Pestana Blue Alvor Beach Hotel

Excellent stay! Very friendly staff

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel obligated to share my experience so others know what to expect.

This resort advertises itself as a four- or five-star, all-inclusive property, but in my opinion, it falls far short of that standard. I would rate it a 2 out of 5 stars, and the only reason it receives two stars is because the staff was genuinely friendly, courteous, and did their best to accommodate guests.

The biggest disappointment was the food. The selection was extremely limited, and the quality was poor. If you don't eat beef or pork, your options are even more limited. Most meals seemed to revolve around bread, bread, and more bread. The fruit was fresh, and when chicken was available, it was fairly tasty. The breads and wines were actually very good, and the salad bar was decent, but those were the highlights of an otherwise disappointing dining experience.

The snack options were equally disappointing. There was a small food truck serving low-quality hamburgers and hot dogs, and the snack bar was poorly maintained. Sandwich meats often had flies around them, which was very unappetizing. When we arrived late in the evening, there was no food available at all, forcing us to order Uber Eats. Every all-inclusive resort I've visited before has offered late-night snacks or some type of food service for guests arriving after dinner hours.

The drinks were another letdown. Most cocktails tasted watered down and lacked quality.

Although the resort promotes itself as a waterfront property, it is not actually located on the beach. You can see the water from the hotel, but the beach is a 2 block walk away rather than being directly accessible from the property. If you're expecting a true beachfront resort, this is not it.

The pool was attractive but extremely cold, making it uncomfortable to enjoy for long periods.

The accommodations also left much to be desired. Our room had stains on the seating near the bed, which made it feel unclean. The bathroom was exceptionally small, making it difficult for even one person to move around comfortably.

Even the dining room was uncomfortable. The chairs were hard, with almost no cushioning, making it unpleasant to sit and enjoy a meal.

Overall, this resort felt inexpensive in nearly every aspect—from the food and beverages to the accommodations and amenities. If you're simply looking for a budget place to stay and don't have high expectations, it may meet your needs. However, if you're looking for a true all-inclusive resort with quality food, comfortable accommodations, and a more luxurious experience, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Again, the staff deserves recognition for their kindness and professionalism. They were the best part of our stay. Unfortunately, excellent customer service alone could not overcome the many shortcomings of the property. I would not return.