We've just returned from the Luna Alvor Village Hotel after a peaceful break! The hotel is modern and clean and not too far from Alvor itself - max 15 min walk at a decent pace, despite the hotel receptionist telling us it was a good half hour walk!! However, if you're not so fit (there are a few slight inclines there and back), a cab into the centre will cost you just over 4 euros.

Lovely hotel, and as we just tend to please ourselves, can't really comment on service etc. We stayed B&B but were never up in time to try the breakfast, however on arrival we did order drinks and lunch, which was lovely. Very quiet and relaxing,in the bar and round the pool area.

OK, a couple of minus points:
We didn't have any information left in the room and there was no 'do not disturb/please clean my room' sign. Some info about the hotel and local area would have been good, but as we'd visited Alvor before, wasn't too much of a problem.

The sun umbrellas by the pool were tatty and really let the place down - and there were not enough of them! The pool itself and surrounding area was lovely - the maintenance people were constantly checking the water etc and it was always clean and tidy.

The beds in the apartment were not particularly comfortable - very hard and the pillows too soft, but then again that's down to personal preference.

Plus points - probably too many to list, but this is the perfect spot for a relaxing break for any age. Alvor town has something for everyone - quiet and peaceful to lively and loud! If you're after something a little more raucous of an evening, you can get to Praia da Rocha for just over 7 euros in a cab. The hotel have a great system for ordering a cab on demand and they usually turn up within 5 mins of ordering. You are also not far from Portimao, however if you want to visit Lagos, that is quite a way and we were quoted 20euros to get there in a cab.

Pingo Doce is literally just round the corner underneath a new development of apartments and is great value - we tried the wine for 1.5 euro which was nice. They have a great selection of really fresh food and bread - all worth trying if you're up for cooking while away - the apartments are fully equipped, however no cleaning/washing up materials are provided.

Despite a couple of minus points - but aren't there always some?!! We would definately return to this hotel. We would also arrange private transfer from Faro, as the journey there and back on the coach was a long one!!

Our third trip to Portugal 2nd time in Alvor and the best yet. Booked a package deal with Jet 2 Holidays and were pleasantly surprised with all aspects of the holiday, speedy check in and very polite, helpful staff but as always security seems to take a lifetime at Manchesters’ terminal 1 compared with terminal 2. Arrived at Faro on time and a shuttle transfer to Alvor was included in the price. Check in time at the hotel is 3p.m. so our room was not ready but we were invited to take a seat on the decking outside the reception, it’s a lovely view and overlooks the pool; prices at the bar for both food and drinks we thought were very reasonable, example 2 cheeseburgers and chips a pint and a small beer came to 11 euros but oddly enough you hardly ever saw many people eating or drinking here. As soon as our room was ready the receptionist came over to let us know. The hotel is very modern and spacious and very well kept. Two large glass lifts provide travel to all 4 floors (including the basement garage) Our room (218) was at the front of the building and enjoyed the sun from 3p.m. until it went down if you are at the rear then you can enjoy the early morning sun until about 2 p.m. Can’t really find anything negative to say about the room (studio) very modern with a huge balcony and a more than adequate supply of kitchen equipment should you wish to cater for yourself. Oven, hob, kettle, fridge, microwave, iron and board and a hairdryer in the bathroom which also had a jaccuzi style bath. Air conditioning was delivered by 2 units and the settings could be changed with your remote control. Alvor village is just 10 to 15 minutes walk away, a little longer to get back as it is up-hill and there is a very well stocked supermarket (Pino Doche) just 5 minutes away. Must have visited most bars in Alvor until we discovered The Cactos 2 Bar situated in the Dunas do Alvor complex. This place had everything we needed or expected from a good bar! Excellent range of drinks, really friendly atmosphere and nightly live entertainment, service was always speedy and came with a smile. Having been travelling across The Atlantic for our holidays for some years now Alvor provided us with an impressive return to European holidays and we look forward to going back there in the not too distant future. Any questions, feel free to p.m.


E1

Great hotel for both families and couples. I visited for 10 nights with my 14 year old son in mid-August. On arrival we were made to feel very welcome and lots of information was provided by the receptionist...if possible try to get a room overlooking the pool. Views are much better. The room itself was extremely spacious and modern. All the facilities were immaculately clean and plenty of space for storage. When we went down to the pool we were impressed with how clean and tidy it was but it is a little basic and could really do with having slightly more space and few more areas of shade. The choice at breakfast was very good - although it gets quite busy around 9.30am and you often had to wait for cutlery and glasses. We didn't eat in the hotel for any other meals, as it's such a short walk to Alvor town centre. Beach buses are good but it's just as easy to walk down to the beach. Takes about 15 minutes maximum. We will definitely visit again.

Just back from a perfect week with our 3 kids from this apart hotel. Very relaxed, quiet, stylish hotel ideal if you want a relaxing break. We have 3 kids under 11 and they too loved it. Only a 10 minute walk away from alvor where we had some gorgeous meals. Although the hotel was full it never felt busy and hectic. Understated yet stylish and elegant. Fab. Will be back.