Stayed here from 1 August to 8 August 2009.

We had a lovely time, it suited us, but it will not suit everybody.

It is located in a scenic and relatively quite location, Senhora da Rocha, which is mostly used by Portuguese holiday makers.

The Hotel itself is very basic; it does not have a pool, the bar looked like it had not been used for months/years and if you reserve a room with a sea view, make sure it has a balcony, because some rooms don’t! The breakfast is very basic, rolls, ham, cold meat, cheese jam and a limited selection of fruit. You can eat as much as you like though.

It seems to be a family run hotel, the manager and his wife are very friendly, Anibal (the manager) speaks excellent English and was a great help when my wife fell and hurt her arm. Whilst basic, the hotel is clean and the plumbing works!

We used it as a bed & breakfast room. Out at the beach during the day, changing and eating out in the evening, then sitting on our sea view balcony enjoying a lovely view. If you are looking for posh hotel with entertainment, pools spas etc, then this is not what you are looking for.

There are three very scenic beaches, each in their own coves, within a five minute walk of the hotel – there is a fairly steep climb but most people should manage it OK. Check out Google Earth for some pictures. There isn’t really a main street or beach promenade, but there are a selection of restaurants in the area, but these are dispersed. You will find it easier with a car or you will have to enjoy walking. The main resort, Armacao de Pera, is about a 30 - 40 minute walk away where it is more like a holiday resort, busy with hotels, restaurants etc, cabs back cost about 6 Euros. It isn’t very scenic there and the beaches looked very crowded.

The nearest restaurant – El Gomes about 20 m from the hotel is OK, but pricey. Highly recommended is Vila Italiano (I think that’s the name) 15 min walk away look for the signs on the road, very good Italian food, very friendly and reasonably priced. Another excellent restaurant about a 20 min walk away. – cant remember the name – follow the main road up to the large supermarket on the corner, turn right and its about 100 m on the left. It has a picture of a sailing ship on the sign – excellent steaks and service and reasonable price.

In summary, this is ideal if you want to go to scenic beaches away from the very busy tourist areas, you don’t mind walking or driving around and you are not looking to be entertained in your hotel.