again and would recommend to anyone visiting the Algarve

We have just returned from a 4 night stay at Wine & Books - 31 Jul - 4 Aug. When we arrived we received a warm and friendly welcome The reception is impressive and a lovely place to sit and relax in the evenings. A couple of the evenings there was live music.

We arrived early on our day of arrival so our room wasn't ready but we were invited to use the hotel's facilities. We were given a pass and pool towel coupons. After sitting by the pool for a short period of time it wasn't long before we received a phone call to say our room was ready.

The room suited us perfectly (4th Floor facing the road). We figured that we hardly spend anytime in our room so never booked a sea view. There was plenty of room for the four of us and our luggage. The downside was that the air con wasn't quite to our liking as we prefer rooms to be much cooler. We raised this with reception and they asked the maintenance team to look at it. They did manage to adjust it but it was still on the warm side. Beds are comfortable with lots of pillows. Our children were on the sofa beds - they were happy enough.

The room was cleaned daily - fresh towels and complimentary water. The room has a coffee machine (it's not Nespresso). Bath robes and flip flops are provided.

We booked half board. The Breakfast was perfect. Lots of selection - the egg/pancake station was a hit my children - the restaurant gets busy and it has a good buzz - food & juices are constantly refreshed certainly no shortage of choice or quantity. However the dinner buffet was a bit hit and miss. There is lots of selection but not always to our taste. Sometimes food was lukewarm - I appreciate that serving a buffet is not an easy task for so many people. We preferred to sit outside as the large restaurant felt quite clinical in the evening - bright lights, not overly busy so not much atmosphere.

The staff work hard and are really friendly. Sometimes there was a bit of confusion over our drinks orders but everything was always rectified. They are quick to clear away plates.

The swimming pools are gorgeous - a bit on the cool side but so big and plenty of room for everyone. We never had a problem getting a sunbed either. In the afternoon music is played which we really enjoyed. However on are 3rd day we noticed that the water went from being blue to having a slight green/cloudy appearance - we never established the reason why. Unfortunately since returning home both my son and husband have nasty ear infections and are now on antibiotics - not sure if it related but something to bear in mind if you are prone to swimmer's ear

Overall we had a lovely time. Would we return - I'm not sure.

Prior to our holiday, I was quite apprehensive after reading the mixed reviews of this hotel on TripAdvisor. However, those concerns proved to be unfounded, and we ended up having a thoroughly enjoyable family holiday.

We had booked two rooms and, without even requesting it, one of them was upgraded so that our rooms were next to each other, which was extremely convenient. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and immaculately clean, with balconies overlooking the nearby golf course. The only minor things I felt were missing were a kettle (only a coffee pod machine was provided) and a full-length mirror.

The hotel grounds are beautifully maintained, and the large outdoor pool never felt overcrowded. There were always plenty of sun loungers available, regardless of the time of day.

Access to the beach was easy via a flat, decked walkway, and we made the most of it by watching the sunset there every evening after dinner.

We stayed on a half-board basis, and I am pleased we did. While there are restaurants nearby, most would require a taxi or Uber unless you are happy with a fairly long walk. There is, however, a convenience store around a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Breakfast offered the usual mix of cooked and continental options, with plenty of choice and regular replenishment throughout the service. There was certainly something for everyone. Dinner for half-board guests was served buffet-style, although there are several additional restaurants on site if you wish to pay separately for more variety. The buffet changed each evening and always included a salad bar and a chef-prepared speciality dish cooked to order. I enjoyed the majority of the food, although I found some dishes a little salty for my personal taste.

We used the gym daily and also took advantage of the indoor pool when we wanted a break from the sun. Both facilities were exceptionally clean, well maintained, and spacious, so they never felt crowded.

I had read some negative comments about the staff before arriving, but I honestly cannot understand those criticisms. Every member of staff we encountered was courteous, welcoming, and friendly.

Overall, I would happily recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing holiday. We had a wonderful stay and would not hesitate to return.