This was one of the best apartments we've stayed in (couple with 2 kids, aged 2 and 4) - huge, excellent kitchen with dishwasher; washing machine and dryer in separate cupboard with cleaning eqpt; nice decor; enormous balcony/terrace; great pool for kids.
We were lucky enough to get upgraded to a superior 2-bed, 2-bath apartment (had booked a basic one-bed), at the top of the development (up the hill, near the blue restaurant) - about 60m2. Loved everything about it, from the colourful prints of local scenes on the walls, to the curved sitting room with built-in sofa; excellent electric cooker; open kitchen to dining/sitting room - separate rooms, but with opening between them - perfect for keeping an eye on kids when preparing meals.
Massive corner terrace - we were on end of small block, so had roof of apartment below - ideal clothes-drying spot as sun most of day!
All seemed new - paintwork, furniture, kitchen equipment - not sure if well maintained or newly fitted/decorated. Solid, good-quality furniture (dining table was round and wooden, topped with granite with glass over it), and decent cooking pans. Nice fabrics with matching cushions. Thought had gone into such details. Even the lighting was superb - ambient in dining room, bright in bathroom. Hard to fault generally.
Plenty of storage space - fitted cupboards and bedside small chests of drawers.
Great pool - large adult part with various areas, then small, shallow kiddie bit attached. Pool bar, and cafe nearby. Other pools in other parts of complex. Very well maintained grounds with bougainvillea, fig trees, adelphas.
Handy little shop with everything from British newspapers and magazines to armbands, suncream and fresh, packeted and frozen food (incl cereal, ice-cream, pasta, fresh bread), all more expensive than supermarket (several close by), some items triple the normal price. We ate at one restaurant in the complex - pricey but delicious, and good service (Brazilian owner).
Five minutes' drive to Albufeira - loads of bars, restaurants, beaches.
Only complaints - loo at pool was really disgusting - filthy and stinking; and drain overflow poured water into area behind apartments, with sludgy stuff hanging down from pipe - yuck!
Overall, an excellent options for families who are happy with some days spent by pool, others at the beach. We were very happy and comfortable and wished our own house was this nice! Will probably be back, though not sure if we'll be lucky enough to get such an amazing free upgrade again!
- Albufeira Club
- Hotel Albufeira
