Pestana Alvor South Beach Hotel

Our Take

Look up the definition of 'crowd-pleaser' and you'll probably find the name of this hotel. Well, maybe not, but it's definitely up there. The chilled pool area and super-friendly staff had us feeling at home from the get-go, although the complementary G&T we had thrust at us on arrival probably had something to do with that. Just a little. This place is a foodie's paradise (we're talking pastéis de nata for breakfast), and a golfer's haven, if you fancy a swing. You'll be so laid-back here you'll practically be horizontal (preferably reading a book on one of their comfy Bali beds). Need we go on?

Hotel highlights

• Complementary welcome drink (choose from a G&T, small beer or soft drink)

• Chilled-out entertainment: think sunset DJs and live singing by the pool

• Located right on the boardwalk

• Incredible breakfast buffets with nutritious options

Location

• Moments from the beach for that sand-between-the-toes feeling

• 50 minutes by car from Faro Airport

• Just a stroll along the boardwalk to...

  • The charming Alvor fishing village

  • Incredible seafront restaurants serving even-more-incredible seafood

Rooms

• Coastal, quirky and oh-so-comfortable

• Expect in every room...

  • Cooling air conditioning

  • LED TV

  • FREE Wi-Fi

  • Mini bar with free welcome drinks pack (refill at extra charge)

  • Bathrobes and slippers for those comfy, cosy room-service kind a' days

  • Tea and coffee making facilities

  • Electronic safe

  • Handy toiletries - there's even a shoe shining sponge, what more could you need?!

  • Hairdryer

  • Pool towels

• Deluxe Pool View - the closest rooms to the swimming pool! Located on the ground floor with a terrace and your own sunbeds

• Superior Deluxe Pool View - these rooms have a glass-walled bathroom so you can look out on the view whilst you're in the tub (don't worry, there's a curtain too!)

• Deluxe Sea View - open-plan rooms located on the top floor. These rooms don't have balconies but their floor-to-ceiling windows and gigantic bathtubs more than make up for it! Please be aware that these rooms are not suitable for guests with reduced mobility, as they are accessed via a set of stairs.

• Suite - these rooms overlook the natural landscape and dunes and come with a separate living area and furnished balcony or terrace

• Double Suite Sea View - get the best view of the sea, plus an extra living space and a furnished balcony or terrace

• Suite Duplex - two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living area are set over two floors, with a balcony overlooking the pool and sea

Good to know...

• On arrival, you can sign up for a Pestana membership (for free!) to get 10% off at the hotel's Sea Deck and Sunset Bar

• If you've got crinkly clothes from travelling, you can ask for an iron and ironing board from reception

Food & Drink

• The Sea Deck - casual restaurant and snack bar serving unbelievable fish dishes, plus pizzas, fries and salads for lunch and dinner

• Sunset Bar - poolside bar, mixing up frozen cocktails and jugs of sangria as well as your standard G&Ts and (remarkably cheap) crisp, cool beers

• The breakfast buffet is served in the indoor-outdoor living space, with coffees made-to-order from the Sunset Bar

• Pssst! They serve delicious Portuguese Pastéis de Nata every day at breakfast. These little custard tarts are to die for. We couldn't help but fill our boots! Try them with a little bit of natural yoghurt and an orange slice - you'll thank us.

Sports & Entertainment

• Triple-tiered outdoor pool - the best bit about this is you'll nearly always get a whole pool to yourselves!

• Baby pool - little ones have their own shallow pool to splash about in

• Outdoor showers for washing sandy toes

• Bali Beds with adjustable covers for chasing the sun (or the shade!)

• Shop - get your beach bags and holiday essentials at this little shop, located at the hotel's Sea Deck

• Watersports can be booked at reception (extra charge)

• The DJ brings chilled-out vibes to the pool every Saturday night

• Golfers can book a round at one of the Pestana Golf Courses, with transportation, through reception (extra charge)

Accessibility

• One accessible guest room on the ground floor

• Accessible public toilet on the ground floor

• Lift servicing all floors

• Please enquire directly with the hotel for more details

Portuguese Touristic Companies Registry (RNET) number: 6615