January 2012 - I've just returned from a fantastic holiday spent with my Mum. I booked this back in august 2011 with the intention of just relaxing and spending time together. The hotel is approx 30-40 mins from the airport (without drop-offs) and the first thing I noticed was how clean everywhere looked. On arrival to the hotel (10.30pm) we was given our room key for room 109. Tired and in need of something to eat and drink we made our way to our room. On entering our studio I've never been so disappointed. It was the smallest room I've ever seen with firstly no patio leading onto the balcony just a small window. The beds were pushed together under this window, with a small TV and there was what I can only describe as a ledge on the wall which was meant to be a fold down table. it wasn't even big enough for two people to use. The 'kitchen' consisted of a tiny sink and a 2 ring hob, no room for dishes, preparing food etc. There was a fridge, kettle, toaster, microwave and utensils all clean. The 'balcony' (which at first we were puzzled as to were it was) was through a 'back' door in the room which led onto a very tiny balcony which over looked a car park, road and the back of other hotel apartments. The balcony I doubt would have sat two people comfortably. The furniture was left in the room along with two single 'arm chairs'. It was clear that in order to sit and/or rest we'd have to use the bed they were that small. I was close to tears. We immediately went to reception were the guy on reception was less than sympathetic to our concerns and basically told us that we'd have to upgrade. I paid the extra 140 Euros and he gave us another room - 319. What a difference!! This was a one bedroom apartment which was huge and the view was amazing. Happy with our room change we made our way down stairs to get something to eat and drink. The bar was open but empty (now 11pm), there was no-where open for food in the hotel either but we were happy to just have a drink. The bar man was lovely and told us about the supermarket and the cafe next door and we'd already decided we was going to have our breakfast in the hotel the following morning. We slept really well, the beds are so comfy! There was a TV in the room too and air con/heating.The only tiny negative thing was the sound of traffic outside but it didn't disturb us once we slept. The apartment was homely, the view stunning and the location perfect. The breakfast (full English) with a variety of other accompaniments was delicious and cost 8.50 Euros each which I would have gladly paid again. The hotel throughout the week was extremely quiet. There was no entertainment but wasn't expected due to it being low season. There was no water in the pool outside as the tiles were being repaired but the indoor heated swimming pool was a better subsitute. The jacuzzi was closed but not required. The pool area was clean and tidy with sun loungers which I would presume in high season would not be enough to go around. The pool side bar/cafe/games room were also closed but again not required and not expected to be open in January. There was no atmosphere in the hotel at all, it was deadly quiet but the staff were friendly enough. I became quite relaxed and comfortable almost immediately but we wanted peace and quiet and loved every minute of it so these are not complaints just observations. The maids cleaned the apt and refreshed our towels every day and were truly lovely. The hotel is ideally situated next to a huge supermarket and shopping precinct. It seemed very reasonably priced too depending on the brand you chose. 5 litre bottle of water was 98 cents compared to 2 Euros for 2 litre in the hotel. The wine was 1.19e (white), 1.69e (rose) for Portuguese wine. Other wines were 1.99e upwards. We often went downstairs to have a shop around and found a Pizza Hut, Pasta stall etc with cheap but delicious food served. Portion sizes for snacks were huge and we couldn't finish the meal (5e including a drink). The best part of our holiday though was our daily visits to the Riviera situated next to the hotel entrance with their terrace over looking our pool/sea view. This little treasure sold the most mouth watering cakes and made meals, sandwiches, burgers, breakfasts etc all very reasonably priced. This is definately worth a visit. Over the road opposite the hotel (3 roads to cross) was a Mc Donalds, KFC and various other little cafe's including internet cafe's. One tip is to use these rather than the hotel internet area. It cost me 1e to use their computer for 15 minutes then I found out they had no printer to print my boarding passes for coming home. They didn't even offer to print them off for me instead I was pointed in the direction of the shopping area over the road where it costs 1.50e for 'all day' use and they have a printer. Outside the hotel there is a train that chugs it's way around The Strip, the New Town and then onto the Old Town (2-3.50e) were you disembark at the 'escalators' which takes you down to the old town of Albufeira. In high season this would be bustling and impressive but was extremely quiet with most of the shops closed for the season. Not complaining though it's a beautiful town with amazing views of the beach and the sea. Back up the escalators you can either get the train back or walk which takes about 10 minutes to the hotel. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Brisa Sol and would return again in low season. Obviously my only regret was booking the Studio for us and I can't understand why they would put us in that dingy room when there was a whole hotel free and I'm still not convinced they didn't rip me off with the extra 140e - my advice would be to book a one bed apartment (sleeps 4 people) before you go to avoid the disappointment. Saying this I would go back in a heart beat, the weather was amazing for this time of year (I got the shock of my life when I landed at Manchester - thermals were on once I got home), we miss the place already and are hoping to go back again next year.

I stayed at this hotel in October 2011. It's situated between the Old and New towns of Albufeira which is perfect for exploring the area. I stayed on BB and found the breakfast to be fresh and plentiful. It was lovely to sit overlooking the pool whilst eating. The room had a great view looking over the pool on the 3rd floor. The balcony is a real sun trap.

I'd definitely stay here again, it's a really clean hotel with friendly staff and is in a great location.

We stayed at the Brisa Sol again at the end of September/beginning of October for two weeks, and we had a studio apartment overlooking the carpark at the back. We had booked with Thomsons, and I asked for a poolside room, but when we arrived I was very disappointed to be put at the back. Apart from that there was nothing wrong with the room, it was clean and had a balcony and the weather was brilliant and hot every day. So we are now looking forward to returning to the hotel again at the end of March with friends and family, for my husbands 60th birthday.

A good 3 star definitely not worthy of 4. In need of updating all over. Seaview overlooks the pool also and requires extra money - when requested they said they were full, though the hotel looked empty. Land view overseees the carpark and shopping centre. Rooms were spacious though includes a lounge with 2 sofa beds for the kids, separate bedroom with 2 single beds put together, kitchenette, balcony. Booked half board and the Buffet was smallest ever had, staff friendly, but dining room in dire need of updating. No special events or atmosphere for New years eve, or special dinner - disappointing. Best to go self-catering. Safe costs around 2 euros a day. Massage required someone booked from outside going to your room! Steam/Sauna costs 3 euro per person per day but looked dark and dim. never tried it. Good points of hotel - in the middle of a shopping area, shopping centre and supermarket next door. good cafe restaurant with cakes downstairs. Macdonalds/KFC and more restaurants across the road. Approx 15 min walk to nearest beach downhill via escalators. And another 5 minutes to the Old Town Square which was beautiful and plenty to eat there at very good prices. Walked to the Marina which took an hour half about 2.5 miles, a picturesque walk if you can manage it up and downhill. Or you can get a ticket for the Hop on Hop off buses. A mini train just outside the hotel takes you around the nearby areas like The Strip which during the day was empty and passes through the beach escalator area. Lovely sunshine during Winter though and very hot on the beach, though chilly out of the sun. A great location and the food quality was ok but not a modern hotel or 4 star in my opinion.