We were moved to the Zarco at the last minute by the travel agent due to a double booking by the Vilamoura Golf resort.
Bit annoyed but as it was only 2 days before departure and we are not really golfers we accepted and hoped for the best.

We neednt have worried.

The apartment complex is quite small but clean and well kept and in our opinion our apartment was spotlessly clean.
The Zarco have 3 floors and a lift to all.
A medium sized pool surrounded by gardens and flowers (not heated but in the hot weather its a refreshing dip) and a selection of sunloungers.
While we were there although there were not many sunloungers we didnt ever have a problem obtaining one, infact as it was early season the first 3 days saw us have the pool area to ourselves which was fab as so peaceful.
Also many of the guests hire cars and drive to the beach anyway.

Our apartment itself was spotless. We had a one bed apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and small balcony overlooking the pool from the front room which had a table and 4 chairs as well as a sofa and television.
There was also a small balcony from the bedroom which was nice as it overlooked the pool next door.
The bedroom was 2 single beds with orthapedic mattresses and pillows and they are also covered with anti allergy sheets for hygiene which I thought was a nice touch considering the state of some hotel beds I have seen over the years. There is also a large mirrored built in wardrobe.

The complex is gated for additional security and you will be provided with a key to come and go as you please.
All rooms have a safe for a small charge (about 15 euros).

The Reception staff are efficient and friendly and they have a small bar area which you can buy a drink from to have at the pool or in your room. The manager can be regularly observed taking pride in the appearance of the hotel.

The hotel/apartments themselves are situated a 5 min walk from a small local complex which contains a supermarket, couple of restaurants and a couple of bars (one of which, the Cactus bar sells pints for 1 euro if you drink beer).
15-20 mins walk further on (through gardens seperating the road) and you come to Vilamoura marina and beach. This is the resort centre area and also where the casino is. Some nights we found it too far to be bothered to walk back so got cabs from the marina which cost about 5 euros.

We thought Vilamoura was lovely, the beaches are clean and beautiful and the marina is gorgeous lined with shops and restaurants.
The casino is worth a visit, if you dont want to gamble visit anyway to see it. There is a small moroccan inspired bar inside as well which is a gorgeous setting for an evening drink.

The resort appeals to all it seems, we saw loads of groups of golfers as well as families and couples. I think it has something for everyone and was a great place to choose for a weeks break in the sunshine.

I would return to both Vilamoura and the Zarco.