Pestana Dom Joao II Hotel and Beach Resort

My wife and I spent 10 nights at the Pestana Dom Joao ll at the beginning of July '26. The review looks at various aspects in no particular order

GENERAL ATMOSPHERE The hotel felt welcoming on arrival and check-in was quick and efficient. Throughout our stay the hotel seemed quite busy but never felt overcrowded.

The hotel was quiet throughout our stay....except when the "Evening Entertainment" appeared! Words fail me...to say it was a selection of tuneless karaoke-style 'singists' would be generous. They all appeared to be under the impression that they were in 'The Albert Hall' or similar large venue rather than part of the lobby lounge in a small hotel. Far far too loud to the point where people struggled to speak to the person next to them! I can only commend the acts for battling on regardless against the wave of apathy flowing from the audience, most of whom were intent on watching the Football World Cup!

COMMON AREAS The hotel was built in the early '70 and its layout and design reflects this. The cleaning/housekeeping staff do an excellent job in keeping it looking clean and tidy but it is in desperate need of a top to toe refurbishment. We understand that some work is planned for autumn this year and it is hoped that the underlying smell of drains in some areas will be addressed as part of this.

AIR CONDITIONING The heat-wave which has affected Europe this year did not encourage many to venture far from the hotel and the pool. Unfortunately, the hotel does not have working air conditioning in common areas so this made it quite unpleasant at times.

The bedroom was fitted with a new A/C control pad but the A/C itself was fixed to go no lower than 19c which was far from satisfactory. The only way to help cool the room was to close the curtain thereby keeping the sun/heat out. This action obviously destroys the pleasure of a sea facing room which had been booked AT EXTRA COST!

ROOM The bedroom itself was typical 70's hotel layout but felt smaller than many of that era. The room would certainly benefit from better/more lighting and brighter colours being incorporated into the decor.

The room had two beds pushed together rather than the double requested but at least it was comfortable.

It had a small fridge and a safe but it would have been nice to have had a coffee/tea making machine.

FOOD AND OUTLETS We stayed on half-board basis. The breakfast buffet was excellent and offered a wide variety to suit all tastes. The evening buffet was also acceptable despite the limited options. There was heavy reliance on salad items, pasta variants and a variety sweets.

One small tip: if you drink water with your meal then you have a choice. You can have an unsealed, recycled/refilled bottle brought to you costing EUR 3.50 or you can request a jug of iced cold tap water for EUR NIL.

There is one bar in the hotel and its staff did their best to serve customers quickly. This is not easy when a variety of cocktails are ordered and some of the bar staff have no clue how to make them! There is clearly a need for some intense training of new recruits in this area. It would also be nice if white wine (and some other drinks could be served chilled!

POOLSIDE A single rectangular salt water outdoor pool was adequate for the number of guests at the hotel. Again, given the occupancy level during our stay (much busier in second half) there were enough sun beds around or near the pool.

There is a pleasant pool bar serving drinks and snacks at lunch time which can get very busy.

GENERAL COMMENT Despite all of the above, we left the hotel at the end of the holiday feeling relaxed. This may not have been the case had it not been for some of the hard working staff who were friendly and helpful.

However small instances left a bad impression, one of which was the reception staff very reluctantly agreeing to post a few of post cards for us. None have yet arrived.

We got the distinct feeling that the hotel management were intent on wringing the last EURO out of guests one way or the other e.g.: automatic 10% tip on every bill; the practice of charging for water provided in recycled bottles...

Just a suggestion but perhaps the management could look to cancel the " Evening Entertainment" and with the money saved they could adjust the A/C downwards in the hotel?

Fourth time staying in oestana dom jao and will never stay again!!! Booked a deluxe sea view room having stayed before in a side sea view. Nothing deluxe about it, clearly states frontal sea view when booking however upon arrival you are given side sea view on a higher floor. False advertising!!! I used to love this hotel but after my five days is over I will not stay again. You can see below on the official pestana site under the room i booked that it states frontal sea view that cost me £1530 euro for five days. Currently sitting on the balcony at 5:30 pm in the shade after paying that amount of money for frontal sea view.