Vila Alba Resort

Pros: quiet location, water views, playground for kids, suite with 2 separate bedrooms, good breakfast Cons: we booked specifically because there was a heated pool and we were visiting in Dec. After arriving, they informed us the heated pool would only be open 3-7pm because the hotel wasn't very busy (pool has no lifeguard or attendants... they just refused to unlock it for us). The gym consisted of a few aerobic machines. Mattresses were terrible, could feel the springs. Lunch for a family of 4 cost 90euros and felt like a ripoff. 14e for a bad margherita pizza. 18e for a bowl of pasta. No idea how this is a 5 star hotel. If it wasn't so expensive we wouldnt have been so disappointed.

We loved the apartment, though it was a bit too jammed with furniture. Very comfortable. And the location, just a short walk to the dramatic limestone cliffs and a small, beautiful beach in the central Algarve was perfect. Less than perfect? Just getting to and from the hotel on the narrow, winding one lane roads is an adventure. And unless you never want to explore the area, you have to drive in and out since there is nothing nearby. Also, this is a very family friendly resort, which is fine, but it does result in a lot of infants, toddlers and young children running around and crying in the restaurant/breakfast room, so anything but peaceful.