Booked Pinhal do Sol as part of a value Easyjet package for a one-week stay in late August / Early September.

Good Points
We had a standard twin room which while rather small was nevertheless spotlessly clean;
ensuite bathroom
staff were helpful and friendly
free shuttle bus into Quarteria / Vilamoura - was very reliable timewise at picking us up the times we used it.
breakfast was fine - lots to choose from
room was cleaned everyday and towels replaced.
We were staying at the villa slightly down from the main complex which was really nicely located with its own pool.
Overall we would go back here since it represented excellent value for money.

Bad Points
None really. We had already booked a hire car at Faro airport which we used to take trips along the Algarve.
If you don't have a car you might feel a little bit constrained since the hotel is out from the main centre - though from what we saw many people were content to lounge around the hotel all day.
the shuttle bus could maybe leave a little later in the evening (the last one leaves at 6pm)
evening entertainment is a bit limited - and the hotel can become rather dead in the evening.
I would have some concerns about the pool if you had very young children - there is no fence or barrier around it so you would need to keep your eyes glued to them.

Overall though this was good value and we would go back. However, if you are looking for a buzzing hive of activity this place is not for you. We used it as a base to stay and used the car to travel to various beaches and towns along the Algarve every day. Would book it again.

After reading some of the reviews i really started to worry especially since we were staying for two weeks (half board). It isn't that close to Quarteira beach but you have a free bus that takes you to there several times a day as well as the marina and felasia beach. If you want to go to quarteria later on the evening though you will have to make your own way there, its about 5 euros by taxi.
The rooms were nice and well maintained and we happened to be at the back of the grounds with a small pool a few steps away from our little balcony. The cleaners came to the room everyday and neatened up the place however we did have to request that they change our bed linen, this was probably because most people there did not stay as long as us, they did change the towels nearly everyday.
The staff were excellent however the brazilian bus driver needs to be more friendly, he rarely looked happy to be there. The Chef that serves the food was brilliant always smilling and dancing and you wont be hungry, if want a little more on your plate just say although his portions were generous anyway. The food wasn't as bad as some of the reviews indicated. Breakfast was the busiest and there was plenty to choose from such as eggs, beans, sausages, mushrooms, toast, rolls, fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese, tea, coffee and juices, it is easy to over do it. The dinner was okay most of the time there is always 2 fish dishes and 2 meat dishes to chose from as your main and usually a choice of rice,chips and vegetables, there is also self serve soup of the day and salad bar along with deserts. The only sting is that you have to pay for any drinks in the evening. If you want to have lunch at the hotel they do have a snack menu, we had lunch twice there, the pizza was really nice and only 4 euros (for a whole one) but when we have the burger with eggs you could tell it was a frozen thing that was deep fried, the pasta dishes did look good although we never tried them. The Manager was very kind`after you get to know him and reception staff very helpful. As for the evening entertainment it wasnt every night and it was always quiet, we saw portuguese elvis (yes he was awful but funny), karoke and someone playing live music which wasnt bad. All in all for the price you pay for this you couldn't expect more, its a value for money place and the holiday is what you make of it, i would recommend you either get a car or bring some extra money for the taxi. also check out the marina as they have a little shop that deals in mini excursions such as visiting caves, beach BBQ and dolphin spotting.We also recommend some quarteira restaurantes lke sol do mar marisqueira and picnic great food i tell you Marufo looks nice too.
In general it was excellent and relaxing.

We have just come back from a 2 week holiday at Pinhal Do Sol and found it a beautiful location to stay at...
Before we set off we read a few reveiws on the internet and to be honest we were a bit apprehensive about going,but to our surprise on arrival the staff were very helpful and friendly,giving us information about Quarteira and Vilamoura (the nearby villages) and their bus service (although there are only a few busses a day,it was enough as they were at good times).
Our rooms were always kept immaculate,the cleaning service was excellent.
I can't understand why there were so many complaints about the food as for the price they offered a wide variety of food which was delicious and to a very high standard...(i put on so much weight!!! LOL)...Although we were only b&b we spent most of our nights eating at the hotel restaurant as for 11 euro the buffet was great!
I do agree that the hotel was a bit out of the way but if you are looking for a hotel in the centre then that's your own responsability to check out the location before you book a hotel...they also offer car hire...for those who enjoy peace and quiet and relaxing it's ideal...although even being a bit out the way we managed fine with the bus service.
We went for dinner a few nights in Vilamoura (beautiful place,highly recomend!!) and simply got a taxi back which only cost aprox. 6 euros...we also booked many trips through the hotel and a bus came to pick us up and take us back right outside reception...
The pool area was relaxing,mabie they could do with a few more loungers but over all nice.
There was entertainment most nights...look out for Elvis!!!....was good fun and we had a good laugh.
Personaly i really enjoyed my stay at Pinhal Do Sol and would go back again.

We had a lovely holiday here and really enjoyed our stay. The hotel is set in really beautiful settings and surroundings.
You do need to hire a car as you are quite a distance from any shops etc....
The hotel was clean and the rooms were comfortable, The weather was fantastic and had many days laying by the beautiful pool and the beaches.
I would certainly return to this Hotel, and a visit to Villamora Marina is a must however to eat there is quite expensive.