I've just returned from 12 nights at the Cegonha Country and found it to be quite satisfactory and a good base. If you are using public transport (I picked up a hire car at Faro airport) - it's probably not for you as it's some distance from shops, facilities and beaches but the apartments are spacious and well equiped. I've stayed in many apartments and occasionally you arrive when everythings new and fresh - but most are at some point in the cycle before renewal and renovation.

Most apartments in southern climes have stone floors and seem a bit bleak - chintz and soft furnishings aren't too apparent but what you need are the basics and at Cegonha -they're all there including a full size freezer, oven, microwave and dishwasher (try Greece where you're usually lucky to get a hot plate!). There was also a large balcony with appropriate furniture - not used every day - as unusually for the Algarve - I had several rainy days.

There's seems to be a bit of concern that Cegonha is four star. It's pretty average - much like many others. I don't know how apartments are rated in Portugal - is it another star for a trouser press, 24 hour reception or the Tunisia version - more marble - more stars.

Cegonha was very quiet - possibly because it was November - or perhaps too many folk had read the reviews! I would certainly use the apartments again and - forget the stars - I think it's good value for money - twelve nights cost me considerably less than a week in a much smaller apartment in the Lake District earlier in the month.

This 'Hotel' is rated as a 4 Star - It should have no stars. On arrival to reception, the reception area was dusty as were the windows but that was only the beginning..... We were given our room key, as we walked up the steps to the room, the steps were very upkept, as we turned the corner to the balcony, the tiles were filthy black, when we arrived at our door there was no paint on the door from the door knob down, opening the door the pong that met us, the room was the worst standard I have ever seen, I WOULD NOT STAY OR SLEEP IN THIS APARTMENT, I would prefer to sleep in the car. Needless to say we checked out immediately, we were offered to look at another apartment but there is no way I would stay here, it seems like a place that rats would be running around. SHOCKING!!!!!!!!!

My partner and I arrived at Faro airport on 19th September 2010. We booked this holiday for 2 weeks and paid less than £800. We hired a car, and I would recommend that if you stay in the apartments you hire a car. I don't think we would have enjoyed the holiday as much if we didn't hire the car. Petrol is cheap, roads are neat and drivers aren't too mental!
Getting to the accommodation was fairly easy but we had a sat nav that directed us more or less into Villamoura.
On first impressions we thought the apartments were lovely. The complex is tidy and well kept.
The rooms are lovely. We stayed in an upstairs apartment which I think was another positive as we had a lovely large balcony. If you have a downstairs apartment you have more of a terrace and a small garden.

The *only* negatives I have about the apartments and resort overall is that it needs a bit of TLC or a lick of paint. However, this does not impact on the cleanliness of the rooms at all. The maids come in every day and any problems with your room reception are quick to come and help.

Most nights we spent in Villamoura harbour. There is a lovely, cheap bar / bistro called Parkys where you can pick up a large wine and pint of lager for 5 euros (we found this about the best price around the harbour). The harbour is full of bars, shops and restaurants. Food is expensive to eat out. A small rib eye steak will cost you around 20 euros and the portions arent huge. a large rib eye steak will cost you around 4 euro in Lidls and are very tasty as is all the meat we bought.

We found the best places to shop are to LIDL's in albufiera and Jaffers supermarket in Villamoura. Alisuper shops are very pricey.

I'm not sure what else to add here, feel free to message any questions ...

Overall with out a doubt this was the best holiday I've ever had. The area is beautiful, the weather was perfect and its only a 2 hr flight!!

We agree with comments made about the distance of the accomodation from the main areas, you really do need car hire to get out and about comfortably. Accomodation very spacious, good facilities, maybe a little tired and in need of a lick of paint, however overall, very pleasant. Maid service very good. Lovely swimming pool. The hotel shop was very expensive, as was the pool bar. Any facilities that were lacking i.e. no kettle, this was remedied very swiftly by the hotel staff.

Overall the resort is very plesant, nicely manicured lawns ect, we would definately go back for another visit!!!!!!!