Lovely clean hotel, large rooms, and comfy beds. The hotel staff are friendly and efficient; all in all the whole operation is extremely well run. The hotels shuttle bus runs return trips to Vilamoura and Albufeira which are good value and well worth the visit. don't be fooled however by the shuttle to the beach as you are dropped off at the top of a long narrow sloping road, the you have to go down a lot of steps to access the beach, OK on the way but a challenging walk back to the pick up point. The road is commonly referred to as "heart attack hill"!
Food is well presented and features a lot of fish and seafood which is not too our liking but we still managed to find something to eat.
Having been to several GOLD hotels before, this is the first one that has charged us to rent a fridge!!! there was also no tea/coffee making facilities in the room.
The beach really is beautiful but there isn't anything else. If you want a quiet holiday then this will certainly deliver. Would we return? Probably not!!

If all you want is an average room, good food and a pool to relax by for the whole holiday, then this is the place for you. If you want anything more then look elsewhere as you will be disappointed. In my eyes this hotel is never a 4 star, more a 3 star if it's lucky.

Staff were fine, although it seemed like it was a skeleton staff, so don't expect quick service. Food I thought was very good, although finding a sharp piece of plastic in one of the desserts was a little worrying. The rooms were very disappointing and in need of upgrading. We had a junior suite and I can't think of anything positive to say about it.

As for Thompson, this was my first and last time with them. The reps were a total waste of space and the after service only slightly better. The hassle we had trying to use a voucher when booking the holiday was a disgrace, only to be offered another one as a gesture of good will, sort of rubbed salt in the wounds. They simply want the money and are not bothered about anything you experienced, and trust me there were many complaints to be made. The only good part about Thompsons was the entertainment, in particular Jo Slow. If she leaves then I would avoid this hotel totally.

Just back after spending one week at this resort 29/9/11 - 6/10/11. We went with Thomson Gold and were not disappointed at all. Clean room with a good view. Food excellent a good choice as well as glutten free menu for those with dietary needs. Entertainment...FABULOUS! You couldn't get better on the West End. A big thank you to the team. We now have about 4 Thomson bags (should last us a life time :-) ) my husband was winner of them all! I got nothing! Didn't win at anything but thoroughly enjoyed myself. If you have a husband that cannot sit down for long then Thomson Gold is the way to go. The beach was a good walk away or they provided a curtesy bus once you got there it was so worthwhile beatiful cliff top views and lovely beach. Yes I would recommend this Hotel to anyone (except if you have a family no kids under 16yrs). Oh such comfy beds zzzzzzzzzz

We have had a weeks holiday in this hotel and knowing how fabulous it was would have stayed longer. Although a week eating the glorious food would have put even more weight on, the food was exceptional, the chef Angelo created different courses every night and the choice was endless, if you wanted sea food then there was ample, and always cooked meats to choose from with all the trimmings. The beach was a short walk through the Sheraton hotel next door and worth the walk when you reached the beach cafe (more a resturaunt) with a delightful menu available all day. The beach was endless a short walk to the west took you to Alos d'aghua and to the east Villamoura if you felt like a good walk. The hotel staff made and succeeded in creating a warm and friendly atmosphere and the entertainment staff worked their socks off to give the guests a great evening, with the two Jo's being well worth a mention.
The way this hotel is run is a fine example for other establishments to take note of, we will be going again when the waist line has returned to normal and we are ready for a feast every day and to be spoiled with such a quiet atmosphere.