| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
miss lyman from rotherham travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
portland
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2008 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: hotel was fantastic although not much entertainment for kids, apartments were humongous we were in a 2 bedroomed and had an upstairs an downstairs you could throw a party in the bathroom alone, long walk to the beach there is a shortcut across a bit of wasteland there is also stray dogs but they don't bother you at all, don't use the shop around the corner very expesive we used the continente or lidl both lots cheaper. pool was freezing and not heated no matter what the recepcionist says all in all very nice place just too expensive. building work only bothers you if you let it.
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
|
| |
Debbie, Jean and Jasmine from Warrington travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Portland
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was a last minute deal booked for my mum, daughter and myself. The apartments and studios are very spacious the only down side is that if you choose to stay in a studio be aware that they have no balcony. Our studio was adequately cleaned though not sparkling, also loo rolls seemed to be in short supply! Although the complex is small there are enough sunbeds to go round and the pool is adequate. Staff working in the bar and food area were very friendly. All the reps were very nice and helpful, and the kids club looked well run. Opposite there is a building site but very little work was carried out whilst we stayed there. The area is mainly residential so is very quiet with nothing around for a 10-15 minute walk. Corner shop is very expensive mum bought a jar of jam 4 euro!, best to shop at the Continente walk there do your shop then taxi back 4 euro. We would stay again for another week but not a fortnight because of the location. We had a fab holiday overall!
|
| |
John Bell from Peterborough travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thompson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just come back from two weeks at the Plaza Real (26/6/08).
On the positive side the apartments were large, clean, well furnished and free air conditioning. All the staff and other residents were very friendly and the Kids Club reps were first rate. Pool was cleaned daily and we never had a problem getting a sun bed each. Food was competitively priced and good quality. Weather was superb and didn’t see a cloud for 10 days in a row.
On the negative side the location is out of resort and does take about 15-20 mins to walk. There is a dirt track / path that reduces the time but was advised by the rep not to take it at night, we heard unconfirmed reports of muggings and packs of wild dogs so avoided even in the day. A taxi back in the evening is 4 euros.
The biggest negative is the building work taking place adjacent. This clearly is going to be an extension of the hotel. In the first week there was not much noise and if you can stand the odd shadow being cast by the overhead crane whilst you are sun bathing by the pool not a problem. However in week two the noise seemed to increase daily. There was a lot of unrest amongst our fellow holiday makers and some requested transfers to other hotels. Apparently Thompson’s policy is that they would undertake this providing a complaint was received within 24 hours of arrival.
Would I recommend Plaza Real? Yes but only when building work is complete and you have no walking difficulties or have a few extra euros for taxi rides.
Finally we recommend Zoomarine for a good day out and Safari / Red’s Rib Shack as excellent restaurants.
|
| |
The Beatons from Inverness travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2007 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The apartments are big just like the rest of the reports. The only thing that annoyed me was that our maid wasn't that good. Our towels were not changed at all she never replaced any loo roll had to buy a pack. We watched her from the pool one day and all she did was empty the bins, take the shower curtain out of the bath. The beds were not touched as was anywhere else. My son brought my hair bands and clips out of the pool after it was meant to have been cleaned. Apart from this the kitchen was well equiped. Had a T.V. with ceebies on good for when I was make lunch/breakie.
|
| |
|
|
Sue from Dartford travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Plaza Real are lovely apartments, very spacious and have a home from home feel, as mentioned previously they have all your home comforts and are able to cook a good meal.
We had a ground floor apartment (which I recommend) as they have lovely big balconies with sunbeds and patio set.
The pool area is clean and the pool area is cleaned every day around 8am which is nice to see. The bar is ok, although not so good entertainment but make use of it as it does turn out to be laugh with the Karoke! All the staff are really friendly. The food at the hotel bar is lovely we ate there quite a few times.
There is building work going on around the apartments although they don't affect the apartments, is does tend to make the balconies very dusty.
Overall we had a good holiday, not sure I would go back as I didn't feel as though there was enough for the children but would be interested to go back in a few years to see what they have done around the apartments.
|
| |
thomas from warwickshire travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel was better than expected pictures do not show just how clean and large apartment rooms are, kitchen was ideal for larger family with large fridge freezer, microwave decent hob and cooker not that it was used!!
The hotel food was good and quite cheap compared to other places to eat, although there are many places to dine big reds rib-shack was a hit although a little dearer but you did get your monies worth, this is found next to a little bar Taffy's bar which was one of the cheapest places we found to drink and so friendly this is where we met some lovely people, quizzes were a good laugh.
As the hotel is set back a little way you do have to walk there although as previously written if you turn left out of the gates it is a big short cut down the wasteland, through a short lane and then your almost there, compared to the way you are told to go taxis home at night are so cheap.
We used taxis to Alvor, lovely fishing village worth a look, portimao for the shopping, better choice of stores, and the marina pretty area to eat, on the beaches which are outstanding it didn't matter which beach you went to it was so clean.
There is maintenance work going on in the main strip to improve the walkways but this is not too much of a disruption, and will make a difference in the future.
Will travel back again, hope you enjoy your holiday as much as we did!!!!
|
| |
Line from Coventry travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We returned from a week at the Plaza Real Apartments last week and we had a great time:
Rooms - we were in an apartment overlooking the pool and it was lovely, all the rooms were very spacious, even the bathroom. We were also surprised to find that we had a separate kitchen, which was well equipped - there was even a big fridge freezer. Only thing missing was an electric kettle, the one on the hob took ages!
Staff - staff on reception were very helpful. When we first arrived, someone came out of the bar with a tray of drinks for us all, which was a nice touch.
Location - a bit of a walk to the beach and main strip, but we knew this before we went. Luckily I had read in some reviews that there was a shortcut (out of hotel, turn left and across some wasteland) and this did cut a fair bit of time off the walk (to about 10 mins), especially as we had two small children. Taxis cost about 4 euros so we usually walked there and got a taxi back.
Entertainment - not very good, a couple of karaokes and the barbecue was cancelled due to lack of interest. The entertainment centres around the bar/ restaurant which is very small, and so they are limited.
Food - as mentioned, the restaurant is very small and the food was very average - we ate there on our first night and didn't again, apart from the cooked breakfasts which were good. We found two good restaurants - the first one I would highly recommend and is called Jardim das Oliveiras. There are leaflets on the reception desk and you can book a taxi/minibus with reception that takes you to the restaurant for free. It takes about half an hour and is up in the mountains, and we expected it to be expensive, but our bill was cheaper than most that we had on the strip. The food is wonderful, the wine is cheap (but good), the people are friendly and the surroundings are lovely.
The second restaurant was the Atlantis on the strip - excellent food and lovely decor.
Childrens club - my 5 yr old only used it twice because the weather was so good, we were out all day long. But he really enjoyed it when he did go, and the two people that ran it were very nice and friendly.
Beaches - Praia da Rocha beach is one of the nicest I've seen, and it has everything you could want. They have recently built decking which runs the whole length of the beach (which is quite long!). This makes it easy to walk to where you want and is also great if you want to walk along the beach in the evening. They have built restaurants all the way along and plenty of toilets in between which are clean, plus shower cubicles.
Places to visit - Zoomarine is worth a visit especially if you have children. We didn't find it too expensive, especially as under 5's are free. There are shows throughout the day eg dolphin, wild birds, rides for the children and the food is surprisingly good and cheap, with more than your usual burgers and chips!
Would definitely go back to this resort, but although the apartments are lovely, would not use them again due to location and lack of a good restaurant.
|
| |
Hughes from Rhyl travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thompson
on a 18-30s holiday.
There were 5 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel is fantastic very clean, excellent apartments. We had a one bedroom ground floor apartment as we have a young baby and it suited our needs perfectly. We had a large sun terrace which was great.
The food at the hotel was great never had a bad meal and reasonably priced!
The resort was coming to the end of the season so fairly quiet but very clean, Beach is fantastic with plenty of little taverners along the way and plenty of places to eat.
Overall excellent holiday we would definitely recommend it.
|
| |
Mrs MacGregor from Edinburgh travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed here last year and were a bit worried about the previous reviews as this was our first holiday abroad with our children aged 7 and 4.
The prospect of accessing the beach and resort centre with steep climbs were a bit daunting. We should not of worried! It is a great place to go!
We had a ball, it was a lovely holiday and we will be going back if not this year then next.
The only complaint we had with the plaza real was the size of the swimming pool, which is not a great size and if busy feels a bit cramped. (But that says something if that is all we had to complain about!!) We had an amazing apartment, huge! Bigger kitchen than at home!
The staff were friendly and the kids club guys were brilliant. Our children cried when they couldn't go one day as we were going out! Plenty of room around the pool, you could always get a sunlounger.
The water park was excellent! We went on a bus to Villamoura to visit friends, which was also lovely (lovely marina) and we went to portimao, also nice. Other than that we were satisfied to sit around the pool and go to the beach.
We did the little train on the last night and discovered that we had not even ventured into half on praia du rocha! Will definately go back.
|
| |
|
|
Katy from Watford travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The Plaza Real apartments really lived up to expectation, we couldn't believe our eyes when we entered our apartment! Huge kitchen, huge living room with a lovely big balcony overlooking sea views. Downstairs toilet and a big under-stairs cupboard. A large staircase led us up to two big bedrooms with remote controlled air-con and a bathroom with double sinks, a bath with shower and a seperate shower cubicle (yes, two showers!) and a toilet and b-day (excellent for washing sandy feet). Very very clean, plenty of storage cupboards etc.
Only down side was the slight sewery smell in the bathroom but we were advised that this is normal in this area of portugal but still not pleasent first thing in morning.
Word of warning, the floors in the apartment can get very slippery indeed, be especially careful when the maids have mopped the floor, I did the splits for the first time in twenty years and I still don't think my hips have popped back in properly yet!
Entertainment ok, mostly karaoke, and be ready to hear the same repertoirs from the same club singers at least five times during a two week holiday.
Location fantastic, very easy ten minute walk to Praia d.Rocha once you discover the short cut, where you find lovely beaches but be careful as there are lots of stray dogs roaming around (aparantly harmless when left alone but still made me nervous). Fantastic restaurants and bars which all welcome children and the prices are great. You will need to hire a car to see more further afield though as don't think the area is enough to sustain interest for a whole two weeks.
Staff very helpful and friendly and are happy to help with any queries or local information but they do charge to call you a taxi to go out which although common in some hotels still riles me slightly!
Overall though I would be very happy to return. Best hotel we've ever stayed in.
|
| |
John Martin from Limavady travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Independent
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11 2005 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stay in the Plaza Real out of season (Nov), booking our own flights and booking the room with on line Hotel & apartment site. Although there were very few people staying , The managment did not drop the standard of service afforded to the peak season period . Apartment cleaned & towels changed every day by friendly & Trustworthy Staff .
Very very clean & Large apartments , Friendly & Helpful staff .
|
| |
DEBBIE WRIGHT from WELLINGBOROUGH, NORTHANTS travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
THOMSON
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed here last summer, and can honestly say its probably the best self-catering apartment in all my many experiences.
The size and cleanliness of the place could not be faulted. There shouldnt be a woman out there who could use the excuse of the kitchen being under-equipted, with microwave, toaster, cooker, full-sized fridge/freezer. and all the cooking utensils you could possibly need, an added bonus to all that enjoy catering for themselves. If you are not in the mood for cooking, dont be shy about using the pool-bar, the food is excellent although basic and quite reasonably priced.
The only downfall for us was the location, as our party consisted of 2yr old to 72yr old, so the walk into the main resort was a bit of an effort. Did have a hire car at our disposal for the youngest and oldest members of our party, but wasnt a problem the younger ones to walk into town.
Overall, I can fully recommend a stay here.
|
| |
susan hulme from widnes travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
thomson
on a family holiday.
There were 6 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The staff were very friendly and polite, most welcoming.
The 2 bedroomed apartment we had was very clean, cleaners very helpful when towels and toiletries needed.
We will definitely be going back there.
|
| |
Mrs Galloway from Liverpool travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: These apartments were one of the best we'ved stayed in
especially with regards to the cleanliness of the place.
The kitchens within the apartments were excellent with all mod cons and they were very spacious as well. The air conditioning worked great which was just as well as it was very hot whilst we were there.
The ground floor apartments have huge balconies which you could sunbathe on. I was six months pregnant when we went so I was quite concerned as to how clean the place would be but I had no complaints!
The pool was very clean but a bit small. My children loved the kids clubs and they were very well organised. The rep was very friendly and helpful she has lived in the Algarve for about 12 years so she knows all the best places to go.
The entertainment was quite low key but it was enough especially as Euro 2004 was on whilst we were there! There is a restaurant within the bar.
The menu is quite basic but the food is really nice. The apartments are located quite far away from the main resort so you need to get a taxi or bus or its a 20 min walk but we hired a car for the first week which helped especially with getting the shopping as the nearest supermarket is rubbish and very expensive.
We would definately recommend these apartments.
|
| |
Natalie from Wigan, England travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
not sure?
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2003 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I went with my best mate and her mum and dad and we had a brilliant time. We made lots of friends and the staff were really friendly can’t remember the bar mans name but he is quite short.
The nearest shop is about a minutes walk and the beach is about a 6 minute walk.
I went in August and it was still brilliant. Made lots of friends stayed in the room on the bottom floor opposite the bar. There is a games room with a snooker table. The rooms are clean and have Satellite TVs.
There is a football pitch near by where the Portuguese teenage football team plays football. And there are two young boys who hang about the apartment’s Powlo and Antonio probably about 17 now. They're really nice and love the English girls.
It’s a great place there is a Gym and a room for the kids club. Definitely visit again.
|
| |
Gibson from Inverness travelled to Plaza Real Apartments with
Thomson
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2003 |
rated the Plaza Real Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Booked holiday in 2005, for May 2006.
First impressions:- even better than the pictures in the brochure, huge lounge, massive bedroom, separate kitchen, large bathroom. Excellent shutters & thick curtains were ideal for pretending to the kids it was later than it really was.
We had a one bedroom apt looking over the pool at the front, football pitch at back which got pretty noisy sometimes but kids will be kids!
Separate shallow kids pool, adults pool clearly depth marked, safety notices in several languages. Shower & outdoor toilets, much better than traipsing through the bar or back to the apartment.
Pool bar pretty basic, usual burgers & chips etc. Not much in way of entertainment. Only so many times in a fortnight to do karaoke!
Kids club very good & club staff very friendly & really looked after the children. Always reminding them to keep hats on in the sun etc.
Quite a walk to the FANTASTIC beach, found a shortcut over waste ground but worth it to see the beach.
Hotel staff on duty 24/7 and couldn't do enough to help. If they didn't know something they'd go & find it out for us.
Been to Praia Da Rocha several times & if I could go back today I'd be typing this on the flight out!
|
| |
Subscribe For FREE Updates
Sunny Says there
are 38 visitors online