| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
Donna from Essex travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff |  | | Food | | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: This place was very nice to stay in...Rooms were very big as we had 5 of us in a 1 bedroom...They were clean as well...food was spot on, every night was different and always had something for the kids..The pool was cold when you first got in but you do get used to it...The only let down is you have to get up very early to go and get your beds if you want to sit near the pool side...All the staff were very help full too...Do not shop in the hotel shop as it is so dear, supermarket is a 5 minute walk and big...The entertainment was a bit of a let down of a night could of been much better...Also we had a problem with the lifts one night we got stuck in them...But other than that it was good here would go back...
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
|
| |
micelle from the asbos from wallington travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
tomas cook
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Food excellent, so much variety, kids loved the idea of just helping thereselves. evening food was very good they had lots of english bits for the kids, fish, fingers, spaghetti bolognaise, pizza and much more. daytime entertainment very good, we loved the morning quiz which we did win once. water aerobics was very good,r eps made it very enjoyable. second time we have been to Paraiso and still would go back.
|
| |
kerry from liverpool travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We had a wonderful time in the Paraiso.
Spotlessly clean & rooms same, very spacious & air con fab in the rooms.
Huge hotel with brill entertainers for kids - kids club was great my little girl (6) LOVED IT.
Beds were pathetic people getting up at the crack of dawn to reserve them.
We were self catering however the prices of food and drink in the hotel was disgraceful £3.60 for a burger and £2.00 for a small cup of lemo !!!
We didn't stay in hotel of an evening but the night we did we didn't like the dark dinjy room in the basement no windows or anything for entertainment very odd place usually outside when we go away?
Hotel was in a good location however the limited eateries around the hotel made it difficult to go have lunch as it was a good 20 minute walk to one..ideal for A/I.
We loved portugal we loved the people and cant really fault this hotel we had a wonderful time hence few neg comments the good points by far out weighed them.
|
| |
Paul from London travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Booked Myself
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just returned from a weeks stay all inclusive from this wonderful hotel.
I was Starting to get a bit worried after reading some of the reviews on here.
The food was good my oldest boy is the fussiest eater i know and even he ate something at every mealtime
The entertainment was good something going on around the pool in the day kids club and entertainment in the bars of an evening.
The only complaint I could make about the place was that people were getting up before 6am to go down and reserve sunbeds with towels and the most annoying thing being that some of the people that reserved them didnt even come down to the pool area
|
| |
|
|
Debbie Chivers from worthing travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff |  | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The paraiso is a lovely hotel. Very clean. Food is plentiful and we found alot of choice. breakfasts eaten by in a room by swimming pool and consisted of everything you could think of.
Full English you will NOT get but there is always beans bacon omelette and toast. also cereals fruits ham cheese yoghurt's. We even had sausages one day. Lunch could be taken here as well.
Again Lot's to choose from from 3 course meal to salada. Snack bar provided baguettes, burgers (lovely) and hot dogs as well as pizza.
Ice cream you could even get in a cone. Not many do this on A/I! evening meal taken down in restaurant in basement but it is very nice. Buffet consisting of about 3 diff choices.
I think anyone could find something they liked. We loved it. Very big hotel but you soon find your way around.
Entertainment by tc ent team good. Always something going on in the daytime. My son (9) went to kids club a few times and loved it.
Evening ent by t/c ent team good as well. Hotel was quite full of families with young kids and mini disco was right up their street.
Evening shows didn't start until 10.15 but by this time we were ready for our beds so can't comment on adult ent. I am happy to answer any questions anyone might have.
|
| |
robinson from barnsley travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed there at the end of sept 2007, on the whole we had a good time. The hotel is situated right in the middle of old town and The Strip and takes 15mins walk to get there or you can pay 3 euros to ride on the train for the full day but i wouldn't like to go on it during peak season because you are crammed like sardines on it!!
The staff at the hotel was nice especially the maids who did a good job with the room everyday. The carpets could have done with changing throughout the hotel as they were stained and crubby and the games room flooring was quite dangerous as it was coming up with it being very close to the swimming pool on the higher level.
The daytime entertainment was better than the evening and always had you joining in but the night-time entertainment was pretty poor to other standards i have seen.
If going AI which we did the cushions for the sunloungers WERE included, i am saying this because i have seen a few other reports saying they had to pay, RUBBISH!!!! They were free, just give them your room number and bobs your uncle.
The food was lovely apart from the breakfast which was nearly always cold, that was the only downside of the food, the evening food had a good variety and make sure you ask for a large jug of wine instead of just a glass as it saves you going back every two minutes and make sure you go for opening time (7pm) so you get it nice and fresh.
We did 2 excursions, one was the jeep safari which was good but not as good as the other safari's we have been on and a boat trip called the Black Runner, this was a trip to the caves where you went in them and seen the dolphins, well worth the 3 hour trip.
If you are a non smoker then this hotel is definatly NOT for you, i hate smoking but you can smoke everywhere expect in the restaurants, the entertainment time i could hardly see with all the smoke around me and i was in the front row!!
We have been told it is having a refurb at christmas. We wouldn't go back again as there wasn't much to do and the entertainment being not that good. If you want a really good AI hotel then i would only recommend Flamingo Oasis in Benidorm, we go there every year and it is the best hotel we have been in, you won't be disappointed. Any questions please PM me
|
| |
Tony from Wickford, Essex travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the Paraiso from the 16-30th of Aug 07
We were a group of 6 families 3 all inclusive and 3 self catering.
I was self catering and was very pleased with this choice as the resturants in the old town and the strip were great.
The hotel itself was fine, very big in size which I think i would not go to one as big again as the amount of Sunbeds around the pool was just not enough therefore I was up at 7 am every day to try and reserve some :-)
Even then it was a job in itself.
Some people I noticed were wrapped in blankets and must have been up at the crack of dawn :-)
I personally did not have too much to do with the Hotel staff but what I did I found then fine.
The Thomas Cook staff were good during the day
I did not see much of them in the evening as I was out eating and drinking.
But what I did see of them they worked hard to entertain everyone.
The size of the room was great plenty of room for a family of 4 comprising of a seperate bedroom and kitchen diner come 2nd bedroom and was in very good decorative order and very clean.
Friends of mine who were all inc were happy with the food and entertainment when they were there of an evening.
I probably would not return to this Hotel only because of the size and the amount of people - meaning the struggle to get sunbeds.
All in all no real complaints as we all enjoyed our stay at this Hotel
The weather by the way was great
We had to wait 9 days for a cloud to appear and then we had a brief storm early hours of the morning which cleared up late afternoon.
I would say that it was a bit of a rip off to buy drinks in the Hotel bar as they were much dearer than the bars and resturants outside
I.E 11 euros for a jack daniels and red bull approx £7
|
| |
gary from sunderland travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: First impressions when you arrive at the hotel are very good,staff were helpful and quickly got us checked in.Room was very clean, small but big enough for the three of us.Pool area wasnt the safest,the white water grid that surrounds the pool kept falling apart and many people had lucky escapes with there ankles.Better restrictions are needed on sunloungers as they were all taken by about 8.00am (first towels were going out at 5.45!!!)Breakfast wasnt the best,bacon a bit greasy and the scrambled egg wasnt very nice but there was always something to eat even if it was a sausage sandwich or toast.Food in snack bar was fine,the usual, burgers, hot and cold baguettes and chips.evening meals were really nice which never repeated dishes during the two weeks stay,there was always two kinds of soup every night, one was vegetable and the other changed every night.The food selection was great and warm,lamb curry,chicken breast,beef stroganoff etc and most nights there was a carvery. (no idea where the previous people who have posted a comment were eating).Drinks in the bar were fine although if a child asked for 2 drinks they were only allowed one which was a pain when i then had to wait for my own drink.Entertainment was great for the kids with games daytime and disco on an evening.The entertainment reps were really good with the kids. overall this hotel should really be rated as a three star but all in all we had a great time. recommended for families with kids between 7 and 14.
|
| |
George Majorie from Sunderland travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas cooke
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After arriving at hotel first impressions where well it looks nice i have stayed in plenty of four star hotels to know after a few hrs of been there this was not 4 star criteria i have been in better 2/3 star when we arrived for our evening meal in a resturant that was in the basement of the building which was very awarkerd to get to as only 1 lift took you there i wish i had not bothered the food was cold with no selection and this was the same every evening the breakfast was even worse cold scrambled egg fatty bacon. On the day i was leaving my wife took a banana as we had early morning flight only to be approched and asked to pay for it i think after paying over £1000 for 1 week in this hotel half board we were entitiled to a banana seen as we ate out most evenings. If you tired to get a sun lounger after 7.00am you had no chace all you got was a bad back off sitting on wet grass not even a chair to sit on to pass the time of day definatly not recommened.
|
| |
|
|
Sharon Graeme from Sunderland travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel on first arriving was impressive, rooms basic but clean we paid a lot of money for this so called 4* hotel, which was okay but not 4* the food was terrible cold with no selection breakfast was mushy scrambled egg fatty bacon and hard boiled eggs which you ate in a seperate dinning room to the restaurant and was near a smelly clorine pool. Some of our party also had three to a room who where all full paying adults and one had to sleep on a folding bed which collapsed on several occations, our complaints went unheard, myself and husband ate out most evenings as we could not stomach the food, all in all a very disapointing stay
|
| |
Carol Stephen & Bethany from Sunderland travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked this 4* hotel for our honeymoon with my husband and daughter and some close family.We were disapointed with our room as there were only 2 single beds and a small campbed, Even though it said a sofa bed in broucher. The campbed itself was only good enough for a small child as my daughter was lying on it the first night she was asleep and it just calloapsed it could not hold any weight. Secondly was the food it felt like you were eating in a school canteen as you could not eat in dining resturant for breakfast.The food itself was poor alone never mind it was cold and who would eat fatty bacon and chips for breakfast? this was not 4* food.Poor selection of food and not much english food. Soup was ok but it was always vegetable. Deserts were ok. all in all would never come back to this hotel.
|
| |
Susan Dave Lindsey from Sunderland travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a friends holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: When i arrived at the hotel i thought it looked very impressive when we were allowed to access our rooms after2.00pm we were greated to 2 single beds and a fold up camp bed. When we approached the rep we told him we were led to believe 3rd bed was a sofa bed he said he would come and check we were there a full week and he never showed. when we went for our evening meal in the very awarked to get to dinning room it looked very nice till we helped ourseleves to the food. It was luke warm no selection and when trays were empty you had to stand around 10 mins for them to be filled upthought it might be better next night just got worse. Breakfast was even poorer than the evening meal fatty cold bacon,chips ,hard boiled eggs with the smell of cholrine as we ate it in a school canteen next to pool we paid a lot of money to stop at this hotel and would never recommened to my worst enemy.
|
| |
Penny & Pete Cotton from Solihull travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: 2 weeks at this hotel really is quite enough. The hotel itself was clean and we had no real complaints about our room. The 2 main let-downs were firstly the food. There is no way in the world that the food served was anything like 4 star. Breakfast and lunch were both served in what can only be described as a school canteen, the choice was very limited. Fish served with bananas!! Soup was luke warm and cheese was either processed or double gloucester. The evening meals were served in the depths of the hotel, again choice was limited and although there was the occassional decent offering, most people were keen to be in and out. The food was warm at best. The saving grace was the bread which was always fresh and the desserts which were generally good. Ice cream from the pool bar was also high quality, pity about the 15 minute queue though.
2nd let-down was evening bar area. If you didnot want to listen to the evening entertainment, there was no where else to go and have a quiet drink. Not everyone wants to sing along to Glenn Campbell songs!!
|
| |
Hillier from Birmingham travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at this hotel as a change from our usual destination which is Nissi Beach Cyprus. We have just had the best holiday ever!
The hotel was lovely and very very family welcome! in fact if you aren't big on kids dont go there but if you have a young family it is perfect.
My boys 12 & 10 were occupied full time by the range of activities, and my just walking little girl 13 months just loved walking on the huge expanse of clean cut grass and fell over without a scratch.
We had a ground floor single bedroom room which was huge and had everything you wanted. We stayed on an AI basis during half term week and there was ebnough space everywhere including the large impressive pool.
The Thomas Cook entertaiment staff were simply second to none! Food and drink was absoloutely great.
If it was closer to the beach, the sea was warmer (and the pool) I wouldn't go anywhere else. I am fussy - take my advise if you have a young family book it and go!
|
| |
Adrienne from Bradford travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Orchid Travel
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Definitely a hotel geared up for families.
This was a kiddies paradise and did little for me and my husband in terms of relaxation and luxurious living. More of a 3 star than 4 in my opinion and whilst the hotel is only about five years old it already looks tatty in places and weary-worn.
Children were allowed to run riot all over the place and the reception area in an evening was taken over with teenagers, who found it highly amusing to sit and swear at the top of their voices. Youngsters were running wild in the bar late at night, and it seemed that no-one on the staff was prepared to say anything to the parents. We witnessed two occasions where a child ran into a waiter with a tray of drinks - a very near miss on both occaions !
The food - whilst tasty, was poor in choice and variety. Also, it beat the hell out of me why we were only allowed to eat in the 'proper' restuarant for dinner. Breakfast had to be taken in the underground cafe which had no atmosphere and resembled a roadside diner rather than a 4-star eatery.
The pool wasnt very big for the amount of people at the hotel and I was amazed at how they chose to blear out chart music at top volume from loud speakers around the pool all day long. No chance of a relax on a sunbed for me!
This hotel was disappointing and we wont be staying again.
I imagine its great if you are taking a young family but otherwise I would suggest you give it a wide berth.
|
| |
McElroy from Dublin travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Omni Tours
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed in this hotel in April. We got this package at the last minute. The hotel was beautiful. The rooms were spacious and bright. they were cleaned every day. would recommend this hotel for a great family holiday
|
| |
Neil Duffy from Manchester travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
www.your-tours.co.uk
on a family holiday.
There were 1 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2007 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: 8 Days just after New Year!
The Hotel was spotless and security cameras in all public areas even the corridors, and the staff could not do more for you. Their English was perfect.
The studio booked was I would class a two person apartment with everything you need, Bath/shower/Bidet? well who needs that. Tons of wardrobes/drawers. Oven/Hob/Microwave/Kettle! and even t-towel. The bed settee was a proper matress. Aircon or heating, yes the evening are not that warm but warning than at home.
The hotel is Not too near the Strip about 5-10min walk so you can't hear anything. Actually the apartment next to me had a little baby, I only heard he/she when I went past their door, could not hear he/she in my appartment.
The Old town is about 10-15 mins walk or 4euro taxi.
There is a free bus (all Inclusive) to and from the beach 3 times a day.
Breakfast from 07:30-10:00
Continetal Breakfast & waitress service fryup. (winter)
Lunch 12:30-1500 3 Course + Buffet
Dinner 18:30-22:00 3 Course + Buffet
Bar Snacks 10:00-18:00
Bar Drinks Available 11:00-23:00 (all inclusive free)
There was nothing stopping you filling your table with drinks before 11pm, The Bar staff didn't bat an eye lid 5 mins after I had just taken a drink to my table and was all ready ordering another. Taking drinks to rooms was not a problem. If you got fed up of local drinks, all inclusive does mean you get other drinks at half price!
ie:John Smiths
The Food Was Excellent
The Staff are Excellent
The entertainment was good but not aimed at the kids, not this time of year.
All inclusive also means you get the use of a private gym 3 times a week, no charges for renting table tennis/tennis bats and balls. Free use of the tennis courts. Free swim hats, needed for indoor heated pool.
I Have already booked for next year with my travel agent.
|
| |
christopher petit from manchester travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Me and my familly stayed for only one week but we wished we had booked two.
The apartment was of very high standerd very clean beds very comfortable every thing in the apartment you would need with being self catering.
With us going self catering we never had the food in the restaurant only snacks around the pool.
The location of the hotel was great only short distance to the strip and a litle walk to the old town.
The staff where only to happy to give help and advice with going out most evenings we only watched a litle of the entertainment.
We would definitely stay here again a wonderful time
|
| |
Rosenberg from London travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked a two bedded apartment and could not believe how big the room was, the children even had their own bathroom. The maid kept the apartment very clean. All the hotel staff were very helpful as were the reps.
Make sure you take you own Table Tennis bats and balls, as the hotel charge for hire. Also in the indoor pool you must wear a swimming hat which they also charge for.
The pool area has plenty of room for sunbathing and there is a lot of day time entertainment for adults and kids. We found the evening entertainment from Thomas Cook to be rather amateurish.
The location is in the middle of the two main area's. The Strip is about 15 mins walk away and The Old Town about 25 min's walk. You need to be fit to tackle all the steps to the old town. There are lots of places to eat and drink.
|
| |
Tammy from Sheffield travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
JMC
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This year we decided to go self catering as food at all inclusive resorts in the past has left a lot to be desired. However we did dine in a couple of nights and were pleasantly surprised.
The hotel was spotlessly clean and the maids cleaned our room daily even coming back later if we were in the room with our baby when they first came.
We stayed in a one bedroomed apartment and had ample room for the four of us (my husband, me, one child aged 12 and another aged 1).
The only downsides to the room were the travel cot provided, however we did not complain and I am sure we would have got another if we had have done. Also there was no hair dryer provided in the room and I had to hire one but did get the deposit back when returning it at the end of the holiday.
Cannot really comment on the entertainment as we only stayed in once or twice. One thing I did note was that there was entertainment for the parents in the bar upstairs and then separate children's entertainment in the disco downstairs which I thought was a very good idea.
Would definitely recommend this hotel and location.
|
| |
Underhill from Bideford travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Before we arrived I had thought the hotel would be like a huge holiday camp found back in England, mention no names, however the truth couldn't be further from it.
With two kids aged 13 and 16 the all inclusive option was brilliant as they could graze as much as they wanted without the usual 'can I have a drink, ice cream .....'.
The hotel apartment was spotlessly clean, along with the dining area and public areas. My only concern was the amount of litter left around the pool area which in reality was left by a minority of teenagers.
The food was brilliant. I have stayed in all inclusive before and would say without doubt this was the best food I have ever had in a hotel. Different choices every night with something to suit everyone. Put on 6lbs in two weeks!
My only gripe about the hotel would be its situation. Its a good 20 minutes to either beach, the fisherman's in old town or the one at the bottom of th strip. Also its very built up around the hotel and we had a room facing the road, however, no noise as double glazing excellent.
The hotel staff were very efficient. Be warned though the hotel does not have hair dryers in situ (first time I have been abroad for years to a hotel which didn't have them) and consequently 50 euros was spent on hiring one for the two weeks.
The Thomas Cook team did a great job of keeping everybody entertained, even if some of the singing in the night time shows didn't quite hit the right note! The entertainment in the lounge bar was ok with a different singer every night.
Would we go to this hotel again, definitely, but only if they moved it to a nicer area.
|
| |
Michelle from Leeds travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
jmc
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed at the Paraiso for one week in July. Hotel very clean. Rooms spacious and cleaned daily. Had a ground floor pool view room which was excellent.
The location of the hotel is great 10 mins walk to old town and new town.
Food not good very bland not much choice I wouldn't go all inclusive so many restaurants to choose from near by.
Entertainment not great. I wouldn't return again but not a bad holiday.
|
| |
Liam from Gillingham travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I went to this fantastic hotel and would go again!!
It was the second time I went, and I absolutely loved it. The room were spacious and clean, and very good for children. If you had a ground floor room a bit away from the pool, you would have a massive balcony.
The food was delicious. Not very good combinations (chicken strips and curry??) but most nights it was a good dinner for you and your kids.
The entertainment was great!! At quarter past ten every night, there was a excellent show that will keep you and your kids awake! Before the show, there is sometimes a game show that anyone can join in! At 8:00 every night, there is a dynamite disco that lets your kids dance and play games for an hour. The entertainment was situated in the Glam Club.
The staff were extremly friendly! When I wanted something, they focused on it.
This hotel is the best and you need to go! 10/10
Oh, and ignore the 4 star-it should be 5+!!!
|
| |
michael campbell from newcastle travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We just came back last week and im looking to book again.
The rooms were spotless and the staff very helpful with excellent english, the entertainment was spot on, day and night.
My daughter was sick on the beds on the maids only day off, we rang reception and the cleaner was there within 5 mins, never complained and even left spare sheets just in case.
|
| |
Tina Yeates from Dublin travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Booked Ourselves
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just back from a Week at this hotel. It is a very big hotel, huge actualy but spotlessly clean. We had a studio that had two beds and a travel cot that was very impressive for our 2 yr old (brand new winnie the pooh), the rooms though small were well equipped, was glad we got beds instead of pull outs. We didnt get a very good view, we were over the car park and our friend had a few of a roof in her studio.
We are used to staying at a smaller complex and did find the hotel a little too big, you had to be down by 9.30 to get a bed and at that we only ever managed to get one in the grass area as the pool was always way too busy beds on top of each other. There is a lovely big sand pit with a canopy under it that kept my 2 year old going for hours everyday she really loved it. The Childrens pool is way too small especially when you have ten year olds in it on dolpins etc.
The only time we ate in the hotel was our first day at the snack bar and it was microwaved burgers and chips which were like rubber. There is a big shopping centre just up the road with a supermarket that has everything.
The strip is about 10mins away but you would need to get a taxi to the old town.
The only bad thing I could say about the hotel is that it can be very noisy especially first thing in the morning you can hear the maids pulling the rooms apart overhead.
The big bar downstairs is very nicely decorated and comfortable but music was bad. Would come back to this hotel again but wouldnt be my first choice
|
| |
Butterfield Family from Maidstone travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was very clean and tidy, our room was spacious and kept very clean by the maid.
The hotel is very close to 2 huge supermarkets where you can buy everything you need and more!
The entertainment was a little repetitive and aimed at the kiddies, but they seemed to enjoy it none the less. The holiday reps are young and inoffensive, but their target audience is the kids.
Did not have any problems with the hotel staff, reception are not the most helpful of people, but again, they were not rude or ignorant. Do not have any expectation of keeping rooms on if you have a late flight home, there is no courtesy room, just a shower adjacent to the indoor pool.
Finally, watch your umbrellas when the wind blows, many kids were hurt by the flying parasols, where umbrella bases were broken and not holding the parasols fixed. This is extremely dangerous and small children were seriously hurt during our stay.
|
| |
Helen Hedley from Eastcote travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
DIY/Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel is as described on many review websites.
The hotel is very clean and facilities are good but the staff do leave something to be desired , we didn’t even get a “welcome” when we checked in , just orders about not losing the band. There are some exceptions to this but on the whole we felt like an annoyance to them.
Drink is plentiful but not international brands but we could always find something we liked. Wine , beer & soft drinks available with meal sin restaurant again not best quality . Food available a fresh baguettes ll day 10 – 6 by pool bar – hot dogs and usual burgers & chips etc but fresh baguettes and salad too.
Loads of sun available loungers whenever you come down to the pool , (no getting up early nonsense) mattresses and parasols free for those on all inclusive.
Pool & grounds very nice, tennis court, crazy golf and all weather football pitch ..my son a teenager found the hotel to be fantastic and loved being there mainly because all the teens mixed very well.
Entertainment great for little ones but a little sad even though the team tried very hard to keep everyone happy .
Location a bit far to walk to strip or old town but taxi was never more than 4 euros . Well located as next to modelo supermarket, could buy just about anything we needed there.
We would probably go back but cater for ourselves but having said that we did get a bargain so it was value for money .
|
| |
metcalfe family from ashingon travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
easyjet
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said:
It was a while ago we went here and for £346 for a week for all of us including flights and accommodation, we felt we could not miss it. Hotel in summer months I guess will be great.
Do not go in winter unless you get a bargain like we did. The staff are not hired during winter and windows corridors pool and communal facilities are not kept clean.
The outdoor pool is closed and although hot enough for us my kids were upset not to be allowed to use it. They tried the indoor pool and you have to wear swimming hats at a cost. No ball games allowed and all the oldies are in there for the daily swim.
The entertainment team at the hotel was terrible. Bingo and learn to dance sessions was as good as it gets. I have heard that the UK holiday reps spice it up during summer months.
The room was excellent. Two double rooms with mod cons and extra living area for luggage etc. if you are paying full price I would strongly urge you to request a room overlooking the pool. The front of the hotel is very shady and overlooks a road and other hotels. If you ask for a ground floor this will take you out onto the massive green area and straight onto the pool. There was crazy golf at a cost and no problem with sun beds but if you wanted a mattress again this is yours at a cost.
It is one of the best hotels in Albufeira and you certainly feel like you are living 4 star. Taxi drivers restaurant owners etc charge you a little extra when they know you are staying here.
3 ladies had bags snatched directly outside the entrance gates in one night. beggars are on the streets next to the bins etc. the strip is very commercial the normal karaoke bars etc. my advise is that if you have kids with you head for the old town on an evening.
For self catering there is a huge supermarket turn left as you leave hotel. You will find everything here for you daily meals. The kitchen is very well equipped. If you lose anything you will have a high price to pay to replace it.
The maids were great and kept the room spotless. All in all I would go again if it was the same price. I certainly wouldn’t if I was paying over £1000 for a family. It is not worth it. The hotel knows it makes its money from the older clients and does not give you the lickings of a dog.
We hired a car and visited every town on the coast. If we had not done this we would have been bored out of our minds. We heard plenty of English complaining about the lack of facilities. I think it was more the time of year we visited though.
Please think very carefully if you have a family. You will probably find better for your money elsewhere. I felt uncomfortable having to dress my kids fully on our way back from beach etc as the hotel staff did not allow them to enter until they were fully dressed. They had shorts tea shirts and flip flops on.
I heard many many complaints regarding the food. I strongly advise you to book when you arrive. You can pay daily in the restaurant etc. there are plenty of eating places close if you don’t like it.
I hope this helps.
|
| |
Vicky from Aldershot travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Alpharooms
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2006 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We had a really really good holiday here. We booked it when we were in the Algarve as the hotel we had booked was a real dump so it was very last minute. Anyway we had a one bedroomed apartmetn which was very big, lovely pool view and very spacious. Everything was clean and the maids came in daily and changed the towels cleaned well etc.
Didn't eat in the hotel but did go to the gym. it was quite expensive and there were a lot of portugese there not many English.
Really had a good time, I would recommend this to anyone. 5/5
|
| |
RikkiBhoy from Scotland travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Sorted ourselves
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We'd been to this area before, so had a good idea of what we were buying - the apartments that we got were excellent - on the ground floor, which is effectively the 3rd, decent view from the veranda, big, spacious and well maintained. Not too fat to walk into the old and new town - pretty much in the middle, close to a Marachino and the good local Potuguese and Indian restaurants that you find before the Strip. Only place that we've ever been in the Algarve that beats being this close to Albufeira is Olho's D'Agua, but that is a bit of a secret!!
If you need a beer or two, day or night, go out of the hotel. It's a bit overpriced, the service isn't wonderful and thre are a better mix of people in the bars towards the old town. The entertainment, such as it was was cheesy! Didn't eat there at all, but it looked a bit like the typical package touristico fare from where we were looking!!
Would go back if I had to, but have got a great connection for property in Olhos. If you haven't, great first place and starting point!!!
|
| |
lisa from south shields travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Paraiso de Albuferia
This hotel was fantastic, rooms are clean and quite spacious. the reception area was clean and well looked after. The pool was fantastic with a small childrens pool which is very close to the adults pool.
The hotel resturants are clean and ofer a wide varity of dishes to suite every one even the fussy eaters.
The bar upstairs close the reception is great for adults wanting to enjoy a quiet drink. and club glam downstairs is great for everybody wanting to enjoy some entertainment. There was truly something to suit everybodys tastes
|
| |
Green from Stourbridge travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was spotless, towel changes three times per week and linen changes twice per week, unless you wanted them more regularly.
The room we had was supposed to be a twin bed, but was in fact a twin sofa bed. After two days of constructing it and putting it away, we gave up and left it as twin beds, it is quite heavy and cumbersome as it is of wooden construction. It's position in the room makes it awkward to move around. This is my only gripe about the room which if had been fitted with proper twins would have been fine. There is a kitchen and fridge, which unlike most hotel fridges actually freezes the water in the freezer unit to make ice cubes! There is remote control fully adjustable air conditioning, a TV with BBC1 BBC3,Sky news and other satellite channels, safe(50 euro deposit of which 15 is returned) and table & chairs.
The food quality is excellent, the best food I've had whilst on an all inclusive. The only let down is the breakfast. If your 'all inclusive' it's fantastic, though if you are paying (self catering/half board), be warned it's pricey at the hotel!
Breakfast-there is a selection of fruit and cereals, but always scrambled eggs, beans, with either sausage or bacon (with more fat than meat). The mushrooms are supposed to be garlic mushrooms, but taste like they have been cooked in vinegar! The buffet area for breakfast is supposed to be air conditioned, but they have all the doors open and it's like an oven in there in the morning! Not good if you're feeling a bit 'rough'.
Lunch-there is a varied selection in the buffet or there is burgers,pizza,chips, hotdogs or a selection of baguettes and salad from the pool side bar.
Evening - The evening buffet changes each day and is situated in an air conditioned room next to the Club Glam (where the kids entertainment is). There was a variety of food, but not as much choice each day as other all inclusives I have stayed at.
Location- The hotel is roughly in between 'the strip' and the old town. The beach is a fair walk away about 20 minutes at a good pace. Taxis and busses are frequent, but under Portuguese law you cannot 'hail' a taxi and have to find a taxi rank!
The hotel is situated on a busy main road roughly half the rooms are situated on this side, and although there is double glazing, it can get noisy at night.
Hotel staff- The staff were friendly enough, although like anywhere you do have the odd miserable few, usually working in the breakfast buffet area.
Entertainment- The Thomas Cook/JMC/Sunworld entertainment team were fantastic, they work endlessly from morning till night. They have poolside activities and entertain the kids and adults all day long. Well done to the team!! There is also a quieter bar Adao where there is usually a vocalist each night these are usually quite good.
If you have teenagers, this is ideal, there are lots of them for your kids to hang out with and the entire site is CCTV covered so it's safe for them to do wander off and do what they like.
If you have younger kids it's also good, the entertainment team have a kids disco and games starting at 8pm until 9.30PM when the main entertainment starts.
All inclusive drinks stop at 11pm and you have to start paying full price. At this point you have either stockpiled drinks at you table to avoid paying until it all finishes at 1am, go to bed, or wander off to 'The strip' for some nightlife until about 6am!
Overall a fantastic holiday I will definitely go back there again. If you book here go all inclusive it's worth every penny!
|
| |
wood/laughton from hull travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel and its facilities were excellent and very clean.
We found the food very average for evening meals but breakfast and the poolside bar were good. Saved ourselves a fortune by being all inclusive as our 3 children ate and drank to there hearts content!!
Kids club and Brazilian football school were both excellent.
Steps into the pool were slippery and we thought dangerous (saw 2 accidents).night entertainment was very average.
Old town 15-20 min walk with children.
Hotel reception area very comfy (lots of sofas) but struggled to sit there late evenings due to lots of teenagers taking hold with cheap Alco pops from the in hotel wine and beer shop.
|
| |
Taylor from Coventry travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: So the good points - clean hotel, spacious self catering accomodation (for the five of us)and the weather was good. We were lucky to get a balcony overlooking the pool area, half the rooms overlook the main road.
Found the entertainment repetitive during the two weeks but the team were friendly and tried hard. Evening entertainment is in doors and mostly in the 'Glam Bar' which is in tge basement of the hotel and pretty dingy.
Worst thing for us was the tiny size of the children's pool - we had a two year old - I was getting up at 7:30am to secure sunbeds around this pool so that we could watch him play safely in the water, which was all he wanted to do. To be fair there were plenty of sunbeds and lots of space elsewhere.
Trips - Aqualand OK (sadly this was the one day it rained, really rained hard!) - Night of 1000 stars was absolute rubbish, don't waste your money. Bad food, pretty unfriendly waiters and the entertainment was poor - the Casino show was OK and kept the kids interested but they lost interest (as I did) during the rep caberet. I agree with a comment below in that the Show by the Stageschool kids was 100% better.
|
| |
hill from west midlands travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was the cleanest hotel we have ever stayed in, we were very surprised for such a large hotel how clean it was kept.
The entertainment was good and the entertainers themselves work extremely hard and are very friendly.
The beach is a good 20 minute walk, but there is plenty of transport available in buses or taxis,(3 euro's taxi).
The hotel food is very good and of a high standard,they do tend to go over board on there fish dishes but it is one of there countries main dishes.
This is definately a holiday for parents with teenage kids as there is loads of other kids to meet and hang about with.
The hotel is safe so while you are by the pool the kids are with there new found friends.
Perfect !
|
| |
bazza from oldham travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Lovely clean 4 star hotel, very impressive from outside and even better inside.
The pool and garden area were spotless and everywhere was kept to the highest standards.
Did not eat in the hotel although we were told the food in the EVA restaurant was good.
The location was excellent for the new town and the old town area, both within ten minutes walk and shops bars and supermarkets were all nearby (cheaper than than the hotel by far).
The hotel staff need to cheer up a bit especially the bar staff, put you off your pint..and the entertainment was terrible (what we saw of it anyway) in fact the best night was the karaoke, the bar was busiest then, how sad we are.
All in all I would recommend self catering here as you can pick and choose from great food and different entertainment every night.
|
| |
Natalie from Southport travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This holiday has been the best one we have been on!
The hotel was lovely with excellent entertainment! There were lots of things going on a night!! We have two children (16 +14), They had the best time ever!
There are lots of kids there from 3 months to 16 years of age!! There are loads of teenagers who usally hang round in the reception!!
|
| |
Arnold Family from Suffolk travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Wow! Best family holiday we've ever had.
5 stars to the entertainers, who are always enthusiastic and great performers. Don't know where they get all their energy from.
Well done Sarah, Matt, Jenna, Kazza and Jonny. They kept kids and adults entertained all day/evening. The 80's night was excellent. My daughter recommends the 'Stage school' which she thoroughly enjoyed, so much so, that she took part both weeks.
A little more effort could have been made by the Kids' club to make the activities more interesting and varied. It tended to be geared to younger children rather than the Energise age group.
Food was varied enough to appeal to most tastes. Plenty
of snacks during the day and beverages, including bottled water with the all inclusive package. Breakfast baked beans were never hot and the evening selection could have been a little better for kids. Having said this, compared to other hotels we have stayed in, the food was exceptional.
One thing that did let the hotel down, is the fact that it allowed groups of teenagers which kept us awake several nights between midnight and 5am. We were surprised about this as it is advertised as a family/couples hotel.
The hotel staff were friendly and worked extremely hard to ensure the holiday met our expectations.
The hotel is situated between 'The Strip' (new part) and the 'Old Town' which are both about 20mins walk away.
We went on three trips organised by Thomas Cook. Aqualand was ok but nothing special. The Zoomarine was well worth a visit. However, avoid 'Night of a 1000 stars' which was certainly a night to remember, but not for the right reasons. The food and entertainment were appalling.The food was cold and no choice available (the veg appeared to be like tinned), the starter was the best bit and was like dishwater. The dessert, Creme Caramel (I think) was more like a very eggy custard - Yuk.
The entertainment by the reps was not, in our opinion, suitable for families, and of a very amateur standard (the kids 'Stage school' performed a 1000 times better, back in the hotel). We paid 100 Euros for this evening and felt conned.
All in all we had a great time and we have no hesitation in recommending the Paraiso Hotel. In fact we plan to go back next year.
|
| |
mandy welbourn from boston travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We went all inclusive which was great as we had six children. They could eat and drink as much as they liked without asking for money all the time. It took all the stress out of thinking we were spending loads of money.......ice creams!!!!! I lost count of how many they had each per day.
The hotel was very very clean....a maid was out side the toilets the whole time the pool was open making sure they were very clean at every visit.
The rooms were cleaned every day (except Tuesdays).had to order extra pillows as we were only given four!!!!!!
The entertainment was great for the kids....aqua aerobics for us ladies. Which myself and my sister-in-law really enjoyed.
|
| |
rick welbourn from linclon travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Wow what a fantastic holiday! Hotel was amazing modern clean and tidy. We went all inclusive and would recommend it to everyone, kids got what they wanted, when they wanted!
The rooms were spotless and cleaned every day but Tues.
The food was good in the day burgers, hotdogs, pizza etc, or you could go into the restaurant and have a proper meal. The evening food was good but could have been more variety.
Definitely go to the old town it's brilliant.
The reps couldn’t have worked any harder, top class especially Matt and Johnny.
Would recommend to all ages.
|
| |
Nathan Smith from London travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Me and my girlfriend stayed in the Paraiso for one week in early June 05. After looking around the net and teletext for many hours looking for a hotel and resort that had good write ups from site like these I was looking forward to staying in the Paraiso as it had not received one bad report.
I was not disappointed.
A weeks stay half board (breakfast & dinner) in a studio for the great price of £569 from Thomas Cook. Weather was fantastic all week. 28,29 or 30 degrees every day with no (or very few) clouds in the sky.
Hotel:
Upon arrival at the hotel there is a spacious reception. Check in took 2 minutes and we went straight to our room. The hotel was billed as a 4 star and although I think a 4 star hotel in England would have been more luxurious I was impressed with our room. Air con, TV, mini kitchen, balcony, nice bathroom, lots of cupboard space and a (reasonably) comfy pull out sofa bed. The hotel was 8 floors in total and I presume had lots of rooms (100?).
Upon exploring the hotel through the week we discovered it had lots of facilities:
3 restaurants (two buffet for HB, FB & AI guests and one for paying guests)
1 bars (one with terrace)
1 nightclub
Supermarket & other shops
Large pool and surrounding area (lots of green grass to lounge on and snack & drinks bar)
Mini golf (not dilapidated although some minor repair work required)
Tennis Court
Henna tatoo & braided hair facility
Basketball Court
Games room (American pool, table tennis, arcade games, pinball machines and some other machines)
Gym (with all facilities sauna, turkish baths etc.)
Internet access
The staff often gave you a smile and certainly didn't get no stroppy or bad attitudes from them. The reception was manned 24 hours a day and I borrowed items such as iron, ironing board etc in exchange for a deposit with no problems.
Thomas Cook staff provided entertainment for a couple of hours in morning, afternoon and evening either. Things like water basketball, water polo, football matches, quiz's and exercising in the pool. There was also a kids club that looked after the children.
The food for HB, FB and AI guests were buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast was english, with cereals and lots of fruit, toast and yoghurt, etc. Didn't do lunch. Dinner was great. The staff all had bow ties on and waistcoats and gentle music was played - even had someone singing with a guitar one night. There were probably at least four main dishes every night alongside things like pizza, chips, rice, cold meat, salad, potatoes, etc. Lots of nice deserts and loads of ice cream!
Beach:
The beach was fantastic. A ten minute walk from the hotel. Apparently there are two but I only visited one. Lots of golden sand. Water sports available. No rubbish lying around. Small cliffs and rocks at back of beach. Two large beach side cafes serving reasonable food at good prices.
Nightlife;
The nightlife mainly consisted of a strip about 1 mile long and there were bar/restaurants scattered everywhere. One half of the strip was more lively than the other. Lots of different bars (scottish, english, irish, cheesy dance music, pop music, relaxed bars, karioke etc. Lots of shops in the strip open till around midnight selling all sorts. Was quite a few people when we went and made for a nice atmosphere although I can imagine it gets packed during peak season (was nice as went away with g/friend and not the lads!). Bars shut around 4 am I believe and most were serving nice beer from the tap (makes a change from the usual watered down muck that gets served up in other places).
Resort;
Very nice. Lots of large hotels around that look well maintained from the outside.The odd dilapidated/derelict building scattered around. Quite a few cranes in the sky as Albufiera is obviously developing but that never bothered me. Lots of mini supermarkets and two or three large ones at reasonable prices. We eat out for lunch most of the week and I was impressed with food. There is a bull ring just round the corner from the strip (very entertaining if you don't mind that sort of thing!). A few locals approached me in the evening serving the usual (weed, hash, charlie blah blah) although once you said "no thanks" that was that. There are two other towns nearby. One with large casino. There were also some good markets in nearby town during the week although I didn't get round to going.
Gripes:
No English TV channels in hotel room except for news channels
When I was leaving I was told there was a bill of 25 euros. This was apparently for the soft drinks we consumed at dinner each night (apparently if you want anything other than juice or tap water you have to pay - would have been nice to be told that first!)
Lots of children around, although I went in the later end of half term. I didn't have a major problem with this although I would imagine some might.
When I went to Casino in nearby town I could not get into main part as I did not have my passport (ID required to enter under Portuguese law apparently!). I think it would have been nice if the rep mentioned this to me when I was talking to him earlier in the day about visiting there that night. Turned out to be a bit of a disappointment as spent 30 euros on getting taxi's to and from.
Summary:
Had a fantastic stay in the Algarve. Weather was great. Most of the locals seemed OK. The hotel was brilliant. Would definitely go back to Paraiso if offered the choice and have recommended to family and friends.
|
| |
Lloyd and Griffiths from Shropshire travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The cleanliness spot on and very clean.
The hotel food was average with not much choice.
The location was brilliant and a lovely view of the pool.
The hotel staff were not very friendly.
The entertainment was fantastic! The team (Kazza, Sarah, Matt, Jenna and Jonny) were so friendly and came and gave us a hug when we were going home. The Stage School was brilliant! The entertainer’s shows at night time were excellent. There was a great range of singing and dancing. The daytime activities the put on were Fantastic and fun for all. The team come and asked you to join in and didn't make a fuss if you said no. They new our names as well.
We would love to visit the hotel again and see all the entertainers again.
|
| |
Rooney from Uxbridge travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just returned from a lovely week at the Pariaso. The hotel is very much aimed at families which was great for us, there is a lovely child's area with slide, swings, sandy area, buckets amd spade etc.
The entertainment was ok but very busy with children running around.
Rooms were nice - we had a lovely view of the pool.
Our only disappointment was the pool bar food, it was horrible, the only type of food on offer was fast food like chicken nuggets/pizza/ burger etc.
The location was good about 15 minutes walk each way to either the Old Town or Strip.
Would like to go back next year.
|
| |
Micaela and Pul from Sussex travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We found our package holiday amazing for the price. Our room was large and extremely clean with all the kitchen appliances you could ever want.
I was slightly worried about reviews before I left about it being a family place and being a young couple that we are were preparing ourselves for screaming children, but we never had a problem, because there was so much space it never got crowded by families.
The cleaners were fantastic although I am sure they were throwing charis at the wall one morning the noise was so loud! The pool had plenty of space so we could spread out.
We found the strip a little British infested! But we found a fantastic bar on the way there called the Bivvy run by a Welsh couple, we spent most of our eveings there at some point, fantastic people, worth paying a visit.
All food and drink was very cheap of course. We didn't visit the beach which was shame because it was to far for us to walk. But had a really really fantastic time.
Would definately go back.
|
| |
JJ from Manchester travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Travel Value
on a couples holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2005 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The Paraiso apartments were clean & spacious, I would request a south facing room if we go again. Our rooms were facing north so our baconies were mostly in the shade.
The reception staff at the hotel were helpful, more so than the Thomas Cook reps, who had an uninterested air about them.
The entertainment was aimed at children and was too noisy for us, we mainly went out to the old town which is lovely and the Portuguese people are friendly.
|
| |
Andrea from Derbyshire travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
JMC
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was very clean and the apartments well equipped. We had a ground floor, straight onto the lawn area, which was excellent as we have 2 children under 2. The balconies are a little low!
We found the reception staff and cleaners very friendly, however the restaurant and bar staff we sometimes very unhelpful.
They shut the main restaurant down on the second to last day of our holiday and we all had to eat in the a la carte section- too small for the number of people - some queued 1hr to eat.
The entertainment was ok and would be great for children over 10yrs.unfortunately it did not start till after 8 and when on past 10 pm too late for under 6, (general opinion with the people we spoke too).
The food was very average and I now wished we had gone self catering as there were plenty of restaurants around with a wider choice and probably hot food was served!!!The food was very luke warm.
|
| |
Daniel from Surrey travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Blue Sky Direct/Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: You May Notice that this is the second review that I have posted about this hotel in the space of 11 weeks, that is because I have just returned back from the Parasio for the second time this year with my family. And once again had the best weeks holiday ever. The hotel standads were high again and everything was the same as it was when we left there 10 weeks ago.
Now this doesn't have to be a long drawn out review as it is obvious that the hotel is ***** because I wouldn't have visited it twice in one year.
But the food was good, still not much variation and had similar to last time, the staff are still brillant and will do anything with a smile.
The JMC entertainments team were brilliant again. Although by the end of our holiday only 3 were left (Kazza, Julie and Billy) Donna and John had both had to leave the Parasio for other reasons, but they kept you entertained so well! They were 5* TOP QUALITY
So yes - if you are thinking about going - especially with the soccer school and stage school starting in the 05 season, GO GO GO!
|
| |
The Barlows from Wakefield travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
JMC
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is a lovely hotel, the pool was fantastic, however I feel mid summer would have been very crowded.
The staff were fabulous.
Food was a little repetitive and limited.
Evening entertainment, well, what can be said apart from "the best". Kazza, Billie, Julie, John and Donna (when she smiled) were superb, looked after the kids and were so approachable and fun.
Definitely worth visiting, we could not fault this hotel.
Bar staff, David inc were really entertaining and kept you smiling through the day. Thanks to all the staff
|
| |
Party People from essex travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
JMC/Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: It was our third year back at the Paraiso! As usual the standards were high. The hotel itself is lovely, big, clean and very well equipped. The pool is lovely and big, it is also very clean-probably the best we've ever swam in!!
The food is very nice within the hotel and the hotel itself is situated perfectly for going out and eating in restaurants. The night life is excellent down "the strip" there is no problem getting taxis or buses as they come every few minutes.
The Entertainment in the hotel was excellent especially the JMC team, billy, julie,john, karen and donna who all perfomed live shows every night and kept you entertained by the pool all day long!
The hotel staff. Well what can i say about them! The lovely receptionists especially David are all very polite and will help you at any time. The pool staff David, Roberto and Everton are very entertaining and became friends. The evening bar staff, Luis, Ed, Roberto, Cristiano, Joel, Ana, Nilsaine and all the others are great. Especially the male waiters who without a doubt are the friendliest, funniest people i have ever met. They were probably the most entertaining part of the holiday, as they are such a great laugh.
Well as you may gather YES we will visit this hotel again and would advise anyone considering staying at this hotel to go!!
|
| |
sonia from cleveland travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
thomas cook
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We went all inclusive i would recommend it to anyone with children. The hotel was very clean and the maids were excerllent. The food was also good with a wide variety on offer throughout the day. The location was about a 10 minute walk from the main strip with loads of shops and pubs. The hotel staff were very friendly and could understand us good. The entertainment team in the glam bar was the tops. There were loads of fun and games all day and night till 11pm. The excersion trips could of been organised a bit better but it was good. I would visit this hotel again without adoubt.
|
| |
Daniel from Surrey travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
JMC/Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Me and My Family Have Just returned from a two week stay at the Parasio. And what a holiday! We have travelled abroad many times, and this one of the best.
The hotel was very clean and the cleaners were always working hard, and all the staff were very helpful and friendly! The food was a little on the disappointing side for the size of the hotel, and they didn't have a huge selection, with a lot of repeats, but don't let that put you off!
The local entertainment in the Bar Adao was not brilliant and was a very simular schedule every night. But the JMC organised entertainment was brillaint - they have 5 reps stationed at the Parasio (Kazza, Donna, Julie, John and Billy) and they are the nicest bunch of people that you will ever meet and try there hardest to help you have an enjoyable holiday - they have a daily entertainments program which includes a daily quiz, You Bet challenge, JMC events and sports. The evening entertainment that the JMC reps provide is super. Most nights they perform there own shows in the club, which are excellent as all of the reps have a good talent - overall JMC entertainment is 5*+
I would certainly return to the Parasio and if you have booked it you will have a great holiday!
|
| |
Nathalee and gary from East Kilbride Glasgow travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
jmc
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the hotel in mid July, and we both thought it was amazing, the food, location, reps weather etc.
Our room was very clean and to a suitable size....
Not only will we be returing next summer but we will also be bringing friends but also our new baby boy Ashton, who are all looking forward to staying in this wonderful hotel...
|
| |
Nathalee and gary from East Kilbride Glasgow travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
jmc
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the hotel in mid July, and we both thought it was amazing, the food, location, reps weather etc. are room was very clean and to a suitable size.... not only will we be returing next summer but we will also be bringing friends but also our new baby boy Ashton, who are all looking forward to staying in this wonderful hotel... The entertainment reps were the nicest people ever, Julie - big girl, big personality. John- Portugal's camp man oh betty Billy- gorgeous man hope yor leg alright after your crutches. Karen and Donna- your workout in the morning was the best. thanks for making it a good holiday guys xxx
|
| |
Mike and Veronica from Worksop travelled to Paraiso De Albufeira with
Thomas Cook/JMC
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Paraiso De Albufeira as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We st |
Sunny Says there
are 18 visitors online