Aparthotel Balaia Plaza - Albufeira, Portugal 

4 star accomodation, very disappointing, rooms need sterlized, bathroom smells!!
Posted: Sat, Jun 14 2008
We read the reviews on this accomodation and were very impressed. But when we arrived we were most disappointed, the rooms are in need of a good cleaning, tiles filthy, bathroom smells awful, and in great need of decorating. We had no remote control for the television, and had no English channels on television, when we enquired we were told that they were pricing around for this, but after staying for a week, there was no developments. I would have rated this accomodation as a basic 3 star, definitely not 4 star! Overall Portugal is a beautiful place, people are so nice, and I will most certainly be returning in the future, but will choose other accomodation, and will take the trip advisor reviews very lightly.

Great holiday ......
Posted: Wed, Nov 21 2007
Just back from 7 days at the Balaia Plaza with our 2 children aged 9 & 5. We felt that this was a good clean hotel was well equipped and has larger than average apartments - balcony was huge. We did have to wait 3 hours for our room but had an early outward flight - on the flip side you can keep the room until 11:00am on departure day. Rooms have Sky TV although only Eurosport and CNN are in English. You can pay for a safety deposit box but we didn't bother. Room was cleaned every day but one. We had a lovely sea view although rooms at the front do overlook the road and a building site but this did not seem too noisy while we were there. There is a supermarket that was quite pricey and we preferred the shop at the sister hotel Balaia Golf (out of front, turn left and keep walking for 5-mins) not in terms of value but they had a better range and good croissants! There are larger and cheaper supermarkets in the area although we did not really use these as we were only having breakfast and rolls for our lunch hence didn't seem worth the hassle of doing a 'big shop'. Entertainment was a bit limp but we ate out every night so didn't use it much anyway. Outdoor pool is nice although as per usual sunbeds were in short supply and at one time I counted 17 in a row 'reserved' with just 3 occupied. The indoor pool is also pleasant and in October was useful given that the outdoor pool was pretty cold. There seems to be some sort of Timeshare promotion permanently going on downstairs although we were never bothered by anyone. The main downside is the walk to Albufeira new town and 'The Strip' where all the bars and restaurants are located. With the children this took 15 - 20 mins although for adults alone this would be 10 - 15 mins. That said, the walk helped our appetites and is along a well lit road with proper pavement although the road is a main one and is busy & fast. Also the hotel location is well away from the noise of the nightlife so it's pretty peaceful. There is a courtesy bus that runs to the new and old town during the day. Apparantly cabs are cheap although we did not use them. You can walk to the Old Town and this took about an hour but there are lots of bars along the way. Beach is about 10 mins walk using some steps and is sandy, clean and was quiet while we were there. We found lots of local bars / restaurants to eat for less than 40 Euros for 2 adults and 2 children with drinks. To be fair we ate cheaply but did not have a bad meal anywhere. I'd recommend the Coyote Bar (large beer 1 Euro) before the roundabout, the chinese after it on the left and Neto opposite the chinese (you'll know where this is when (if) you go there). Would we go back? Having never been anywhere twice I'd say no, but for no other reason. If the price was right for another short break then I would certainly think about it.