Pestana Blue Alvor Beach - All Inclusive Hotel

Stayed here for 14 nights end May, not long after the hotel had reopened after refurbishment. We weren’t really sure what to expect, having read some mixed reviews. We arrived at around 01.00 on our first night. It was lovely to see a selection of cold meats, cheese, bread and fruit in our room. Lovely size of room, obviously newly refurbished and bright and airy with large bathroom. Unfortunately the old bath had been kept with shower over the bath and made the whole room look much shabbier. Large comfy bed, plenty of storage, safe and mini fridge – replenished water and fruit juices every day, tea and coffee making facilities. Small balcony with 2 chairs and a table and sea view. Some toiletries available, but I had taken my own. Rooms always kept clean, as were communal areas. Very strange modern lift system. Not the most attractive of hotels, being high rise, but well-kept gardens and two swimming pools and children’s pool. The large pool was surrounded by padded sun loungers and in our 2nd week they were replacing these. Also plenty of sun loungers on the grass and around the smaller pool and children’s pool area. We certainly never had a problem finding one. Access to the sandy beach via a path (quite steep in places) where there were a few restaurants/bars. Also access to the walkway to go into Alvor or you could arrange a taxi at reception easily into Alvor, although sometimes coming back was more of a problem. Swimming pools were very cold – too early in the season. Food on the whole was good and we didn’t really tire of it – good choice and always replenished. Sparkling wine available for breakfast. Very friendly staff. Excellent selection of breakfast. Hot drinks a bit hit and miss. Plenty of machines but with the volume of people using them, they would be empty and I often got hot chocolate when I wanted cappuccino! Usually plenty of seating but at weekends and Portugal public holidays it was far too crowded. Lunch and evening buffets also good. Sometimes waiter service for wine or else they would leave ice buckets full near the service areas. They had lovely soups but never any soup spoons – only tablespoons and teaspoons were hardly to be seen! Bubbles bar was a nice place for a pre-dinner drink. Tried to get a booking for Gaucho, but didn’t manage. We did book the Italian but wouldn’t ever go back. Can quite honestly say the risotto was disgusting – unbelievably salty – although the service was good! The entertainment was only really for children and Portuguese but give them full marks for trying! Some of the songs weren’t known in the UK. Occasionally one of the restaurant managers played his saxophone, which was great! We’re not great ones for entertainment, anyway – preferred to take drinks back to the room and sit on the balcony. All in all, we had a very enjoyable stay, and I would definitely consider coming back, although value for money is questionable when it's so busy.