Pestana Blue Alvor Beach - All Inclusive Hotel

Hotel rooms have been remodeled but bathrooms have not been touched years. Old plumbing - we had no hot water first night. Mechanic came out and said we have to let the water run for at least 20 minutes to get barely warm water. At the buffet, limited options and dirty plates and silverware. Management unfortunately not helpful

The location and view was excellent but the property itself is very run down. Dirty/stained towels and linen were provided. The plumbing in the bathroom is very outdated. First night there we had no hot water. Called maintenance and they sent someone over. We were told that we needed to leave the water running for 20 min to get hot water. Ran for 30 min and got luke warm water to take shower with. Second night toilet kept running and making noise. Limited food options and dirty plates at the buffet. Extremely long lines at the bar. Wait time to get drinks can exceed 15 minutes at the two bars. They tell you there are restaurants on property which are included with all inclusive but when you get to the hotel there are all kinds of restrictions and its impossible to make a reservation unless you are staying for more 7 days or more. Even though you pay the hotel directly they refuse to offer any compensation. Find a different property to stay in if you do not wish to have your vacation ruined.

This is our first time in Portugal. The most chilled resort we've been in. Check in was delayed and food had already been sent to our room, much appreciated. Rooms are spotlessly clean, beds very comfortable. Excellent balcony area. Helpful staff. The most awesome food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Only recommendation would be for more outdoor staff to be on tidy up duty round the pool area, more bar staff would also make it even smoother.

Positives- Lovely quiet location with lovely beach (Hill down to beach and a walk to shops) Clean and nicely decorated hotel with comfy beds and furniture in rooms and bar areas Good choice of food and drink- swordfish was amazing! No flies or wasps I like that English isn't fluent for some staff Oh Negatives- Unlike other reviews my husband who is lactose and gluten intolerant struggled- we had to ask at each meal and the wait for an alternative was too long, better to have these items available in a separate area of the buffet (clearly labled) The hotel got very busy during our week stay so the usual battle for sun loungers began and we opted to pay additional for the sun beds The pool bar did get busy- needs 2 staff Tables were a bit slow to be cleaned in the buffet but the staff work hard When not at full occupancy it was perfect! *******- No welcome drink given The fridge in our room didn't work Our balcony was shady ....take your own hairdryer!

A big thank you to all the staff at Pestana Blue Alvor Beach hotel for a great all inclusive holiday. We booked two days before departure to escape the UK weather and we couldn’t have been happier. A lovely modern room on floor 11 with balcony and sea views. The breeze off the Atlantic and clear blue skies resulted in perfect weather. We loved the location and enjoyed long walks along the boardwalk into Alvor and also to the lighthouse at the mouth of the estuary. Lots of people out walking and jogging in the early morning sunshine so bring your trainers. A lovely long sandy beach in one direction and hidden rocky coves in the other. We explored the wooded area above the cliffs to the east of the hotel and viewed the spectacular rock formations and inaccessible coves. A little further along the coast is Praia do Vau and we walked from there along the beach to the marina at Portimão, probably only possible at low tide. The hotel has recently been refurbished and the reception area with its restful underwater video playing and water feature were lovely. The small but well equipped gym was quiet and inspired us to try the weights which we’ll continue at home. The food was good and the restaurant was never too busy. The restaurant staff were polite and attentive. Some impressive displays in the restaurant of roast pig one day and on another, a huge swordfish (or maybe marlin) being expertly dismembered for cooking. I wish we’d taken a photo. The wines, cocktails and beer were all good. The poolside bar provided an excellent buffet as an alternative to lunch in the restaurant as did the burger van. The hotel, pools and gardens were clean and well maintained. An adult only infinity pool with lawns, trees and some welcome shade on our recliners suited us. Paulo, the TUI rep was always friendly and visible unlike reps at some hotels we’ve been to. A €11 taxi ride into Portimao dropped us by the harbour and the taxi driver helpfully pointed out the taxi rank for the return journey and several places of interest. Highly recommended is a visit to the museum (€3) which is in a building which was originally a sardine processing and canning factory and which has been preserved intact with excellent displays showing the history of this industry once vital to the Portuguese economy. We’ve recently visited both Spain and several Greek islands but, for us, Portugal is the winner and we’ll be back later in the year.