I'd really like to be able to say something more positive about this hotel... simply because the staff were really nice. Throughout our stay, they were constantly friendly, helpful and efficient. The trouble is that they happen to be working in an old-fashioned, rundown establlshment.

We actually arrived with rather high expectations, following a recommendation from a friend, who works in an artistic capacity for one of the world's leading luxury brands. We'd taken a look at the hotel website and seen that the place looked quite simple. But, thanks to the friend, we were expecting a kind of rustic charm. Unfortunately, there was none.

Walking into the rooms is like taking a trip back in time. The hotel must have been built in the Sixties or early Seventies and it looks like the original fixtures are still in place. The first room we were offered had what was supposed to be a double bed... but it was so narrow that it would have been tricky for two people to sleep in it. It was also rock hard. Anything that was metal in the bathroom was all chipped and things in general looked worn and dirty. The whole hotel also had an unpleasant smell to it.

We ended up being upgraded to a suite... which was hardly very luxurious. But, at least we had two twin beds and a room in which to store our luggage. At the beginning of our stay, we opened the bin in the bathroom and there was dirt inside it. A week later, when we checked out, the dirt was still there.

The first night we had dinner, which was not very inspiring. The breakfasts were OK... but nothing to write home about. In the middle of August, the area around the hotel was also very windy and in the night, you could hear it battering against the building.

The main pull for us in the region were the great sandy beaches... where there is hardly anybody (even in high season). That was great... even though it was difficult to bathe in the sea because of both the strength of the waves and the temperature of the water.

All in all, if you're looking for a cheapish, backpacker option, then the Estalagem Dos Zimbros could be right up your street. Otherwise, you'd be well advised to stay clear.