I'm late posting this review. We travelled in August. There is absolutely no way that these apartments are 3*. We arrived to friendly reception staff but I knew as soon I we crossed the busy road to get to the apartment (especially when I saw the building that we were heading to) that I was going to be disappointed. We entered the apartment and my heart sank. We had booked for 2 weeks and I wasn't sure if I could even manage 1 night. I wouldn't say it was dirty, just extremely run down. Imagine buying a house that needs renovating. The people who previously owned it kept it clean but they didn't maintain it in any way for 20-30 years - this is the best description I can give you. There were floor tiles missing, rusty fridge door, a slanted "shelf" for a dressing table in the bedroom, cracked tiles in the bathroom, rotting doors/frames etc etc. We wiped all the surfaces with anti bacterial wipes and have to admit, everything appeared clean, it was just the appalling state of repair that everything was in which was the most shocking. Add to that the fact that the area was run down (such a shame as we visited the area 15 years previous and could see a marked decline). The pavements regularly had dog excrement and the noise at night from screeching cars/drunks was sometimes unbearable.
Anyway, on our first day, we spent the first afternoon by the pool which is bordered by what looks like steel sheets for fencing (painted green). No pretty flowers or anything, just weeds growing inbetween the paving stones. We debated whether to write off the money that we'd paid and decided to try and stick it out but perhaps eat out everynight instead of cooking on some nights which we had planned to do.
Because of our previous trip to Albufeira, we knew where the supermarket was and bought a picnic cool bag so that we could go to the beach everyday with drinks/sandwiches for lunch - no way was I spending anytime by that pool, I would have returned home depressed. We also knew that the old town was about 20 minutes walk away and is delightful so ate there at different restaurants each night. With that approach and fantastic weather, we ended up having a lovely holiday but I will never return to these apartments or this part of Albufeira again. I really don't know how it reaches any kind of trading standard.
- Quinta Da Bellavista Apartments Albufeira
