My Wife and I stayed in Hotel Almar for 2 weeks in October 2011. The Hotel is situated in a mainly residential area, but within very easy walking distance of Fisherman's Beach and Albufeira Old Town Square. Whilst the Hotel is basic, it is very clean and the Staff are very helpful and friendly.
The rooms are fully equipped and comfortable. We stayed in a Studio Apartment which was very spacious, but we were shown one of the 1-Bedroom Apartments which was even bigger and better, and with a fabulous sea view (The studio's are located to the side of the Hotel, but ours still had a sea view to the left).
Although the Hotel was almost full for the whole of our stay, the pool area was quiet. It would appear to attract mainly older couples, although there were a couple of families there with children - I guess there were few because we were there during School Term Time.
There were several Coffee Shops and Restaurant's locally which were very good and ideal if you don't fancy the short walk into the Old Town.
All in All we will probably return to Hotel Almar as we found it great value for money, very relaxing and a great holiday experience.

Stayed in a one bedroom apartment which was a really good size. It was on the 3rd floor and so had a great view from the balcony of the sea and the old town. I agree that the rooms may be a bit dated in places but the staff were very friendly, it was clean and very handy for the beach and old town. We also heard lots of barking dogs but it only woke us up on one of the six nights.

Just got back from the Almar apartments Albufeira Portugal. Found them to be very roomy but basic and in need of a refurb. Apartment was a side sea view overlooking the gardens which were pretty and the view was beautiful of the sea and surrounding town. The pool area was pretty but the pool was cold. Cheap beer and sangria but food was expensive. Staff were very friendly and helpful until we complained about the yapping dogs from 07:00 sometimes until well in the afternoon, did'nt get a single lie in even wearing earplugs. Man on desk refused to move us to a full sea view where it was quieter unless we paid a further 29 Euros. No good will move was offered. Dont think we will go back again. Would recommend Tim Tims Chinees buffet for 9.75 Excellent food, all you can eat.

Generally enjoyed our stay and was impressed by the hotel - it is in a great location and only a short walk to Fisherman's Beach. The room was very spacious and very clean. The only thing we missed was air conditioning in the room. We really enjoyed our stay with the exception of the last 2 nights which were particularly noisy with young Portugese groups shouting, banging doors and generally being really noisy throughout the night. We found they had total disregard for anyone else. Importantly we had 4 very quiet nights previously although somewhat tired, we were pleased to leave when we did.