Presidente Hotel

“ From arrival to departure, the staff of the Presidente were very helpful. Rooms spotless. Sheets changed every other day. Our towels were changed almost every day even though we kept them on the towel rails. We had read negative comments on the hotel prior to arrival, but find most negative comments invalid. One negative though, concerns access to the beaches. Although they are just yards away from the hotel, be prepared for a long (114 steps) set of stairs down to the beach. Not very practical for the mobility challenged. Once there, however, it is well worth the effort. When the tide is out, you can walk from Praia du Vau to the marina in Portimao. A wonderful hike of over a mile. For some local flavour, get the little bus outside the hotel (Number 2 is the only one goes past there), and for a fare of 1.75 Euros, travel downtown to the bus terminal on the Portimao waterfront. It passes the hotel at 20 past the hour, 20 to the hour and on the hour, most days. (With the same ticket you can transfer to the bus that goes to the "Agua" mall. (A new mall in the centre of town). For a bit of exercise, forego the return bus trip and walk along the waterfront (lots of coffee shops to the right in the town), going south towards the ocean, following the bike path. This route will take you past the cruise-ship terminal, all the way back to the marina at Praia du Roches. Then you have a choice of a walk along the excellent boardwalk on the beach, with its many restaurants, all the way to the steps below the hotel, or up the castle steps and through town, back to the hotel. Total trip time is about two hours. A great way to spend a morning. Don't forget the beautiful village of Alvor, just a few kilometres along the coast. Again, the local bus is the fun way to do this. Hotel staff will direct you as to the location of the bus stop for Alvor. The steep, narrow streets are a treat, if you can ignore the blatant "tourist commercialism" in the town. Waterfront restaurants are an adventure, with many typical "Algarvian" dishes. Chicken is generally awful, and badly prepared for our "Western" tastes, so beware! For a break from the beaches, head up to Monchique, a little village in the hills overlooking the Algarve coast. Good "cardio" exercise walking the steep and narrow streets. An interesting walk up to the ruins of an ancient church above the town, and sunken gardens in the centre of town. Again, local transport is available, but more challenging to get to in Portimao, as the terminus is in the centre of town.

“ Top Tip: Claires is a must, as is an excellent little restaurant on the cliffs almost opposite Claires called Casa de Roche/s. Both restaurants provide an economical "set" menu for the budget-conscious, as well as excellent "a la carte" menus. For great fish dishes and a spectacular view we recommend Casa de Roches.

“ Friendly and helpful staff
No Air conditioning available. Hotel Supermarket poorly stocked and expensive. No large supermarkets in the resort.

“ Top Tip: Italian restaurant Bulli and Pupe (Praia de Roche), good value and quality.

“ For the money an excellent hotel. Stayed in 2 bed apt with balcony and sea view. Apt was spacious clean, tidy and regularly serviced. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Pool was well maintained and of medium size and sun loungers always available (we are a family of 6), beach was about 3 mins away and plenty of room. The hotel is at the quieter end of town and seperate from others so no loud music etc during the night but 3 good restaurants in close proximty plus a handy mini market in the hotel which stocked most provisions you'd need, if you're after the livelier nightlife however it would be a long walk into town or a taxi. In all better than I expected or hoped for and no complaints.

“ Top Tip: The 'all beef' restaurant nearby was very good. Avoid the 'Titanic' which is supposedly the best resturant in the area.

“ Hotel rooms were lovely, looked like they were recently refurbished, spacious, and beds were extremely comfortable. Location right across the road from a beautiful beach was wonderful, but unfortunately 85 steps down to beach means it is not suitable for the unfit - especially when climb back up is in very hot conditions! Pool was unspectacular but adequate and usually able to find a sunbed at any time of day. Multinational hotel with visitors from UK, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, France and Holland while we were there. No entertainment at hotel, but less than 10 min gentle walk to the hub of Praia da Rocha. Would definitely go back!!

“ Top Tip: Claire's restaurant in Praia da Rocha did a 3-course meal for E7.90, and less for children (I think about E4) ideal for families.