Hotel Cidade de Olhao

We’ve been coming back to this wonderful hotel year after year, and every time we arrive in Olhao it genuinely feels like coming home. What makes this place so special isn’t just the spotlessly clean rooms & comfy beds — it’s the truly wonderful team. From the moment we arrive, we are greeted with such warmth and genuine kindness. The reception team in particular always remember us, welcome us back with the biggest smiles and somehow make every visit feel personal and special. Every member of the team, from reception and housekeeping to everyone behind the scenes, worked so hard to make our stay enjoyable. Nothing ever feels too much trouble, and it’s that warmth and care that keeps bringing us back. After all these years, the team have become such a special part of our holidays. We honestly wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else. See you next year ❤️

We stayed here for 10 days recently and found the hotel very welcoming with friendly, helpful staff. Our room faced in to the courtyard and pool and was very peaceful at night. We loved the pool and it was never too busy to get a lounger. The whole atmosphere felt comfortable and peaceful. The hotel is very near the train and bus stations and a short walk to the harbour and a good selection of restaurants. It was our first visit to Olhao and we loved it and the hotel room was comfortable and clean. We felt that the staff helped with all our queries and were so friendly. We will definitely be back to Olhao and the Hotel Cidade de Olhao.

We booked two rooms. Both excellent, except for the tired grout in the shower cubicle, so not much to moan about, lol. Do have breakfast. So reasonably priced and nice to go down to some scrambled eggs, croissants, Portuguese custard tarts (pastéis de nata) or just some fresh fruit. Lots to choose from, although repeated every morning. Still, worth it for just a couple of coffees. The staff were lovely and helpful. Drinks were very reasonably priced. The swimming pool was gorgeous. There's a nice seating area above it too. It wasn't at all noisy, although we were on the third and highest floor, which is probably the quietest place to be. There's a lift too. The hotel is not in a picturesque area, but so much of the town has dilapidated buildings next door to modern ones, so you just have to accept that. There's a good supermarket nearby. 5 mins walk. Opens at 8am. As there's a fridge in the room - remember to check the temperature when you first walk in - so good to stock up with your own choice of things. The bedlinen was gorgeous. The beds were comfortable. Always check for yourself bus, train and ferry timetables. The hotel gave me outdated ferry ones, but luckily I did double check that on the internet. I wouldn't go back there again as you really only need a few days there and trips to Faro, the islands and nearby towns. Don't bother with the train. It was stiflingly hot with no air conditioning. Just take an Uber. They are so cheap, also when you arrive/depart at Faro airport. 28-30 degrees in the middle of September. No need for a jacket or cardigan.