Our first visit to Club Med and we thought it was very good. The other reviews have it about right - the rooms are a bit tired, the decor across the hotel is lamentable - but, on the whole, this is a superb place to stay.

We came with our 15 month old daughter who we put in baby Club Med for about 6 hours a day which she quite liked. The care at Baby Club Med was very good (thank you, Helene) but clearly if your child is used to creche / nursery which ours is not, then it won't be a struggle. By the last day, however, she was doing just fine which speaks volumes for the patience of the Baby Club Med G.Os.

Rather than repeat what everyone else has said, I'll just give the following advice:

- it's very French. Which is good. The free bar is not abused as it might be by other nationalities, my own included.
- You're not going on holiday to Portugal. It's France.
- my wife speaks fluent French; my French is pretty good which must have been a help. Our tennis coach, who was very good, allegedly spoke English. I am not sure how (if?) he was tested!
- we had adjoining rooms in the Golf Hotel. Very quiet, large rooms, clean. Not sure that other parts of the hotel would be so quiet.
- we used a Club Med suggested baby-sitter (contacted via reception) who was charming and very capable (€10 / hour)
- the beach is superb and the real highlight for us. I could spend hours down there, reading and enjoying the sea
- the food is good but not brilliant. We had our expectations raised and were slightly disappointed. Also, it's important to get out from time to time. The canteen atmosphere / approach did get a bit wearing!
- That said, we went for dinner in Albufeira. The dinner was lovely; the town is not.

We will go to Club Med again, I'm sure. For families, and especially for Mums, it's a real break.

and we were not disappointed. The new Chef is v. approachable and all the GO's were friendly and helpful. I think the number of GO's is down a bit this year but on the upside, the quality of golf instruction was very much better than last year. The gym does need attention (there is no treadmill and the door does not shut, which means the aircon is useless). The food if anything seems to have improved and we thought that it seemed to be fresher and more locally sourced.
I think Club Med has to be appreciated as a concept, bearing in mind it is a french organisation. However it is still streets ahead of the british "all inclusive"

Overall a great time was had by all. Age of the family ranged between 1yr and71yrs and there was something for everyone. Food excellent, staff great (especially Anton from archery and julien from tennis). Only downsides were some of the reception staff and the rooms in the hotel golf. Rooms very dated and the corridors and one room smelt, although the rooms appeared clean. We complained 4 times about the room smelling and it wasn't really resolved. The shows in the evening were a great standard and all the sporting activities were superb.

Irish couple early 30s, 6 month old baby at time

Club med isn't cheap but it is all in. and caters for babies so there is a lot to be said for this.
Hotel was a bit dated looking and not luxurious but it was clean and had everything (apart from kettle!) which we needed (Inc bottle warmer, cot).
We got adjoining rooms for space this worked out well. Lovely views over the sea however music fairly loud until midnight so might not suit families with very young kids.

Food and restaurant very good, nice outdoor area. Kid's section with fresh vegetables, pasta, rice, yogurts, fruit.

Spa was lovely, did the job for massage and R&R.

The baby club was good, was very nervous leaving 6 month old there. Girls were confident and competent and we could check on baby whenever we wanted. We put him in an hour or two in the morning then again in afternoon. Was very clean and organises. Very safe and a very high standard of safety from locks, flooring etc. The girls were approachable and understanding (there are prob new staff at this stage).

If you don't want reps sitting beside you when you are eating try and get a small table. Was fine sometimes but others we just wanted some alone time.

Got taxi into town during the day, nice to get out, although plenty to do on sight.
Lovely beach and pool area. Tennis, archery, pitch and put.

All in all was a bit Heidi Hi but was so child friendly and that was our main concern for this holiday.
We have since gone to the club med in Dominican Republic and blew this resort out of the water, HOWEVER I would NEVER do a long haul flight to Caribbean with a baby again, not worth it. Too far away!

If you live in Europe and want a child friendly holiday this place is perfect. Great food and facilities, just might look a little dated. Would go again