|
Eat and sleep |
Other opinions
|
|
|
|
|
A Ruína |
|
Persistent presence
This restaurant is part of my old memories of Albufeira. I've been there more than 40 years ago, eating a tuna stake, when it was... expensive. Lots of alternatives were open since then, and I don't visit it for a long time. Still good? Still expensive? Maybe, but still standing there after all these years, and that is its best certificate. |
|
Cafe Oceano |
|
In the best place
Usually, I skip restaurants in first line of the beach; some of them sell views instead of food, some other include the "view tax" in the invoice. This time I accepted the risk, and choose a restaurant by the sea, in the old fisherman's beach. Well, the food was good and, if the "views tax" was included, it was not excessive, so, the general impression was positive. Favorite Dish: Mixed grilled fish |
|
Real Belavista |
|
To return
I didn't stay there, but a couple of Canadian friends did. We visited them at night, and spent a great time listening to popular music played... exactly as it should be in a hotel lobby. Our friends enjoyed the hotel, and, if we go back to Albufeira accepting to stay far from the sea, this will be one of the first options. Address: Cl Rua Do Estadio S/N, , Albufeira, Distrito de Fa Phone: +351 289 540 060 Website: http://www.realbellavista.realhotelsgroup.com |
|
Fernando |
|
OK for fish
All esplanades in Albufeira are full, except Fernando's. Why? Because it's more expensive than its neighbors. It tries to justify the difference with a better menu and service, and honestly, it is somewhat different. Better? Well... it depends.I was tired of eating fish, and decided to taste one of my favorite dishes - pork with clams, Alentejo style. I was surprised by an unexpected dish of pickles and chips, with some pieces of pork and clams in it. The result was interesting, but absolutely different of the announced recipe. The other people in the group enjoyed their meals, and the bill was high as usual in the speculative Algarve. Favorite Dish: Grilled Fish Address: Largo Engº Duarte Pacheco Phone: 351 289 512 116 |
|
Monica Isabel hotel |
|
Controversial
I saw this hotel in January, and was fascinated by its location. I took note, and in the first opportunity decided to book it. Before going I read all that I found about it, and it frightened me. So many terrible things... The truth in detail: The location is good: though built in the silly maze of Areias de São João, once found the way, the access is |
not bad, parking always possible (in June, remember!), and the sea very near.
The hotel is mainly french speaking, and, at the time we were there, full of mainly senior people.
No problem for us, used to be abroad in our own country when visiting Algarve, and speaking French as badly as English. (Fernanda was sick, and that stopped us from joining the dancing group in the lobby. It was a pity, because, used to be grand daddies in our dancing group, we would be junior in that team!)
The apartments were OK, with a good balcony with views to... the bushes. The big problem was that, as usual, we got the last one in the line, and moving along the stupid corridor, with 30 steps up and 32 down to brake the monotony, was boring (and tiring with luggage).
I saw a tiny TV set upon the wardrobe and an air-conditioning device in the wall, but had no idea if they worked or not, because... there was no control. Someone told me that I should collect them in the reception, but, God, making twice the terrible corridor to get something that they could easily deliver when checking in? Is it forbidden to think, or no respect for clients?
Breakfast was another criticized aspect of the hotel: it was not so bad as expected, except the so called "orange juice", a real shame. Not good, indeed, but I had worse for more money!
The beach is wide, with thin white sand, really attractive. I didn't swim, but could notice some hidden rocks in the water, advising a good care choosing the area to enter it. A very good point is the short distance and the ease to walk along the beach to the centre of Albufeira. That's it: location is excellent!
Conclusion:
What can I say? It is Algarve, in its main "quality": price ahead of service. Would I return? Maybe! The alternatives in first line of the sea are not many, and use to cost more.
Unique Qualities: LocationPrice
Address: Forte De São João 8200-325, Albufeira, PT
Phone: +351 289 599 200
Website: http://www.monicaisabelresort.com
The hotel is mainly french speaking, and, at the time we were there, full of mainly senior people.
No problem for us, used to be abroad in our own country when visiting Algarve, and speaking French as badly as English. (Fernanda was sick, and that stopped us from joining the dancing group in the lobby. It was a pity, because, used to be grand daddies in our dancing group, we would be junior in that team!)
The apartments were OK, with a good balcony with views to... the bushes. The big problem was that, as usual, we got the last one in the line, and moving along the stupid corridor, with 30 steps up and 32 down to brake the monotony, was boring (and tiring with luggage).
I saw a tiny TV set upon the wardrobe and an air-conditioning device in the wall, but had no idea if they worked or not, because... there was no control. Someone told me that I should collect them in the reception, but, God, making twice the terrible corridor to get something that they could easily deliver when checking in? Is it forbidden to think, or no respect for clients?
Breakfast was another criticized aspect of the hotel: it was not so bad as expected, except the so called "orange juice", a real shame. Not good, indeed, but I had worse for more money!
The beach is wide, with thin white sand, really attractive. I didn't swim, but could notice some hidden rocks in the water, advising a good care choosing the area to enter it. A very good point is the short distance and the ease to walk along the beach to the centre of Albufeira. That's it: location is excellent!
Conclusion:
What can I say? It is Algarve, in its main "quality": price ahead of service. Would I return? Maybe! The alternatives in first line of the sea are not many, and use to cost more.
Unique Qualities: LocationPrice
Address: Forte De São João 8200-325, Albufeira, PT
Phone: +351 289 599 200
Website: http://www.monicaisabelresort.com
|
Pampas steakhouse |
|
Good esplanade and lunch Fernanda wanted to stay in the sun; I wanted the shade; hard situation until we saw Pampas esplanade. We sat at the edge of the shade and had a surprisingly good meal. I say "surprisingly" because, from outside, it seemed a fast food restaurant. Well... it isn't! Everything was perfect, and the price very acceptable for Albufeira standards.I will remember it! Favorite Dish: Atum à algarviaEspetada de Camarão |
|
Paraíso de Albufeira hotel |
