Visited this hotel in October of 2011, arrived and my room was not ready, had to pay 130,00e extra for another room that was ready or wait up to 4 hours, another 30.00e charge was put on for the safe, i felt very ripped off. Food was excellent, again expensive. Bar was empty because of the crazy prices charged, so there was no atmosphere.
As i traveled alone it was more difficult for me to go down town at night to either eat or have a drink, hotel was empty, would not return.

Stayed here 2 times in 2011 - both times with 12-15 others - both good trips, one men only golfing and one with other halves from work. Great central hotel, very slow and "couldnt care" on reception. The Lady who runs the outside pool bar/food must be something to do with the Gestapo!
HOWEVER i will stay again, and indeed have booked - only thing is MUST have a seaview - do not get room at back due to NOISE!!!

We have been to Vilamoura many times but never tried this hotel, we asked for a high sea facing room which we got. The hotel was better than expected but quiet because of the time of year we expected this. The staff were great and we enjoyed the food which was plentiful and good quality.
A good bargain was had would like to see it busier.
Our room also had a kitchen, TV, minibar empty, iron on request, safe if wanted, no kettle?
indoor pool/jacuzzi was nice and they lent you towels.
Excellent location, good views, all day sun. Good housekeeping.

Booked a ten day holiday here in July over my birthday. Flights were a bargain at £40 each. The holiday overall cost a little over £1k for two people so you can see most of the money went on the hotel. Vila Gale Ampalius is a really nice hotel set right on the beach (after crossing a road). The pool seemed really small for the size of the hotel and the beds around it were literally touching each other so very cozy if you like that sort of thing. There was plenty of room in the gardens to drag a bed around until you find the right spot if you don't mind not being around the pool. There was some sort of 'entertainment' on around the pool like aerobics or basketball and the occasional quiz. The food from the pool bar was quite nice but again space was limited if you wanted to sit. The lobby and facilities were all good but this hotel lacks a decent bar or somewhere with a decent atmosphere to sit of an evening. Upon arriving (bearing in mind how much this hotel cost for B&B) we were given our room card and directed to the lifts. When booking I requested for a pool or sea view where possible. I opened the door to the smallest room ever. The TV was in front of the only mirror in the room and on the dressing table. The curtains were closed as we arrived at midnight and I was looking forward to opening the doors onto a balcony and sit down and have drink before turning in. I opened the curtains to find a small square window! A box room with no balcony for £900! Not happy we went to reception and asked to be moved and they said we can't be yet as there are no rooms available. I said that I requested a sea or pool view. The lady working got out the booking and had the nerve to say "where possible, you said"! Lesson learned in future to be more specific as I didn't realise they would use my own words as a disclaimer. Eventually we were moved and into a slightly bigger room with a small balcony that overlooked the tennis courts and the outdoor dining area. There is also a casino with a nightclub underneath that stays open until 6 or 7 in the morning and is very loud but this is not the hotel's fault. The foam party there was good though. On the first morning we went down for breakfast but finding a table was a nightmare and when we got up to get the food we would return only to find someone else sitting there! The flies were annoying as well.
The hotel is a short walk to the Marina which is fantastic and has some great food. Ended most nights in the 19th Hole as there was always some sort of entertainment on and the bar staff are really friendly.
There are a couple of other hotels in the area that cost more or less the same such as the Crowne Plaza or Tivoli Gardens. I would suggest looking these up before booking Vila Gale. Although it was a good holiday, the hotel played no part in making it one. It was a £900 B&B and after the 2nd morning just a B.