Pestana Blue Alvor Beach All Inclusive Hotel

“A brilliant return visit to the Pestana Blue Alvor Beach.”

Another lovely stay at the Pestana Blue Alvor Beach. We stayed at the hotel in May, when it had only just opened after its refurbishment. We had a great time but very much acknowledged the "teething problems" the hotel was trying to put right. Well, they have certainly done that. We had a lovely "w… lisää

Another lovely stay at the Pestana Blue Alvor Beach. We stayed at the hotel in May, when it had only just opened after its refurbishment. We had a great time but very much acknowledged the "teething problems" the hotel was trying to put right. Well, they have certainly done that. We had a lovely "welcome back"reception and it felt like visiting friends rather than staying in a hotel.We noticed improvements such as better food temperature control; food labelling had made progress (and we understand is being improved even further); pastel de natas at breakfast, more flavouring in cooked food. And the variety of food, the evening showpieces from a 100+ kg swordfish, to oysters, lobsters, langoustine, paella - it was excellent. Restaurant staff were always so helpful in answering my questions, I cannot fault them. Bar and snack van food was good, too. Other "improvements/additions" were small tables near the sun loungers around the pools, a drinks station near the infinity pool, in the afternoon a lady walking around handing out donuts to those interested, a special underground "base" for teenagers. Luigi's was excellent as well, Fuego a little less to our liking but we all have different tastes. The bars were always busy and bar staff always so very busy, cheerful and helpful. The hotel location is ideal, close to the beach and a 25 minute walk from the centre of Alvor. Rooms are lovely and you do not hear anything from your "neighbours" unless they are walking in the corridors. Room service was fine although we did have some "google translate" moments when our "bidet towel" had not been replaced. We certainly give the Pestana Blue Alvor Beach its five stars, facilities are excellent. The biggest strength of this hotel is its management and staff team, they are continuously striving to improving the hotel to ensure that you have a lovely holiday. Obrigada Carlos, Ines (reception), Ines and Vitor (restaurant) and all the others (not very good with names!). We hope to see you all next year.

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“Beautiful views”

Faro airport is not the best start to a holiday, but once everyone eventually struggled through after landing slightly late the transfer was just over an hour with 1 other short drop off stop. We didn't arrive until 10.30pm due to the length of time it took people to get through the chaotic airport… lisää

Faro airport is not the best start to a holiday, but once everyone eventually struggled through after landing slightly late the transfer was just over an hour with 1 other short drop off stop. We didn't arrive until 10.30pm due to the length of time it took people to get through the chaotic airport, and were hoping we might get a small snack, but to everyone's surprise the hotel reception staff said to leave your bags and go straight to the restaurant if you want as they had kept the buffet open late as they were aware of the late arrivals and the restaurant manager kept us updated as to when they were going to clear away sections of food. This was tremendous communication and showed great customer care, which continued throughout our time here. Everyone then could check-in after their meal which also prevented the usual long queue straight off the transfer bus. The lift system here is impressive as you scan your room key and a screen advises you the lift number A,B, C or D and the time it will take to arrive. The longest we waited was 40 seconds and mostly we didn't stop while going up and down to the 14th floor. Every high rise hotel needs this system! We had a lovely modern room with comfortable beds, a couch, a large bathroom but would have preferred just a walk in shower rather than an over bath one. There was also a mini fridge which was stocked daily with water and orange juice, a kettle with tea/coffee, a free room safe, air con, ceiling fan and a large tv. Our room was very clean, as was the whole hotel, and we had a lovely balcony with a view over the town of Alvor and the estuary. The next morning we went to explore the hotel and grounds and were very happy with what we found. There is a large main pool with lots of sun loungers, a bar with a concert room, an adults only infinity pool with Balinese beds as well as regular sun loungers a short walk away from the main pool. This is just far enough to be peaceful and you can help yourself to wine, water & orange juice from the large ice bin or walk a few minutes to the main bar if you want another drink. There are also plenty self service drinks stations for soft drinks and hot drinks around the hotel as well as a staffed burger/hot dog van which seemed to be open long hours. You get a beach towel card which can be exchanged at the kiosk near the main pool. There is a grassy fenced off area containing the kids club and another pool area. At the rear of the main pool area a gate, which is operated by your room key, takes you on a path 300 yards downhill to the beautiful beach and the excellent boardwalk which goes on for miles. You can also walk along the road in or out of the town by turning right out of the main hotel drive and then 1st left. This took us around 20mins then back by the boardwalk around 30mins. The main restaurant does get busy but the way it is laid out helps any congestion. Food is a personal choice and depends on your own tastes but I enjoyed the food as I like fish, salads and vegetarian dishes, of which there were always plenty. My husband prefers meat and he was sometimes disappointed as the meat was bony or tough. He did however love the cakes and pastries! There was always a cheese board and plenty fresh fruit too. Drinks are easily obtained as you just help yourself to bottles of water, wine, beer, soft drinks and hot drinks. If you like very hot food there is a microwave. We booked both of the a la carte restaurants the first day we got there as we were aware there is limited availability and we really enjoyed the Surf and Turf, however the Italian was a poor experience as there were many toddlers in there all screeching and needing nappy changes which is not pleasant for diners. I realise parents (being one myself!) want to eat in other restaurants but maybe the hotel should make the Surf & Turf baby/toddler free and make the Italian simply a family pizzeria, as it isn't far from that anyway. Small children have such a short attention span and are not usually happy sitting for over an hour in a high chair. The entertainment is low key for adults, comprising of singers in the Bubbles Bar, some better than others and there is also family entertainment near the main pool bar. It sometimes took a while to get a drink at the bars as the bar staff make the cocktails freshly and of course these take more time than a beer or wine. Perhaps the hotel could increase the staff number in Bubbles bar to keep everyone happy. On the whole we had an excellent, relaxing week here, thank you to all the hard working staff who looked after us and we hope to return.

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“To blue”

Late break for 2, previously read reviews with some scepticism, but we agree with other comments the staff in all departments really try to make your holiday work, hotel grounds and room really well maintained, short walk to the beach lovely , access to Alvor within 25 mins walk, rooms need walk in… lisää

Late break for 2, previously read reviews with some scepticism, but we agree with other comments the staff in all departments really try to make your holiday work, hotel grounds and room really well maintained, short walk to the beach lovely , access to Alvor within 25 mins walk, rooms need walk in showers not enclosed baths. The disappointment for us was the food, breakfast lunch and dinner all become very similar every day, salad bar including processed meats, no fresh cold cuts, rabbit stew !, some kind of beef stew, we also had many fish dishes including perch, hake and cod, limited children’s menu. I will try pretty much anything but at times struggled, we also went to the Italian really enjoyed that, nice to be waited on. Quality over quantity needs considering, ensuring the chicken and pork are cook and not raw. Cut the holiday short due to weather, but sorry we won’t go back.

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