Hotels near Banks island, Alvor

We chose Alvor for our first visit to Portugal and booked this hotel. The hotel is in a great location by the beach, which is what we wanted. There’s a lift to the beach but we used the stairs, a short walk down. The views from the hotel were fantastic and the communal areas of the hotel are fabulous. Breakfast was good, with a wide selection of choice. The breakfast staff are very attentive - definitely 5* when it comes to breakfast. However, the overall maintenance of the hotel isn’t 5*, the A/C doesn’t work and the rooms clearly need a bit of TLC to warrant the star rating it claims to hold. Overall our stay was great but the facilities didn’t equate to the cost. The staff do an excellent job but are let down by poor investment into the hotel.

Currently still here! Beautiful hotel, so spotlessly clean, modern rooms and great facilities. The Italian Restaurant is incredible - a huge shoutout to Carlos who made the evening even better with great service and recommendations. The food is stunning. A few things we feel would make it the 5* that it is - better food facilities (buffet) , more staff is an absolute must, to clear plates serve at the bar and keep things ticking over quickly and efficiently. More information needed at check in regarding restaurant bookings, the hotel and surrounding areas. The potential of this hotel is amazing just needs a little more effort. We are having a wonderful stay, the above is not a negative- just a few things that need adjusting to make this hotel a real 5*. Thank you again! Lauren & family

We stayed in the Alvor Atlantico Hotel for nearly three weeks and would recommend. We had a Studio Superior, with a Sea View. We were on the 7th floor and the view was absolutely beautiful, we could see all of the beach from the beach at the Atlantida Restaurant to the very end. It was lovely to wake up to. The hotel itself was very quiet, there's no bar, there is an indoor pool, which we didn't use and it was also very clean. The Studio was well equipped with a 2 ring cooker, fridge and plates and cutlery, we had a problem with the cooker and the kettle which was sorted out for us, no problem. We had one rainy day when we didn't fancy going into Alvor, you can book dinner (or breakfast) in the Dom Joao Hotel, which we did for the one night, it was only a 5 minute walk away. It was buffet style but was very good. It's a 20 minute walk into the harbour or centre of Alvor on the boardwalk which was a nice way to start the evening. We will definitely stay here again. The beds were comfortable, a bit hard for my personal liking, the shower was good with plenty of pressure, so all in all would recommend.

Excellent and complete service, even in a low season when one could assume a decrease in the quality and availability of services. On the contrary!! Kindness and total availability, as well as the operation of the facilities. An experience to be repeated, perhaps at another time of year.

I would love to give this place a poor review to put people off going so I could keep it for myself but that would be doing the staff a real disservice. I can't fault this place at all- the place was spotless inside and out and the rooms were well equipped with fridge ,safe and air conditioning and lovely hot showers. The breakfast had something for everyone and changed each day. The staff are the real star of the show though and nothing is too much trouble. We mentioned we were looking for worry beads and the next thing we knew one of the waitresses at breakfast went across the street and brought back a selection for us to choose from and purchase from the shop opposite. Special mention to Ioanna who was so friendly and up for a laugh she really made our holiday. Great Central location but quiet with a lovely small pool and pool area. Can't wait to come back!

We have just spent a week here, and enjoyed everything about the hotel. * It is spotlessly clean everywhere; rooms serviced daily, to an exceptional standard, with fresh linen and towels. * We stayed B&B - exceptional value for money- worth every penny. We liked the breakfast room- some reviews imply that it’s an unwelcoming space - but we didn’t find that. Hot breakfast offerings- kept replenished and very well presented and again spotlessly clean and high standards observed. Continental options and good selection of bread and pastries. Nice coffees and fresh juices. A huge thank you to the team in the breakfast room- super polite, friendly and efficient- true service with a smile - EVERY morning (apologies- we didn’t get your names). * Reception team - very welcoming and friendly, again always service with a smile. Sasha helped us get a taxi to a restaurant and always had a smile on her face - she is a credit to the hotel as “front of house “. *We stayed in room 306 - has a balcony facing the back of the hotel overlooking the pool. Very comfortable self catering- enough for light lunch preparation. Bathroom excellent. Beds comfortable. Decor clean, fresh, well coordinated and modern design. Went with jet2 and air con/safe included in price and very effective keeping us warm this time of year! Room is good size for a couple. The only negative is the lack of English TV channels- wouldn’t usually be a problem for us - but we had inclement weather and would have given us a distraction in our room for “bad weather days “. * fantastic location- walk through car park opposite hotel and you’ll find all the bars, restaurants and shops within 5mins. The boardwalk is amazing and the beaches/coastal walks are spectacular. Alvor is a beautiful place and we will definitely return in the warmer months to see it in all its glory. * This will definitely be our hotel of choice on our return- due to the welcoming staff, high standards of hygiene, amenities and locality - thank you to the whole team for a lovely stay

Huge improvement in the last few years. We have been coming to Penina for the last 12 years. Just post Covid, the hotel and golf courses were very run down. (Like many hotels so not unique). The recovery to great service now is impressive. The hotel has not been rebuilt or even redecorated but is much ‘fresher’ and a pleasant place to spend your holiday. The Championship Course is much improved and probably only one more season from being back to great condition. The Resort Course is much improved over this year. Four temporary greens whilst the original greens are relaid. Fairways quite good but tee boxes need attention. Having said that, the price to play has been reduced to compensate and the golf staff made sure you understood that the course is having work before you sign up. The par-3 course no longer exists and there seems no sign that it’s coming back. A web search shows the par-3 as still being advertised. The Gym is still an asset. Bit old but good enough for a rounded work out. Now the gem in the crown and the most improved area is in staff attitude, friendliness and helpfulness. Front desk is very welcoming and efficient. Dolores was ever present and helpful. Bar and Henry Cotton staff are likewise, friendly and efficient. Breakfast is great, choice and quality of food has improved from adequate to very good. Someone is clearly on top of the offer and service. Staff quantity increased and all seem happy and helpful. Golf Shop and Caddy Master group are also great and a joy to interact with. Overall, my opinion…. A 5* hotel that is really a 4* hotel with 5*+ staff. Definitely on the right trajectory getting back to its best. The key to the next level of offer is to finish off the Henry Cotton golf course and get the Resort Couse back to great condition.