My husband and I stayed a week in the Solferias, third floor, sea view. I was a bit wary after reading reviews, but you get what you pay for. The lobby really smelt bad, but a few days in to the holiday I realised it's a common feature of Caiverio in general, they have had problems wit their sewers due to lack of rain, once in the room there was no smell.
We were pleasantly surprised at the spaciousness of the rooms. A large lounge with TV (only english was eurosports) sofa, dining table, comfortable enough. Kitchenette with only two electric two rings and fridge, but if you go to Portugal to waste time cooking, you're mad! Bedroom had two large double beds. Major problem here was the pillows, like sleeping on two bricks, I'd definitely advise you take your own, as there isn't anywhere to buy a couple, and well worth it if you want the luxury of a good night's sleep! Also be aware there are a lot of dogs which are kept outside all night, hence a lot of barking, one particular one living opposite the hotel kept us awake for the final three nights with constant barking. Both rooms have effective air conditioning (a bit noisy for night but cooled rooms down nicely for coming back in the evening)
Also the hill, that hill, well I actually enjoyed the trek up after a hefty meal, first half of it is very steep but then levels out nicely. It is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulty, back problems,knee problems, pushchairs (unless you're ultra fit) And I would say that the kids may well grumble about it.
Overall it was outdated but clean, room was serviced every day. Balcony views are great. Staff are friendly. I would definitely book it again, but I'd take ear plugs and my own pillow, would make all the difference. Email me at Lynnandkeith55@aol.com if you would like any advice following my experience there.

I returned from a one week holiday in Carveiro at the end of September, having travelled with my Mum and sister. I had read the mixed reviews on this site before going and so had an open mind about what to expect. On first impression as you drive up to the hotel it looks very clean and pleasant. The lobby area is quite welcoming, the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful, offering advice about where to go, providing bus timetable information; explaining how to find the bus stop etc.

We had booked two rooms, both of which were on the ground floor which was great as my mother is not so mobile and it meant that we didn't have to try to drag our luggage up any steps! Our rooms faced the front of the hotel which meant that it was quiet at night. Perfect. The rooms themselves were very spacious, with two double beds, a small kitchenette area fully equipped with pots, frying pan, cutlery, cups and sauces, plates, kettle and fridge. The flooring was tatty brown stained carpet, which looked like it had seen better days. The bathroom was clean but basic, which was fine. When we awoke the next morning we discovered two cockroaches. They were disposed of quickly and forgotten about. Yes, it would have been nice not to have seen the cockroaches but it didn't spoil our enjoyment of the place.

The pool area was very clean and there were plenty of sun-loungers available. There's also a lounge area if you want to sit and watch the football matches on the big screen. There is a TV in the bedroom which has very little english TV,but this wasn't a problem for us as we didn't go on holiday to watch TV!

The hotel states that it offers a shuttle bus service. Unfortunately the bus had broken down and so because of my mum's mobility problems we had to take taxis everywhere. This wasn't too expensive, with a taxi into town costing around 4 euros. The hotel did say that if we got taxis at the time that the shuttle bus would have operated they would pay the cost of the trip into town. Although the hotel is on top of a hill, it is not too steep and anybody in reasonable condition can easily walk the short 10 minutes up and down. All in all we had a great time and would go back to this hotel if visiting Carveiro again.

Just returned from Solferias - yes some of the decor may be dated but they are slowly doing the hotel up and some rooms on the ground floor are now whitewashed! Our apartment was very big; towels changed every day; beds changed every other day. Staff so friendly and helpful. Nice pool. Happy hour in the bar 3 times a day. Would not hesitate to go back!

Absolutely loved Praia do Carvoeiro and would definitely go back, lovely small village type place, gorgeous smallish bay / beach. Doce Mar Cafe a real find where many locals go for good cheap snacks, amazing coffee and amusement from the waiter Paolo. But... the hotel was really really poor. Why oh why does this hotel have carpets, they just looked filthy (although they were hoovered) full of stains and carpet burns! But the reception staff were so helpful with local bus information and offered to print stuff off the internet for us. If this hotel was updated in a major way it would be a pretty perfect holiday if you want to go somewhere quiet to relax and eat some nice food down in the village. Although it didn't bother us at all there is a really steep hill from the village back up to the hotel but all together it's only about a 10-15 minute walk.