Pestana Alvor Praia Beach and Golf Hotel

Our last visit to the Alvor Praia was June 2015 having stayed 5 previous years in a row we felt it was well over due that we return. This hotel is situated in an enviable position overlooking Praia Dos Tres Irmaos (three bothers beach) and it is definitely location location location. The hotel has 2 lifts that take you down directly to the beach from the pool area. On arrival we noticed several changes to the hotel- the large reception area has been replaced by a much smaller desk and whilst it looks modern it lacks 5 star impact. The staff however are friendly efficient and extremely helpful. We were on the early flight so our room wasn't ready (which we expected) on arrival and were offered a complimentary breakfast by reception. Very nice touch. Breakfast has a wide selection- fruit, cooked breakfast, fresh omelette section, breads & cakes. You are greeted by again friendly staff and offered a choice to sit outside or inside. The pool area - towels are provided on presentation of your pool card and can be replaced during the day - hotel need to replace the pool towels as they are getting hard from over use and they need to be bigger to fit the sunbeds. Lots of guests are bringing their own beach towels which for a 5 star hotel should not be required. The decking also needs to be repaired/replaced as its a bit uneven. Bedroom- our room was in the 2 storey block off the pool area and it was perfect. Beautiful sea view, clean, water replaced with a nice balcony. Only slight concern is the shower head is too low if you are 5'10 + you will have issues. Hotel Bar - again staff are helpful but the system of serving needs to be reviewed 1 bar person is not enough especially if they have to make cocktails. We waited 15 mins one evening to get a G+T and Vodka + coke as there were 10 orders waiting to be filled. During peak season a min of 2 bar staff is required. Overall it was good to be back in the Alvor Praia. The staff are genuinely helpful and friendly and work extremely hard. The hotel group need to add a bit more luxury to keep this perfectly situated hotel a 5 star.

Just returned from 6 days stay here: The positives: Great location for beach including a lift from the pool area; lovely pool area with beautiful view of the beach and local caves; good breakfast choices. friendly helpful staff. One of our rooms was modern and had good a/c - which is a must for me when the temperatures are high but the other room was dark, old style and the a/c didn’t work !! The negatives: I Booked a 3 bed room for 3 adults but was given a child fold out bed as a 3rd bed - which was broken ! Had to request a new bed but again it was a small fold out bed - not great for an adult - and it wasn’t specified when we made our booking. Photos showing beach area in front of the hotel gives private beach impression but this is pay for use at 18 euro per day for 2 beds and one umbrella - pricey! The pool area has a boardwalk effect but lots of the boards are loose/broken which made the area really noisy - the boards need removed or replaced as it’s not a relaxing space at all. Friends took the Steps to the beach but the gate didn’t work and needed a bit of manhandling by a passerby to get open - the gate and lock is rusted and has seen better days. Photos of the hotel show a bright reception area but we found it dark dated and uninviting - a lifeless dark reception / bar area - needs some attention. Some rooms are old and dark; AC set at 19 - which is a major issue for me and us no good when it’s 34 outside; we booked this hotel as it’s described as 5star but it’s more of an Older style hotel that has had some room upgrades - maybe 5 star in the past but definitely not now - it’s dated and needs a total refurb/investment to compete with similarly priced hotels in the area. We had an enjoyable holiday but would not rebook this hotel again. Overall - Disappointed.