Oceano Atlantico Apartments

“ EXCELLENT FOR THOSE WHO GO SELF-CATERING, APARTMENT CLEAN & MODERN WITH ALL TRAPPINGS OF HOME. WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF MAJOR SUPERMARKET AND ALSO TO BEACH & RESORT CENTRE. BEEN THERE TWICE NOW AND WILL BE GOING BACK. ONLY DOWNSIDE NO SUN AT THE POOL UNTIL LUNCH

“ The hotel apartments were clean and smart with all the right equipment for a self catering stay. Also, one of the more attractive looking buildings in the area. Even the towels and beds were changed daily, which I wasn't expecting!
The only down side was the location. Right next to a main road and a bit too far to walk to places in the evening and go out for dinner. We stayed in November, so a bit late in the year I expect, and cold at night so we got taxi's. It's probably very nice to wander around on a balmy summer evening?! We did walk to Praia for dinner and to the beach [10 mins].
This time of year most of the hotels and restaurants were shut, so not a lot to choose from. We loved Dona Barco in Portimao. A traditional taverna where all the locals eat. A must is also Alvor [a taxi ride away], a nice harbour town with lots of streets and shops to wander around.
I would go back but probably stay nearer Alvor.

“ Good, newish, stylish accommodation, which was spacious & had lots of useful equipment in the apartments, such as microwave, full oven etc.

Beds very uncomfortable; one could feel the bed springs throughout the mattress and the pillows were so unlike the norm in the UK, it's very likely the stiff neck I had for several days stemmed from the bed/pillow combo.

As a life-long non-smoker, it troubled me that smoking was allowed in certain areas of the hotel (although law now in Portugual that smoking isn't allowed in covered areas), plus I did smell smoke strongly in the bathroom, coming in via the vent near to the bath.

I've yet to find any accommodation - anywhere/anytime, where the smell of smoke isn't an issue - always bothered either on balcony/within the unit by others' smoking.

Some noise from more inconsiderate neighbours - dragging furniture late at night, which did disturb sleep several times but again, that's the norm when one travels.

Staff friendly & efficient - very plesant reception area but a bit "without soul" - very quiet, not much movement, slightly bland, reception staff tended not to be on the desk itself, bit "non".

Didn't use the bar - prices & smoking, nor did I use the restaurant - prices too high.

As a single traveller and female, entire stay was governed around daylight time - so tended to be very aware after 6 pm (darkness) as to getting back safely to the unit, since many areas are fairly dark around the resort & area.

Not suitable for customers with walking difficulties - location on a slight hill & too far out from the resort centres but ideal for good walkers, not travelling alone.

Would definitely consider the unit again but not necessarily during the short days' period, since taxis etc are now pricey in Portugal & wouldn't want to pay daily for such things.

Also, no entertainment at the unit/nor nearby.

Overall, I'd give the unit - for me, my needs, around 8/10.

“ Top Tip: For the budget-conscious, use local supermarkets in Portimao - Continente, Pingo Doce, Aldi, Lidl - all near to the unit.

Pingo Doce does excellent breakfasts, lunches & dinners + coffees/snacks at the most reasonable rates one tends to find now in the area - around £3.70 for a good lunch/dinner.

“ Friendly and efficient staff, first class well appointed appartments, good breakfast, terrific value, Main shops easy walking distance

“ Top Tip: Try Piri Piri Chicken