Suites Alba was a great stay for us. The location - where the Algarve coastline is at his best - was superb. There is simply nothing between the resort and the stunning coastline besides a 2 minute walk. However.. the resort is quite remote from other hotels, villages, restaurants (15 minutes drive). Our large garden terrace had seaview (thanks for that!).
The (downstairs) appartment was great; 2 bedrooms (with TV), a nice bathroom and enoug living space. Breakfast in the restaurant was nice (they baked fresh eggs) and the view to the sea magnificent. There were some downsides though; the style was not ours; classic, a lot of wood, but not too bad for a couple of days (however.. I can imagine that this complex could do lots better with more up-to-date interior). Bathroom ventilation was noisy and hang loose. There were spots in bed (shame!). We were unpleasently surprised that the kitchen did not have ANY equipment (no pans, no cutlery, plates etc.). Pillows were too soft. Wifi not in appartment, only at reception.
Not so many channels on TV (but would you miss them?).
Is it a 5 star? I would rate it 4 star for the premises and 5 stars for the location.

Having looked high and low on the internet for a place to stay over the year-end period in Southern Europe (mainly Algarve, Porto, Cascais or Southern Spain) I stumbled across rather positive remarks on Tripadvisor regarding this hotel.
Let me put first and overall: great place.
Very positive points are the comfort level, space, extended breakfast and above all the friendlyness of the paople. This is for me always very important and I think I'm not alone seen the huge remarks on Tripadvisor regarding impolite staff.
the website gives a good idea how it is apart from teh fact that the pool(s) look bigger than they are
Here are a few remarks, but please do not see them as decisively negative:
- pools, especially indoor pool are small
- badly signposted (one sign 2 km away)
- difficult road (for that last 2 km)
- bathinggown largest size is a Portuguese XL. In other words I didn't fit in.
- local restaurant (very) upmarked (€€€) and nouvelle cuisine/experimental.

We were there over the year-end and the price was more than worthwhile.

Oh, by the way, they don't have rooms, but two bedroom suites (each with their own TV), and sitting room with TV and DVD and a dining place with kitchen. Internet is hardcabled and FREE !!!

We have just arrived from New years staying at the Alba Suites Resort and I must say if you have ever stayed in a "decent" 5 star...this does not come close. The staff is friendly and eager to please, but is not qualified for 5 star service. The hotel has a tiny indoor pool which was extremely crowded with 15 people in it (our group was about 26 adults and children). The lounge has seating for about twenty people, so there was nowhere we could get the group together for a drink. The apartments are spacious, clean and very pleasant, but maybe a 4 star would be more appropriate.

Service was still excellent from the staff on our third visit to Suites Alba,
However, there are luxuries missing from the restaurant.
The first two of three evening meals we took towards the end of our stay were reasonable, but the chef is trying too hard with the evening meal menus.
Ice cream with strawberry soup with Cinnamon just too much.
Balsamic vinegar as a dessert ingredient, no thank you.
Sole topped with soggy bread roll with smattering of fish inside, not enticing.
The champagne no longer offered with breakfast, and machine coffee, and beverages, though palatable an indication of cost cutting, not served as they should be.
Some of the original staff are still there from when first opened, and greeted us warmly, having remembered us from previous visits.
The room and suite was clean and fresh as always, but the safe in the room did not safeguard our belongings, security no longer patrol the grounds, not that I have fears about the area.
We were initially overcharged on the bill for the three half board nights we negotiated for, and had to have mini bar charges removed from our bill on departure.
We will consider carefully whether we return. Accomodation excellent but not of the original quality overall.
I accept change happens, but expect it to be for the better.