| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
Sabrina from Birmingham travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thomson
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Well I would never go back to this hotel again even though the room we had which was a superior room with a sea view was lovely and the maid service was brilliant.
The hotels parasols are dangerous and one hit my husband in the face as it’s quite windy there. Several times we saw parasols fly off and hit people. The swimming pool is tiny for the size of the hotel so we ended up going to the Vila Gale Marina pool which is not as busy. Very difficult to get loungers at the Ampalius anyway as you have to get up at 7am to reserve them!
The resort is ok (would not go back) as it’s very manmade and very expensive to eat out.
I definitely recommend the Maharaja Indian restaurant beautiful cuisine and lovely service. If you want to waste a few hours then just go to Capriccio restaurant (Italian) on the marina, I am not exaggerating it takes about 30 minutes to even get someone to come over and give you a menu! We waited an hour for our meal!
Also the Nikkis beach bar opposite the hotel plays music from about midnight till 6.30am most nights!
We only had B&B and the breakfast was not that great and lots of flies around. Also you had to put your bread through the toaster about 6 times for it to be toasted. The restaurant was like London in the rush hour (one guy barged into me to get his food) and the waiters not very friendly.
The reception staff were very slow and not very helpful or friendly except for one girl on there who was lovely and polite.
Lots of people staying there were snobbish and rude quite a few groups of blokes too who were a bit rowdy by the pool etc.
The entertainment was non existent they had a samba show which was great but it was 30 mins long! Every night it was just a guy playing a piano!!
We would never go back.
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Liz & Jay from Kent travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: The hotel is in an excellent location right on the beach and a few minutes walk from the marina. The rooms are very clean and the staff are very helpful. We went for the half board option. The food was nice. Breakfast had an excellent choice from cooked food to continental. The dinners were OK too, nothing exciting but plenty to choose from. We would definately go back to this hotel.
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Sue & John from Hull travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Independant
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2006 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We have just returned from a 3 night short break at this hotel. We were given a room with a balcony although the receptionist made a point of telling us she had given us it as if it was a treat.
The rooms was clean and comfortable with BBC1 BBC2 an extra English channel that had CBBE's on during the day and sometimes BBC4 or an english film on - also the usual skynews BBC World etc. Minibar was not too expensive but we only used it to keep our supermarket bought juice etc.
Breakfast was ok nothing special very very slow toaster you could eat your cereals and then go back and the toast will be just dropping down into the tray. Only good thing was that they served it from 6am until 10.30am which is great if you have to leave the hotel early for a pickup or sleep a little later.
We returned one afternoon at about 3.40pm and our room had not been madeup I phoned reception and they said that rooms could be done anytime during the day upto 5pm which is a bit much if you have been out for the day and just want to have a rest before going back out
Entertainment was very low key this time of year with traditional dancing one night and a keyboard player and guitarist singing in the bar/lounge.
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marie graham from carlisle travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
private
on a friends holiday. There were more than 6 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: On arriving at the hotel we were very dissapointed that our room had no balcony. I told a lady receptionist that I was surprised there was no balcony in a 4 star hotel and would it be possible to change, she said it was quite usual in any 4 star hotel and no chance of a move. 2 days later after asking a male receptionist we got a change, but were told to request a balcony in future. Many of our party had the same problem, apparently if you don't request you don't get one. I would also make sure I had a high floor. The funny side of this saga is after we got our balcony it rained for the rest of our holiday and we didn't get a chance to use it.
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Matt & Elaine Crow from Canvey Island travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thompsons
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We stayed at this hotel for our honeymoon and it was again fantastic (its our second visit but our first honeymoon).
We had room 631 which was massive with a great bathroom, good bed and just the best sea view. The room was also well cleaned every day.
We agree with what a previous writer has said about the casino as we had a room on the end last time and yes it can be a bit noisy at the weekend, but our room this time was in the middle and nice and quiet.
I must admit breakfast can get a bit busy but there is always a good selection and plenty of food. We ate out everynight the marina is 5 mins away and has plenty of great restraunts (but dont expect bargain basement).
The hotel is right on the beach but has good pools as well.
All in all a terrific hotel and we will be back soon
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Julie Mock from Newcastle Upon Tyne travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday. There were 1 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: I took my two children on a well deserved holiday to Vilamoura last August. I had been to Vilamoura with my childrens father (my ex husband) in 1993 and always wanted to go back to stay at the Ampalius. What a let down...
We had upgraded to a junior suite which I felt was very small considering hotels I have previously stayed in. The shower left a flood every time we used it.
The hotel pool staff were useless and seemed to have a problem with single parents. My son fell over a broken umberella stand and sliced his leg... The hotel staff just wanted us away from the pool and offered us no real assistance.
Be very wary as we came back from a trip to the Zoo Marine and put our things in our room before going to the pool. When we got back someone had used their E111 card and got into our room. It was in our electric slot and our lights and tv were on. The hotel manager just said that the cleaners use them to get into the rooms to clean them but its illegal to use someonelses official health card and it's frightening to think anyone can get into your room.
I would not recommened this hotel to a single parent or a family.
I would certainly go back to Vilamoura as I love the place but I would recommened the Olympus aparthotel. I would never step foot in the Ampalius and would certainly never book with Thomas Cook as there rep was useless. She gave out nothing but false information and was of no use, that was when you could find her...
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Maxine from Taunton, Somerset travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday. There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: This was a very clean & friendly hotel situated across from the beach.
The only problem with the location of this hotel is that it's next door to a casino, and you can hear the music from their nightclub until 7am!!
If you book this hotel I would suggest you request rooms that are in the middle of the hotel. You still get the lovely sea-views but no noise.
It wouldn't put me off going again.
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Jacquie from oldham travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thomas cook
on a family holiday. There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: What more can I say I would recommend to any one of any age the whole place is fab. Would go back every year this was our second time.
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Sharon Hanson from derby travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
THOMAS COOK
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2006 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Stayed at this hotel for a week bed and breakfast. Room was very spacious, very clean and quite modern. Beds were comfy. They gave you plenty of pillows and covers if you wanted them. Room had a very nice bathroom, air conditioning (ours kept running with water. It did get mended after three times of complaining.)
Breakfast was a bit of a nightmare if you went down after 9am. Really badly organised, every one fighting to get to coffee machine and toaster, plenty of choice, although I didn't rate the hot food. Slimy eggs horrible greasy bacon.
Hotel was in great location right on the beach. Hotel staff were very nice and pleasant.
Can't rate the entertainment as went out every night.
Overall a very nice hotel.
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Fish from Newmarket travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday. There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Went for honeymoon with our 15 month old son and definitely feel we picked the right hotel, perfect location beutiful hotel and superb staff. We will definitely go back to the Ampalius one day.
We chose the flexidine which was a great idea as the hotel food was superb but there are also some beautiful restaurants on the marina.
We didn't meet anyone with anything bad to say about the hotel although I admit the entertainment seem the be aimed at older people and the pool was a bit cold.
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Hayley from Poole travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thomas cook
on a friends holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: This hotel is perfect for couples families and singles, it is about a minutes walk to the beach and five mins to the marina.
The staff could not do enough for you.
The entertainment was ok but we preferred to go out at night.
I would definitely come back.
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Ken from St Helens travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Monarch
on a singles holiday. There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 02 2005 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: The Ampalius is a great hotel for food, service and facilities and is in an ideal location for the beach, bars, restaurants and the marina, not to mention the golf!
The staff in this hotel are most helpful, polite and communicate effectively with all nationalities - hotel staff in the UK should visit this hotel for training!
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luci from romford travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
travelled independently
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2004 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Lovely hotel set right by the beach. Reasonable size outdoor pool and small outdoor children's pool, too cold too use in November. Indoor pool (must wear bathing cap) with Jacuzzi and sauna - did not use these.
Good size bar with great service. Small coffee shop, open until 1am.
Entertainment every night, but not of the highest quality.
Fantastic breakfast from 6.30 to 10.30, catered for every type of diet - fruit, pastries, cereal, full English and more.
Hotel is extremely clean, any spillages wiped up immediately.
Room was a reasonable size, good size bathroom. Maid service every day.
Couple of small shops, hairdresser & beautician on site. Internet available.
Buffet style dinner 20-25 Euros each, did not try this, but a good selection available.
Staff were friendly and helpful.
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Matt Crow from Canvey Island travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Thompson
on a couples holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: Third time on the Algarve in the last year. 1st time at Vilamoura and it won't be the last. Really can't recommend it enough. Hotel was excellent. Clean & tidy but a little 1970's. Other reviews have said about the indoor pool and having to wear a cap, well the answer is don't use it. Your on hoilday Go Outside and use the beach!
Breakfast is excellent with plenty of choices and quantity
Seaview is recommended. Cleaners every day in a week long stay
Perfect for couples of any age but possibly not the best for young children or teenagers as resort was fairly quiet
Weather was Fantastic Again (3rd time running)
Will definately revisit and would use this hotel again
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Heather Day from Bishops Stortford travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
own arrangements
on a friends holiday. There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We are just back from 3 days here.Lovely hotel, decor a bit dated but it is very clean. Friendly staff- hilarious entertainment in a very tongue in cheek kinda way.Food is ok- there is plenty of it- although the usual smoking allowed anywhere can be a bit much at breakfast-time.Pool is quite cold but there is a neat indoor pool- but you must wear a swim hat!
Plenty of sunloungers and just 2 mins from beach. 5 mins max. walk into town with loads of places to eat but not much in the way of nightlife otherwise.
We would definitely come back- not for a full week but as a short break hotel it was perfect.
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Simon Evans from Mountain Ash travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Independent
on a friends holiday. There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2003 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: An excellent hotel - situated right on the beach and with good clean rooms.
Breakfast was good and self service.
I did get a swimming cap to use the pool !!
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Tania Craine from Liverpool travelled to Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel with
Direct Holidays
on a family holiday. There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2002 |
rated the Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: We stayed for two weeks and found the hotel to be perfectly placed for the beach and restaurants. We didn't use the indoor pool because of the bathing cap rule - my three daughters refused to wear them!
We had two rooms, i would recommend the seaview rooms as they are much bigger and brighter.
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