I stayed here for a week in October with my children aged 3 and 6, partner and friend. We had a nightmare transfer as we seemed to be hanging about for all flights to join the coach and then dropped off at a good few hotels, all in all it took us 1hr 50mins. I know its not always like this and its totally dependent on the number of drop offs you have but if you dont want to take the chance you could get a taxi for 120e return.
When we arrived at the apartments we were located just next to the hotel bar which is a pretty good location for reception, pool and restaurant. The apartment itself was a very spacious 2 bedroom with a big living area, dining table, 2 bathrooms and a small kitchen. Everything seemed clean but there a really dodgy smell of drains coming from the kitchen?! It had all the bits n pieces you'd need for self catering except a toaster which you could hire from reception. Beds were fairly comfy although Im not 2 fussy...plenty of bedding and wardrobe space. Our balcony was tiny but there wasnt much of a view from our room.
I dont think we saw even half of the complex as we only used the one pool, visited the kiddies park, the shop, the bar and restaurant but it seems that there was a lot more there, The shop had all your bits and pieces you should need but the supermarket down the hill was better equipt. I loved the pool area as it was pretty, clean and mostly quiet. They have a small pool for the little ones but the large pool has one side thats gently shelving so they can also paddle there. We spent the majority of everyday here, making the most of the sun. We ate in the restaurant a few times during the week when we couldnt convince the kids to leave the pool and although its slightly overpriced the food was good. The beer was also reasonable!
Location wise, we ventured down to the harbour twice and found it pretty and fairly busy. We ate at a new restaurant called the Navigator which amazing (sole in prawn sauce is to die for!) and the second time in a place Im not quiet sure of the name of (didnt enjoy that experience at all). Its a fairly long walk but a taxi was just 4e. Other than that we would walk down the hill and there are a few nice places to eat there. A must is most definatley Big Reds, amazing food, huge portions and fantastic service!
We always ended our night with a drink back at the bar in the apartment complex as we became friends with guy who worked there. Drinks were fairly priced and ther was always a nice chilled atmosphere.
We visited the beach and I have to say it was amazing if a little far from the apartments. There are a few nice restaurants on the beach and I would highly recommend a day there if you like the beach.
The highlight of our hols was a trip to the marineland. We booked this with the hotel and the bus picked us up just outside the aprtments. There is plenty to do there for the day, dolphins,seals, parrots, lots more wildlife and we loved the 4d cinema! Well worth a day out.
All in all, I enjoyed my hols but wouldnt put Alvor on my list of fave places in the world. I cant really say why or what was wrong about it.....but we had a good deal n Im not complaining x PS the stories of a cockrell crowing all day n night and the dogs barking at ungodly hours was very accurate! x
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