Lagunamar Hotel

“ Lagunamar is more than a hotel. It is a 5 storey complex of apartments but set out as a hotel. There is the main reception which is open 24 hours a day and in-house bar and restaurant. The apartments are just amazing. My wife and I stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment which is fully equipped for self catering should you wish. There is a large bedroom with huge and comfortable bed and a TV. The wardrobe contains a safe. The bathroom is exquisite with shower over bath, bidet and washbasins. Towels were renewed every day. The kitchen had all mod cons including oven and microwave. The lounge/dining room was huge and comfortable with a balcony which had table and chairs. Our room had a pool view but you could also see the lagoon and the sea beyond. The whole apartment was spotlessly clean and was cleaned each day during our stay. The whole apartment had air conditioning which was really effective. We had booked to stay half board so quickly became familiar with the Rouge Restaurant. Breakfast is a self serve, buffet style which you can visit as often as you wished. A full range of cooked breakfasts were available and kept warm in covered, heated compartments. There was a big range of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, fruit drinks, cheese, ham, breads and sweet cakes. A toaster was available should you wish to toast bread. Butter, marmalades and jams were available in endless supplies. Tea or coffee was delivered to your table by one of the friendly and hugely efficient staff. All of the waiting staff spoke excellent english. The evening meals were excellent with a choice of a fish or meat dish each day. Soup and a dessert were included. Daniella and Vanda were our waitresses and went out of their way to deliver a 1st class, friendly service. We stayed to celebrate our Silver Wedding and the staff were able to supply an absolutely amazing floral arrangement which was secreted into our apartment to surprise my wife. Everything about the hotel and the staff were excellent. The outdoor swimming pool is large but unheated. There is a heated indoor pool which has a jacuzzi within its building. There is also a gym and a steam room. We could not have wished for better. As with other reviews I have read, I would endorse the fact that you do really need to have a car when you visit. The beach is within walking distance but would probably take about 20 mins. The car ride was a mere 3mins. The nearest shops were approx 2km away but were an exceptional shopping mall and well worth the visit. The nearest town is Almancil which has a full range of shops and services. I Have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to ANYONE but with a car for transport.

“ Top Tip: The beach was very good with some really good bars and restaurants just behind the dunes. The shopping mall approx 2km away had a full range of modern boutiques, restaurants and cafes. I would recommend the Irish Bar which is situated at one end of this complex. Amazingly I found parking in Portugal to be mainly free but this mall does charge a minimal fee.

“ Excellent Hotel, clean, spacious, nice breakfast, nice pool.

“ We had a two bedroomed apartment at the hotel. The rooms were a good size and we had lovely views from all the windows and the balcony. The only weakness were the beds.

We had half board and although it was nice not having to go out to eat, the food was only average.

I would stay here again but next time I would only book the breakfast.

“ Top Tip: Vale do Lobo is the nearest beach but if you have a car the restaurants on Vale do Garrao beach are good value.