3HB Guarana - All Inclusive

This hotel is one of the best we have stayed in for a long time. The hotel was very clean and the rooms were very comfortable. Only downside was that we did not have a room overlooking the pools, but that is a minor issue. All staff were very friendly and helpful. Food was varied and plenty available. Eating earlier, meant there was not the usual congestion you would expect. The times when we did eat a bit later was busier but still not too bad. Having the option of eating inside or outside was nice and the staff that greeted us and took us to our table were always very polite and cheerful. Waiting staff were very efficient and polite. The whole dining experience was the best we have ever experienced for an all inclusive. Availability of sunbeds was good and the pools were busy but still had room for fun. The variety of pools for different aged children was excellent. We had 2 x 13 year old boys with us who spent all their time in the larger pool. But if you have really young children the pool and water splash area for younger children is perfect. The quieter pool near to the restaurant is ideal for couples. The entertainment team run a pool party on Saturday afternoon which was brilliant fun. The entertainment team work really hard both during the day and in the evening and you can get involved as much or as little as you like. As part of our hotel package we had 2 days at slide and splash and then we also went to Aqua show as well. If you want to go into Albufeira it is a 10 minute uber ride which costs about 7 euros one way. Definitely worth it for water sports and walking around Albufeira old town. Overall, we had a great week and will definitely look to go back.

Positives: Standard room was nice with fridge, (free) safe and refillable bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body cream so no need to bring your own. Be aware pool view rooms are above the evening entertainment which can be a bit loud at night. Food - loads of choice for kids and adults. I really don't think you can fault the food choice, variety was excellent. There are also 2 onsite buffet restaurants (Mediterranean & Oriental). Both free. We booked the day we arrived, they only do 2 sittings in the evening. Drinks - the self serve areas are brilliant, for water, fizzy drinks, juice, tea and coffee means you don't always have to go to the bar where there may be a queue. You're never short of food or drink. Cocktails and alcohol free flowing, all very good. Pool towels available no need to bring one (changed daily between 9.30-12 noon). Hotel entrance is really nice but you never see it (unless you have a room on the reception floor). Negatives: - Queuing in the main restaurant - this makes it feel like a school canteen and with little purpose. You have to get ticked off the list but don't need someone (from the animation team dressed as a pirate or fairy etc) to show you to a table, this causes a delay and a queue and really dampens the experience. The kids mini disco is right next to the outside dining area so you can't really have a nice dining experience because it's very loud with the kids having a great time. The indoor aesthetic of the restaurant isn't all that nice, canteen vibe with LED screens showing 'pizza', 'pasta' bar etc. - Pool - there are 3 outdoor pools (2 swimming, 1 splash) and a spa. It's the first time i've been to an all inclusive (or any hotel) that allows children under 16 in the free spa area (16+ for sauna or steam). This is just another extension for children. I wanted to swim lengths in the indoor pool but the jacuzzi and pool had small infants and children so I couldn't. This area is open to children but be aware you won't be able to do any 'actual' swimming here. I considered using the steam/sauna (but couldn't) as kids just use it and there's only space for 1-2 people max comfortably. - The hotel is mainly British rather than a mix of different cultures/nationalities. - Housekeeping - tidy room daily (bins emptied, beds made) but sheets are only changed every 3 days for eco/sustainability, I wasn't a fan of that. - Sunbeds - this hotel has SO many sunbeds, you can get one at any time of the day (tried & tested). I never sat by the main pool as they're just lined up in a row so you're lying next to someone else which felt a bit too close for comfort. Sunbed warriors reserve beds at the crack of dawn but there are loads (even whole areas by the splash pool) so no need to worry. - there is a retro gaming room and 2 pool tables in a room next to it. I love playing snooker/pool but the rooms were really dank, dark and smelt like feet that I couldn't bear to stay in them. -our shower was not great, inconsistent temper

Despite paying a decent amount of money (6.5k) for a semi-luxury holiday I would put the hotel at a 2* at best, rooms are clean and ok but very basic, no iron or ironing board, hairdryers etc, beds are not that comfortable. Food is ok if you like standard stuff, pizzas, burgers, hotdogs etc which luckily we do, but I think the more adventurous would find it disappointing. The swimming pool was freezing beyond anything I’ve experienced before in any other holiday, to the point you don’t want to get it. The entertainment is horrendous, I don’t know if the team has changed as or not but it was not a good experience. Same presentation every night and some nights just karaoke run from YouTube which, luckily, you cannot hear if you sit more than 3 rows from the front, the show put on by the entertainment team was chaotic and they didn’t seem to know who was doing what. It’s a half decent hotel if you’re expecting a half decent room and a bit of fast food, but would certainly not rate it as 4*, the Facebook group is clearly run by the hotel, any slightly negative comments are deleted or not published by the moderators. Overall disappointed, hence the ratio .

We stayed here for 1 week in July as a family of 4; 2 adults, an 11 year old and a 17 month old. I can honestly say it's a fantastic hotel overall. The hotel is very clean. A very welcoming and modern reception area. We were very lucky that we were able to early check in. The receptionist was a lovely young girl and she was great with the kids. We had a room on the 5th floor, with a gorgeous pool and sea view. It was a double room, with sofa bed and ready made cot on arrival. The room was cleaned daily and to a high standard. The toiletries smelled amazing. Our only small complaint is, we would've liked the room to be cooler. We requested the maintenance team to look at our air conditioning and we were told it was working. Unfortunately, our baby room thermometer was saying otherwise.. The poolside was amazing. Different pools around the grounds. There wasn't a rush for sunbed reservation. We always managed to get 3 sunbeds together no matter time of day. The staff were constantly tidying the area. The food is honestly one of the best all inclusive hotels we have ever had, we were stuck for choice! Our family does not have any dietary requirements, but our children had full stomachs every meal! The high chairs were always clean, with their own wee table in front (like IKEA). I'd recommend bringing your own plate, bowl and cutlery for toddlers! The staff were friendly, quick to help and tidy. Drinks were a great choice. Beer, wine, sangria and soft drinks all available. Branded drinks included - Havana rum, beefeater gin, ballatines whisky to name a few. Cocktails were good, some better than others of course! All staff throughout the hotel were fantastic, particularly with the kids. Very friendly and always very helpful! The hotel area is ok, great for families in my opinion. Shops, bars and restaurants all within walking distance. Not a busy area compared to other resorts mind you. All in all, we had a fantastic holiday. I'd recommend staying here, particularly for families! Thanks 3HB Guarana!