Dom Jose Beach Hotel

“ I had a total stay of eleven nights at the Hotel Dom Jose, 23 Jan to 3 Feb. The room and hotel were generally clean and well serviced with the exceptions noted below. The buffet breakfast was acceptable, staff, friendly and helpful. I had a double room overlooking the beach, which for those of you not familiar with Quarteira, really is as near as you can get.
Initially I had a strong smell of the drains coming from the shower. This was because the third floor had, apparently, not been used and the drainage system had dried out. There are no 'traps' used in installations like this in Portugal so it is something that happens. After about three days, two lots of bleach, gallons of water being sent down by me, and eventually other people in other rooms using their showers, the smell went. Why didn't someone do this before guests arrived? I was told that there were no other rooms similar to mine to which I could move into.

The sheets on my double bed were only just big enough to tuck either side under the mattress and also weren't big enough at the bottom. As a result the sheets were uncomfortable and crumpled and sadly I didn't sleep well. On the tenth day I met one of the maids who makes the beds and asked about the sheets, to which she straight away said they were the wrong ones and replaced them with proper double sheets. Why, (and how) can someone fit the wrong sheets, remake the bed for ten days, change the sheets after a week, and still not realise that the wrong sheets are on a bed?? The last night's sleep was fine!

Shampoo and shower gel are supplied - except only shampoo was supplied after seven days, no shower gel. I asked about this twice but still didn't get the gel.

I asked for a 30second internet connection so I could download an app for my phone to be told quite brusquely that it was only available for an hour at a time. I appreciate they have hotel policy but this was the only unfriendly service I encountered.

“ This was my 1st visit to the Algarve in Portugal, The Dom Jose Beach Hotel in Quartiera was lovely which gave an excellent view of the beach and the sea and a beautiful sunset in the evenings. Unfortunately this was out of season and most places were closed and hardly any holiday makers were there, also there was no entertainment to be found. All in all it was a very quiet and pleasant holiday, but sadly I will not be returning as even in the high season there is only Hotels and restaurants to be found unless you go on a tour to see the sights, most of the tours were to markets for shopping, HELLO!! I'm on holiday, I can do my shopping at home.
For the cost of the holiday I shouldn't really grumble as I know I wouldn't have got a weeks holiday in the UK for the same cost.
Although this wasn't the most enjoyable holiday that I have had, it will not put me off booking further holidays through 'Travel Republic' as I have had many fantastic holidays through them and will continue to do so in the future.

“ Top Tip: Avoid like the plague the English pub called 'Bar D'artagnon' as they allow dirty flea ridden dogs into the eating area.
The Restaurant called 'Picnic' serves excellent food & service which I can highly recommend.

“ Hotel is situated right on the beachfront. Recently refurbished and spotlessly clean .Excellent service from all staff,who were always helpful and cheerful.
Breakfast was buffet style and the choice of hot and cold food was well presented and of a good standard.
Would request sea view next time.

“ Top Tip: Short 20 minute walk to villamora with a lovely marina.

“ Absolutely fabulous room overlooking the sandy beach and the Atlantic Ocean. South-facing so saw sunrise, through to magnificient sunset. Local boats lit up all night on the horizon fishing under lights, the occasional cruise ship lit the stage!

The only thing stopping me rating this 10 was the usual lack of imaginative food choice!

WILL come again, book a "deluxe room" for little extra to witness the ever-changing vista!

Thoroughly recommended.

“ Top Tip: Quateira market on wednesdays for local fresh produce, inexpensive gifts, superb quality Portuguese linen, leather goods - my leather shoes cost me 8 euros - about £6.00 -£6.50!! (I've got them on now!!)

Going back in April! Simply the best value and quality on the Algarve - winter sunshine 60-65 degrees all the time we were there (January) - falling to a sit-outable evening temperature in the middle 50's (like sitting out in our summer evenings - a bit chilly but bearable!!)