We booked this apartment for half term (october) and it stated that the bar and facilities closed 1st November. When we arrived reception was closed and we had to ring a number to get the key. Everything was closed, not a good start. Had we known everything closed early we would not have booked these apartments. When we got the keys, we were pleasantly surprised, the apartment was fantastic, huge, seperate kitchen (although no microwave), 2 very large bedrooms, massive lounge and overlooking the pool. The apartments did seem a bit too far out of town but we do have a 4 year old so for every 2 steps forward, we made 1 step back so walking into toen seemed to take ages.
Alvor itself is such a lovely village and we will definitely back next year. Fantastic food at the restaurants and you MUST visit Michaels bar. They were fantastic with our son and when we left all his DS games on the last night, we contacted them via Facebook and they posted them straight back to us at their cost.
The beach at Alvor is fantastic and the waves make it great for body boarding.
On the whole, the apartments were really nice and I'm sure in the season (when everything is open) they would be great but would not recommend for anyone with young children (if you want to walk into town). Alvor itseld I would definately recommend if you want to stay away from the touristy type places.

Firstly I would like to say that this was my first holiday with my boyfriend, and first holiday in 5 years. I found such an amazing deal (7 nights, flight, hotel and transfers for 2 people =£380), that I was worried it would be a disaster. How wrong could I be!?!?
We arrived at the hotel at 1am after a long transfer and I was a bit angry that nobody was there to greet us. Reception was closed with a note instructing us to call this telephone number. Luckily we had our mobiles because we would not have found a public phone to do this anywhere near. The guy arrived within 5 minutes and gave us our key. We went up to the room and I stood in shock for a good few minutes. It was absoloutely huuuuge!
We had a seperate kitchen with table, washing machine, cooker, toaster, fridge freezer, pots, pans, plates... everything you would need. A gorgeous bathroom with full sized bath and shower that was better than any other foreign shower I have used, the pressure was perfect and no messing about with hot and cold taps. Seperate bedroom with twins beds that came together for a big double. Extra pillows and blankets in the wardrobe. The lounge had another dining table, sofa and 2 chairs, a cot, TV, and bookshelf with lots of books to chose from. The balcony had doors from the lounge and from the bedroom and was massive, with patio furniture and drying rail for towels and bikini's etc. The whole place was spotless and smelt great. To our delight, the cleaners came every other day to replace towels, loo roll, empty bins and give the whole place a mop and clean.
The pool was a lovely space. The water is freezing cold so you need to be brave or just dive in! Plenty of sun loungers and private to the hotel. The guy in the pool bar was very nice and friendly too.
We had read other people's reviews about how long it takes to walk into Alvor. I promise you, unless you are walking at a snail's pace, a steady stroll will last about 10 minutes and it was a nice part of the evening. And the hill is not that steep, it's just that it is downhill all the way. We always got a taxi back up though and it cost just short of 4 euro's.
The taxi driver's are amazing. The 1st night we were there our taxi driver took us on a tour of alvor, free of charge because we said we were lost.
We found that the food was overpriced by the harbour. All the restaurants serve the same menu's and nothing exciting. But there are some lovely italian restaurants and we (typically English) found an english restaurant, so if you are craving some home comforts, it's definately worth a visit. Every shop and bar has 'Free Maps' for you to pick up and they show you all the eating places and where everything is. You MUST MUST MUST stop in at Paddy's Bar in the centre. It's an Irish pub that has a guy singing 5 nights a week and it's a great atmosphere.
There is nothing negative that I can say about the Maralvor or Alvor itself. Absoloutely stunning and will be returning to both. Thank You for a wonderful holiday. Hope the photo's do it justice.

Helen and George

Just got back from a week in alvor. If you arrive late, you have to pick up key from the Dunas Hotel. The apartment was very spacious. Very large living room, kitchen with all the facilities, eveyrthing you could possibly need. We were situated at the rear of the hotel, although view not great from our balcony, just trees, it was perfect for us as it was very quiet and peaceful. Swimming pool area very clean and tidy and plenty of sun loungers as
not many people around this time of year. If you want towels changed, you have to place them in the laundry basket. Cleaners came in 3 times during our stay. The beach was a 10/15 min walk but was worth it. We walked into town every night again 10/15 walk. Only 3 euro 25 during the day and 3 euro 90 back at night. There were loads of bars and restaurants to choose from. We spent most of our evenings in the irish bars. The black stove, good food and entertainment as was the irish inn next door. Alvor itself is a lovely town, people very friendly, people will always chat to you, no matter where you eat or drink. Very enjoyable holiday, can fullly recomend and we will certainly return.

Alvor is the most beautiful place to visit if you don't want to see a McDonalds and go to a disco until 3am! The Maralvor was a great base but if you want luxury from your holiday don't book here. The apartments are huge, a livingroom, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, hallway. Basic but spotlessly clean, nothing a lick of paint wouldn't sort. Sheets and towels were changed 5 days from 7. We are a couple with a four year old boy and he loved the pool although I think it could get very busy in the height of summer (as it's not very large). It's a great base if you don't do much more than use your room as a base and we had a fabulous holiday. For food lovers I would recommend Alvor as the huge choice in incredible restaurants is very impressive. Maralvor is a ten minute walk from the main down, down hill all the way and a 4 euro taxi ride home!