Had a lovely time here when we stayed for a friend's wedding in September. The staff were friendly the amenties great and the location fabulous. Couldn't ask for more :)

I stayed at the Grande Real with my partner for a short Autumn break. The staff were very welcoming and helpful and the room we were allocated was wonderful, overlooking the sea. The pool area is immaculate with lots of sunbeds and a heated pool.
We stayed at the hotel on a half board basis and the dinner was well served and with a good menu choice.
We would definitely recommend this hotel for a quiet relaxing holiday. We hope to return soon.

Impressed with the hotel quality and friendliness of the staff and we enjoyed our stay. Hotel was very quiet in first week of November as it is out of season so the poolside bar and beach restaurant were closed, there was also a gastronomic festival held over Sat 5th Nov which kind of took over the hotel for a day and night (not great if your staying for a relaxing 'out of season' break, but I guess the hotel has to make some money in the winter season too). However, the breakfast selection was fantastic and the services were convenient and access to the beach was good with the Cafe Atlantico open in the daytime (9-6). The children loved the fact that we had a Studio room in the hotel with their own bedroom with TV, ensuite and balcony. Room was excellent and clean, and the chocolates were a nice touch, but the balcony overlooked the car park which is surfaced with granite blocks so cars driving over the surface were quite noisy (bet the designers didnt think about that!) despite the fact we had asked for a sea view and the hotel was half empty. The Kids Club was fantastic, because the weather wasn't great it gave the children something to do, they loved it and we loved a couple of hours relaxation time! All credit to Carmen, Sandra and the team - you were great!. We were worried about reviews about the quality of the beds and mattresses but we had no complaints at all. The free bus service to the Old town was good (although a couple of times we had to ask the reception if the last bus to town was operating, they told us it had already gone when we knew it hadn't because we could see it parked up the road). Taxis freely availble at 6 Euros to return to the hotel. Food and drink in the hotel was pricey, but then again, it was also expensive in town. Good late check out service, the hotel staff were very helpful in this regard. Used the gym - which is well equiped, and free exercise classes/aquafit were available to residents (although we didn't use them). The pool area was pleasant and free towels were available at all times. Great hotel for a family holiday and proximity to the beach is ideal, but suggest anyone thinking of taking kids out of school - go in October as the weather really cools down and becomes more unsettled in November. Old town was okay but a bit disappointing, found some lovely restaurants, but the town is run down, with some dodgy looking guys hanging around the streets and beachfront in the evening and somewhat spoilt by crap "english" style bars and restaurants selling frozen pizzas and sangria etc - didn't appreciate the idiots trying to coax us into bars every 5 seconds when it was pretty obvious that walking around the main square as a family with two small children we werent part of a stag party looking for a booze up (ironically it was mainly UK expats doing this). Having said that, if you know where to look then you can avoid most of that and enjoy some really nice restaurants especially in the oldest part of the town on the hill. Watch the prices though - a family meal for 4 with a couple of beers and wines will range anywhere from 40 to 80 Euros! would recommend Restaurante A Ruina, Anna's in Old Town (near castle), and Tres Pameiras (in new town - but food and staff fantastic). There was also a small restaurant off AV 25 de Abril (off sidestreet near taxi rank walking towards Rua dos Telheros) whose name I don't recall, but did fantastic fish with rice for 2.

We had a very enjoyable stay at this hotel. The suite wirh sea biew was very well appointed with two bedrooms and two bathrooms and we got a very good deal on the room. The staff were friendly and helpful, particularly at the end of our stay when we used the spa facilities to shower and change having checked out earlier. The location of the hotel is perfect for the beach. It is a bit of a walk (about 10 mins) into the nearest village, but this did not put us off. Our toddler son loved the kids' club and we were able to borrow beach toys for him which was great. The playground and outdoor kids' pool are also very good. A first rate establishment I do not hesitate to recommend.