This hotel is ideal for the beach but there are a good few steps down to it from the pool area.
The rooms a quite good but basic and very clean. The pool area is tired but clean with lawned areas and no problem with sun beds etc but sadly the pool bar is hugely expensive so stock up at the spermarket and get a cab back. It is about a 5 to 10 min walk to the start of town with several shops restaurants and one (could not care less about you pub 'the water dog') The promenade has been refurbished and is a lovely walk to the old part of town. There are 2 or 3 supermarkets, a lovely church and a prom area that has local cultural evenings. Avoid the 2 chinese's close to the hotel and go for the Average one(if your desperate) in the old part of town, porters is worth a try too for a steak. This whole place is ideal for couples or young familys who want a beach and a chill(the beach in our opinion is the best in Portugal) nightlife is minimal.

My husband and I had 10 days here in September and had a fabulous time. This is our third stay here and we hadnt been for 8 years so were a bit apprehensive about any drastic changes having been made- we neednt have worried,any changes were subtle and sensitive to the hotel. Several staff members were still working at the hotel which is always a good sign I feel!
We only stayed on a B+B basis and the breakfast was the usual variety of choices to appeal to the Brit palate as well as a more continental choice.Numerous bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance and a particular mention has to go to Porters who do the most amazing steaks.
My only complaint was that we had booked a superior sea view room and found our view completely obscured by a huge palm tree within the rather sad looking garden patio area-we booked directly with the Pestana website and they have poor description and no photos of the room choices-these would be helpful when making room choices.
We will return to the Levante mainly because it is in such a great location and I would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone.

I stayed at this hotel in September/October 2011 and had a very good stay. As my sister and I were dropped off by the shuttle bus upon arrival, we felt pleasantly smug! This was due to the exclamation and comments from other passangers on the shuttle bus (who were not staying at the Levante) 'OMG!' exclaimed one; 'what a fantastic view!' exclaimed another. And they were right. The location is spot on. It is on the top of a cliff with direct access to the beach (with 2 small cafes) below.

We were staying at the end of the season and the hotel was planning to close for winter. I mention this as the main pool and adjacent small pool were both open. However, there were two other pools and a water-wall feature (toward the back of the hotel with many rooms over looking it) which were dry and in need of some attention.

The room we stayed in was very comfortable and we had a balcony with sea view (which also overlooked the dry pools!!). The room was clean, it had a fridge and there was plenty of space. The decor was basic/dated. We had breakfast as a part of our booking which was very nice. There was a good selection of hot and cold food and the restaurant area was bright and welcoming.

I had read other reviewers articles who queried its 4* status. I would say that it is on the 'cusp' of 4* - all the amenities requried to be a 4* hotel are present but at times (due to basic decor; pool maintenance) you didn't feel as if you were staying at a 4* hotel. However, lounging at the main pool, in the hot sun, looking down at the beautiful beach with a drink in my hand - I absolutely felt that I was in a 4* location!

I agree with batty51 The best location in Armacao. Built in the seventies it had prime choice of location. All rooms are on the ground or first floor (ie low rise) with good sized balconys and it matters nor whether you have a sea view or not as the large mature gardens are a delight. The staff all speak English and are most helpful. The Hotel is spotless and I think what puts it above others is that it is small, cosey and slightly old fashioned. It is classic "Agatha Christie" Steps from the garden to the beach (easy no problem) lead to one end of a series of continuous beaches stretching as far as Salgados 2 miles? We booked through Fleetway Travel.com and got a really good deal. For the price paid it was excellent value. Go B&B and walk the beach to two close beach bars (excellent food) or stroll down town )10 minutes to many restaurants. We hired a car as it was our first trip to Algarve but it is not essential. An ideal Hotel for the over 40s. I am returning next year! My only gripe was the cost of the drinks/food in the Hotel and Pool bar. However this did not detract from our stay as Pestana supply a small fridge in every room (nice touch) and we bought gin and tonic in local supermarket etc and on our return in the evenings sat on our balcony (we had first floor more private than ground floor) watched the setting sun and chilled...