Nica “Nini” Smith
Not For Solo Female Travellers
I decided to treat myself for mother's day with a 2 night trip to Portugal. After previously visiting Albuferia, I decided the quiet town of Tavira would be nice.
I booked breakfast and dinner. I usually travel all inclusive, but for a 2 night trip didn't feel this was necessary. Upon arrival to the hotel there were other guests in front of me checking in. They got offered welcome drinks, when it was my turn I did not get offered a welcome drink. My only guess to why I never got offered a welcome drink is because I did not book all inclusive. This is my own opinion, but it lets other guests know they are not as important as they have not booked this option. In my previous experience of being all inclusive I've not had a hotel offer welcome drinks. But as I said this is only guess, I do not know the reason, I did not enquire as to why I was not offered a drink.
As a solo female aside from one member of waiting staff, I did not feel welcome nor unwelcome, just a weird feeling. Fortunately this is not my first time travelling alone, if it was it would make me apprehensive about solo travel again. The thought never occurred to me that hotels do not know how to make solo travellers feel comfortable.
The hotel room was fine, it could have been cleaner. The bed was uncomfortable.
I also did not realise when you book half board a drink is not included with dinner, since as this was my first time going half board. I found this fact out on my second night of dinner. I got upset with how the waiter approached me about and it ruined my appetite. I went and spoke to the assistant manger John David, who actually was very helpful and accommodating.
The food in the hotel was not bad. The buffet is very small. I do not eat meat, so for the dinner time there is only one vegetarian choice. Luckily the choice I had it was nice.
The town is a lovely town, if I was to go back to Tavira, I would not stay at this hotel again.
D A
An absolutely incredible hotel! From the moment I arrived, the staff went over & above to make my stay the most comfortable, and definitely memorable experience, again. That's what brings me back each time. The genuine warmth of every team member makes you feel like your a part of the AP family. The bond between them all is very obvious...signs of excellent management. They know how to make you feel truly special, and appreciated as a guest. Add to that, all the amenities you could want, and just a short walk to the historic downtown. You'll enjoy incredible views of Tavira, all the way to the ocean, and the rooftop lounge is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, complete with stunning Tavira sunsets. I highly recommend this wonderful hotel, it's always the best and most unforgetable experience.
Phil Penning
Excellent value for money and a great choice for a golf trip. The rooms are very comfortable, the restaurant is superb, and the breakfast is particularly impressive. There are a couple of pleasant bars to enjoy, the staff are professional and welcoming, and the hotel is spotless. It’s also in a good location with easy access into town.
Geraldine O'Hara
Lovely hotel and staff. Very helpful and kind. Good breakfast buffet. Excellent rooftop bar with good view of Tavira. Bar snacks limited range and a bit expensive. Some parts of the hotel a bit tattered- leaking pipes on main terrace, peeling paint in a few places. But overall very good and excellent location for walking down into town.
Penny Lane
Wonderful hotel and staff. They try really hard to make it a nice stay, from the welcoming glass of wine to the delicious, generous breakfast and piano player at breakfast, flowers on Sundays for the ladies, this place is great and a great value.
Great beds, duvets, balconies, USB ports on each side of bed, great shower, large towels, nice staff, great Turkish bath and sauna. Great value, close to everything.
