Jardim do Vau

Overall it was ok, the room was big and spacious, but the rooms are old and we had a room on the ground floor with no view, nevertheless, many other rooms were available. The sauna in the spa wasn't working (even after 3 hours of being switched on), but the pool and jacuzzi were ok. Breakfast was ok, but with very poor choices.

Stayed in room 107A a 1BR ground level facing pool and beach for 4 weeks. Highly recommend! The room was situated in the ideal location. Steps from outside pool, beach and boardwalk via patio door. From front door steps away from inside pool (must wear hair cap), whirlpool, steam room, sauna, library, grocery store, restaurant, gym, hair salon and massage parlour. The bedroom was a little small, but had a large wardrobe and makeup area and mirror. The kitchen was sufficient. Only downside was the one bedroom does not come with washer (on-site cost 10 euros) and only a bar fridge. 2BR has larger fridge and washer and dryer. Loved the extended ground level patio with 3 lounge chairs, patio set and umbrella. The area gets quite hot as it has wind barriers. The staff and maid service were great. No issues. Everyone spoke English and were extremely friendly. The grounds and room were extremely clean. Absolutely loved the area. During low tide you can walk the beach 50 mins one way to the marina. Lots (some of which aren’t open during winter months) of restaurants, bars, grocery stores and liquor stores within walking distance. Moonlight bar (about 25 mins) is a MUST! Bartender Hugo is the absolute best. Things to note, if you are coming during hotter times of the year, this room does not have AC only fans. The poor bar is closed during winter months. On-site restaurant, bar and grocery store have limited hours. On Sundays, the indoor pool is closed and there is no maid service. Towels are changed everyday and beds every 4 days. We met a lot of great people and found there were a lot of repeaters that come back to this hotel each year. We would have no hesitation to do so as well. Can’t wait to come back again and stay for 3 months next time!

The whole hotel was very clean and the housekeeping staff did a wonderful job servicing our apartments each day. The bed and bedding were all great quality and we slept well. The shower tray in the main bathroom did not drain well at all and would often fill up so it was a race to see if I could finish my shower before it overflowed the balcony is spacious with a table and chairs, plus sun loungers. Our main problem was the lack of entertainment, there isn't much to do locally. We asked staff if there was anything near by and we were just told 'the beach' they failed to mention the little row of restaurants and bars at the back of the hotel just outside the gate near to the pool. The restaurant and bar on site was incredibly quiet but it was end of season. None of the games facilities for the kids worked and neither did the vending machine. Pedro and Sasha were our servers and were very attentive and friendly. A lot of the staff around the resort didn't even acknowledge us which I found very strange. The lady on reception was very well informed whenever I asked questions on the best way to get anywhere. We visited Alvore which is a lovely little place with a marina and some fresh fish restaurants and also we visited Zoomarine which my kids loved, definitely worth a visit. They operate a shuttle bus which I believe you can book through the app. We chose to go via uber and it was around €25-28 each way. You can take snacks and your own drinks however there's lot of places to purchase when inside. There was one night when it sounded like people were in the pool until after 1am. The sound echoes and despite being in an apartment at the front, I could hear it clearly in my bedroom at the back. It didn't bother me too much but it was quite loud and I didn't hear anyone intervene. The main pool is very deep, even at its shallowest it is 1.45m...at its deepest it is 2.5. As a non swimmer I chose not to go in as I'm only conformable when I can stand up. My kids loved it, although there is no life guard on site, my kids are confident swimmers. The beaches and cliffs are stunning. The sound of the waves crashing each night is so peaceful to fall to sleep to and whilst our apartment was a land view apartment, our bedroom doors looked out over the ocean. The pool bar is advertised as being open until October 31st but was not open at all during our stay and no explanation as to why. The mini market I found some things quite pricey and not much choice, we used uber Eats often. The shop closes between 1-3 and then at 8pm. On Sundays it closes at 6pm. I feel that this hotel could be much more than it is, with some entertainment and a little more attention paid to the customer experience it could be exceptional. Having said that, we had a pleasant, restful stay in a beautiful country and we're fortunate to have great weather.