went to algarve gardens with my partner for one week self-catering....our 1st holiday to-gether....so we wanted somewhere quiet...and we were not dissapointed it is stuated a gbout a 15 minute taxi journey from main aluferia but we were actually glad about that we arrived on the sunday early afternoon and waited half an hour for our apartment to be ready which was not a problem as we would rather have a place that has been cleaned properly than one which has been rushed.....we were booked into the studios about a 5 minute walk from main hotel even if that.... we were on the third floor granted theres no lifts but again not a problem....apartment was spotless with an excellent maid service every day.....maids were very pleasant and very impressed.....hotel which you have use of all facilities is excellent....staff are very helpful and always courteous....especially barmen 1 in particular...antonio....we were self-catering so ate out and we found a lovely local cafe 2 mins from our apartment with a very friendly sparrow......the food was like home cooked very generous portions the most amazing fresh orange you will ever taste again staff pleasant and very reasonable prices.....ate breakfast and dinner once in hotel 10 euros for breakfast and 21 for evening meal no complaints with either...cereals yoghurts fruit toast selection of breads or a full cooked breakfast spoilt for choice...and dinner catered for all tastes with amazing desserts very well presented.....hotel entertainment was okay....one act in particular was really good and the rest were fine there is cats that live in the grounds of the resort no big deal they were actually fun to watch and we grew very fond of one in particular.....now saving the best till last....THE BEACH WAS AMAZING.......spotless sandy beach...water crystal clear and very quiet sunbed hire 5 euros for full day ......to sum this holiday up we would have to say brilliant but if you are looking for a lively holiday then its not for you if you want peace to relax and chill then its a definite winner and we would definetley go back........thanks to all the staff antonio in particular for a wonderful holiday and keep up the good work xxxxx

studio was dated and dirty, furniture old and broken, bed's brick hard, and kitchen small and no kettle, had to boil water in a pan. Had to carry cases up three floors as no lift's and no one to help. On the other hand the beach was lovely and quite, we hired a car for the week so getting about wasn't a problem.

Whilst the hotel was lovely & clean, the studios are on the other side of the complex, which is in the middle of nowhere, Algarve Gardens is known as the 'Alfamar Resort'.
The studio apartments are NOT even up to a 1* standard, The staff were very rude & were more concerned with their German guests to be bothered with us just checking in. It took us 3hours to get a key for the accommodation we were finally left with.
The only good thing about this resort is the beach, please check all reviews first if you are thinking of going there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I stayed for a week and had a really great time. This is the right hotel if you are looking for a break and don't want to spend a lot of money.
The studios are not great at all, specially because there is no microwave or oven and the beds are a bit unconffortable. But the place is magnificent as it is near the beach and very quiet. Also you pay for a 3 star accomodation and get to use all 4 star facilities from alfamar hotel - pool, jacuzi, sauna, gardens, etc
I am planning to go there again but this time I will try the villas that are a bit more expensive but have air conditioning (which is important if you travel in hot months).