Pestana Blue Alvor Beach - All Inclusive Hotel

You can not fail to be impressed by the stunning location. However, after a few days, the tired decor and cracks become more obvious. The decked area near the pool has loose and falling planks, a real safety hazard. This was undoubtedly 5 stars 10 years ago, but it's now overdue a face-lift. The apartment had a fabulous view, but the beds were lumpy. The staff are great and the daily room cleaning superb. Don't be put off booking one of the best locations in Alvor. I just hope Pestana give it a serious makeover this winter.

Overall, a nice hotel (probably 3.5/5 as someone else said), with great staff, which would be excellent all round with some minor changes. I’ll also say the weather was patchy during our stay, split equally between sunshine and torrential rain, which tends to influence any review! Upon arrival, after a near 2 hour coach transfer, it was clear our booking was missing, which was sorted quickly by reception, but also meant Tui hadn’t passed on our requests for a high floor room, a double bed, and a note that we were there for our wedding anniversary. We ended up on the very front of the hotel with a big double bed, and a pretty good view of the sea (which we had paid for anyway) and Lagos in the distance, but also only on the 3rd floor which meant we were on the very first tier of guest rooms, and just above Bubbles Bar. Fortunately for us the entertainment (the hotel’s term, not mine) finished at 11pm every night so we weren’t disturbed too much by the wailing from below. We didn’t get any special surprises for our anniversary, other than an afternoon of sun, but that was still a bonus! Onto some (hopefully) useful detail for others then, and apologies in advance for the length of this review. The bedroom was large and well furnished with a very comfortable bed, air con which we didn’t use, and a ceiling fan which ran silently to circulate air overnight without any disturbance. The patio was large with nice comfy chairs, a sofa and coffee table, and faced south-west so was lovely even when the weather was damp. The new patio doors kept out the weather and noise well other than the thumping from below. The bathroom was not so good, an odd shape, and despite a recent repaint was a bit mouldy in places and had a constantly running toilet and no forced ventilation. Guest services sent someone to fix the toilet but they failed in the task of a first-time fix – something that was very evident in other areas of the hotel as well. The staff overall worked really hard and were always obliging and happy to help with anything, but again as others have said are fighting a losing battle against the flow of guests. They simply need more staff in key areas, particularly the bars, with some big queues at times despite their best efforts to keep on top of things. Often it seemed one of the bar staff were off collecting clean glasses and more bottles from the store rather than serving – so simply having someone to help doing the general running around would make a massive difference. Cold drinks quality was generally excellent with branded spirits, nice beer, and reasonable wine, but it was sometimes a challenge to get the cocktails consistent (and even correct) due to the pressure they were operating under. No blame at all to the staff for that, and to be honest I tried a few things I wouldn’t normally drink as a result – so no issues for me. Coffee and tea on the other hand was hopeless, with lots of chasing around to find a machine that was working or

Clean friendly hotel, food is delicious, that being said Ignore the comments regarding the food being cold, when I stayed the food was hot, I can only presume people went to dinner later so it may not have been as hot as it was when the restaurant first opens up. The pool was cleaned daily, although it was freezing but I went end of season so likely to be warmer during peak season. Lovely boardwalk into the old town. Ideally situated, if preferred to travel to the old town Uber is your best bet it's around 4 euros. I would definitely come back

We’ve just got back from a lovely stay at the Pestana Blue. Check in was quick and easy, we were greeted with a glass of fizz and given our band so we could get some lunch whilst we waited for our room. We were there for our 35th Wedding Anniversary and were delighted to be offered an upgraded room with a balcony and lovely view, also a bottle of bubbly with 2 flutes and a smalll box of choc’s delivered to our room on the day which was a lovely touch. The food was great, lots to chose from at Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant , there is also a burger van by the pool and a cold lunch area next to the pool bar. The drinks were very good, lots to chose from (alcoholic and soft). We also ate in Luigi’s Italian restaurant, lovely food and great atmosphere! The staff are very friendly and are always there to help. Just felt that more bar staff were needed at Bubbles bar in the evenings. The hotel was extremely clean and well maintained. The lifts were great as they were linked to your room number so when you scanned your room card it took you straight to your floor. Pool area was spotless and always plenty of beds free. If you fancied something a bit quieter with a great view, you could go to the adults only pool. Air con was good and a ceiling fan if you wanted it too. If you fancied a bit of tv, there were a few English film channels to chose from. If you fancied it, you could walk to the town along a boardwalk down by the beach. There are a couple of bars on the way if you needed a pit stop. All in all we had a great stay and would definitely recommend this hotel.

Swift check in and we arrived after the restaurant shut and there were 3 plates of food waiting for us in the room. Room 818 very spacious and very comfortable beds. Storage great although a bigger shelf by the beds or a bedside cabinet would be an improvement. Although it was a great view from the balcony not sure the supplement was worth it. Bathroom, although functional could have done with a little updating. Fridge was re stocked each day as was tea and coffee. Room cleaned every day to a good standard. Pool area really good with more than enough sunbeds. No real issues with people reserving and not turning up. Can get windy in the afternoon and the pool was very cold. Restaurant was good with food available all day with the snack bar also. As with most all inclusives food became a little bit repetitive but if a good quality. Never a problem in sitting in the outside area for breakfast or evening around 8:30. The two onsite restaurants are worth booking although our favourite was Fuego’s. Great location, with a 25 min walk into Alvor along the boardwalk or an Uber about €6 Played 3 rounds of golf while here and originally booked direct with 2 Pestana courses but found it cheaper if you go through the hotel. All in all a great 10 day stay.

Great hotel, we spent a week here as a family of 3 with a 2 year old, unfortunately the kids club doesn’t start until age 4 but all the staff from the kids club would interact with our son daily especially Teresa and the kids club at night is great. Always a great option of food even for pickier eaters, always had a soup option as well. Fizzy drinks machine was a bonus to help yourself too and the bar had a great range of cocktails and branded spirits. The room was really spacious with a nice balcony and good bathroom size too. Would recommend to anyone thinking of going, pool can be a bit cold and there is an afternoon wind especially at the kids pool but it doesn’t deter from the hotel and the staff ensuring everyone can enjoy the activities they offer each day as well.