I do not recommend this hotel. I stayed for two nights for my nephew's wedding and was very disappointed. I booked through American Express, and there was no mention of any additional charge for a baby--especially since we didn't request an extra bed. However, the front desk initially said there would be a $35 fee, but they ended up charging $90 without a clear explanation. It felt like they were making up prices on the spot. Although this is supposed to be a 5-star hotel, there was no iron provided, and the hangers were of such poor quality that they almost ruined my silk dress. Overall, it was not a pleasant experience. One more important note: My nephew's shoes were stolen while we were at the hotel's private beach. Please be extra cautious with your belongings. Keep your door locked at all times, and I would advise against requesting housekeeping during your stay. read more

VidaMar Hotels & Resorts - Resorts Near Me - Albufeira, 20

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This is a great hotel, location is only 30ish minutes from the airport. The hotel is next to a very sunny beach and has its own pools. The rooms are fresh and well maintained. The food in the main restaurant is good and a wide range of food which changes daily. If you are having dinner prepare yourself to the weird way to order and receiving drinks, from our experience it normally involved three or four staff members. read more

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Our stay was short, unfortunately, but our experience was nothing short of excellent. We arrived in the evening and were greeted at the resort promptly and with a smile. The guest reception was very efficient and rather then go to the room we went straight to the Italian restaurant and pizzeria at the resort. It was incredible. They have a display where I picked my fish. I ordered Dover sole grilled and charred octopus. Both dishes were incredible. We drank a nice bottle of Portuguese wine and this all coupled with fabulous friends made the evening to short. The next morning we rose early and went to the buffet. I admit, being from Vegas I know a good buffet. So I was a bit critical. We entered the short line and were asked our room number then sat in minutes. Looked a little intimidating at first. Very large. But as soon as I got my bearings it was a breeze. My good morning always starts with the morning coffee. And this I liked. Rather then stand around for a server the coffee maker was one of those big machines. Grab a cup, pick your style, me I had a cappuccino, and give it 45 seconds and wala. Perfect morning coffee. Then I went to the buffet. Or should I say, cornucopia of food choices. Everything you could imagine. I chose crepes with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, ham, and a couple other items. All hit and fresh and great. Two thumbs up for the breakfast buffet. Then we spent the afternoon exploring the property. I loved how the trailers were all made out of wood and we had the opportunity to walk to the beach without trampling over the beautiful natural surroundings. The pool was beautiful and the size of an American football field. There were private adult pools and kid pools. All top notch. The spa was ultra modern and stylish. The rooms were the same. The beds are firm and the pillows soft. Just as I like it. I slept like a rock. This area of Portugal is quite stunning in beauty, but it's just another place unless you get to enjoy the true experience of a great holiday which is great service, great accommodations and great people. That is what you get at this fantastic resort. Hats off to the Vida mar Algarve. read more

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With very very good customer service this could be a 5 star. But unfortunately it doesn't have good Customer service. The location: it's great - 30 minutes from Faro airport, next to the beach, next to quite a few points of interest like Guia, Albufeira, Portimao. The amenities: rooms were not properly cleaned, we got room 374 which needs painting due to spots all over the bathroom wall. Space Wise they're ok and they have a terrace if you like to chill! The swimming pools are great - one of the best features for us and our little one. Could be a little better maintained though, but ok - great standard. It did not have a permanent life guard, and the changing rooms are nowhere to be seen - there Re some dirty bathrooms with lights that shutdown every 2 seconds... The restaurants: I'll split into two categories: the self-service buffet, where people trample each other for "exquisiteries" like ice cream and croissant (sarcasm for the distracted reader). The food is still great I must say with a great grill for fish and meat. The second category I leave for the Japanese and Italian restaurants: both outstanding in quality and service. A nice wine list to go with it featuring mostly portuguese wines. The Japanese is a bot overpriced but still great quality and service! We didn't explore the activities but there seemed to be lots going on. I did try to book a golfing range and it seems surprising the nearest one that they have contact with is 20 miles away and the other one demands for you to bring you own balls (laughable strategy). The service: the piece the resistance which turns a 4&1/2 into a 3 star hotel. Not enough training - inexperienced temp staff that take 20 minutes to get soy milk. That tell you no and don't even bother to try and find a solution for your problem. There were exceptions of very polite and welcoming employees but very few with the moat of them almost herding you around - this is supposed to be a 5 star - not a cheap follow the pack holiday. Which is why you then question things like - you can only change towels before 2pm but still have two guys there just to tell you that. Or why do you limit reservations to the restaurants till 5pm to then find out they were empty. And of course why they charge 50 euros to the airport with a baby chair when it should cost 20. Or the tablet in The room that requires you to use a login/pw that doesn't work. All in all, you expect a 5 star service to make sure you fulfil your holiday goal - rest, party, experience, but it seems like Vidamar expect you to fit their processes instead of enabling you to enjoy your holidays. PS: the beach, food and swimming pools saved the holiday! read more

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