| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
wgipk from Belfast travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
On the beach.
on a couples holiday.
There were 6 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: I booked this holiday on the internet, we were self catering, we ate a few times in the restaurant food was good, staff pleasent and helpful, staff in the bar not very pleasent, so we did'nt return to the bar.
Location, definatly not suitable for people with walking difficulties. No entertainment what-so-ever, which is much needed!
I would not visit these apartments again.
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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A&F from Glasgow travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Barrhead
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked our studio appartment in the Jardim 1 as part of a last minute package so were not sure what to expect although having been told it was a 3 star we would have hoped for a slightly better maintained complex than we were greeted with.
Check-in at the reception passed without much comment, greeted by polite though rather serious receptionist who confirmed our details... on taking the short walk to our studio appartment we noticed the tremendous views across the Old town and the sea beyond, although our optimistic mood changed as we approached the front door of the appartment...
we can relate to the review earlier on this page where we stood in our living area and questioned where on earth we were going to sleep!!! The beds are under the rather old faded and drab sofa, after some shifting and rearranging of furniture we had just about established a rather basic sleeping area and the cushions were quickly removed and placed in a cupboard never to be touched again for the duration of the stay! To say they were old and worn would be an understatement!
The kitchen area is basic, although we only used the fridge so couldnt comment on the condition of the appliances...
on entering the bathroom i was transported back to the early 70s with some very "tasteful" decor that im sure would have been lovely in its day although that day is long gone!! The toilet could have done with a new seat, preferably one less discoulored and the shower, well you needed a degree in physics to get the balance right between the waterpressure and the shower head staying in its holder whilst still directing water to a position that you could actually stand under... all this without drowning the odd cockroach on the bathroom floor that may have escaped from the air vent that had previously been blocked with toilet roll in a rather DIY fashion!!!
However, after getting over our initial shock, we made the best of the appartment which apart from the bathroom was clean enough and the views were excellent! Old Albufeira in our opinion was the best side of town and still has an array of good bars and restaurants, the hotel staff were fine, and the maids very pleasant.. we didnt experience the entertainment as we spent every evening in the bars in the Old Town. The walk home was tiring but good to burn of the beer calories, not recommended for the elderly or young children though... also be wary of the slippy roads and pavements especially if it rains during your holiday.
Overall, would go back to Old Albufeira, probaly not to these appartments as you could get better for your money.
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suzanne/anth from peterlee travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
seaside travel
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we would just like to say please never book a holiday at this hotel!!! it was supposed to be an excellent family holiday previously booked a year in advance but turned out to be a disaster, wanting to return home immediately from entering our apartment. the first thing we were greeted with was a foisty, dingy room which the door had been kicked in - we went straight back to reception to ask to exchange rooms whom i can say were not very helpful. we were then offered the only room left available right at the back of the complex in among all the riff raff which we later found out this room also stunk. when we went in it had other peoples hairs still left on floor, fridge handle off, fridge propped up with cardboard, bedding not clean, mirrors covered with splatter no hot water for two weeks had to boil pans not on more than two rings though as electric would trip and underneath our beds was dust fluff balls which god knows how long they had been there. had to pay for mattresses everyday and pools were totally taped off for one day due to them not putting the chlorine in them. the only pleasant thing was some but not all of the waiters around the pool.
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Wilson from Newcastle travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Independent
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff |  | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Our stay didn't get off to a very good start as the two older women on reception were very rude and abrupt. We had booked our apartment independently and when we asked for directions to our block they told us we could not stay as the hotel owned all of the apartments and we would not be allowed to stay.
This took us 50 mins. of debating,arguing and a very expensive mobile call to the U.K. (as they would not allow us to use the phone) to eventually resolve.
When we did get to the block it was right at the top behind the tennis courts with overhead cranes working all day Mon. - Fri. drilling,hammering etc.
The studio was quite small and rather dated and the entrance had a permanent musty smell.
The snack bar by the pool was fine and the staff friendly as were the bar staff and you do expect it to be a bit more expensive by the pool.
The location suited us even though it was a steep 10-15 min walk from the old town but a lot of families were complaining about how hard it was with kids and buggies.
The entertainment was karaoke three nights a week and was sometimes that bad it was good! Kids weren't impressed by the games room as the air hockey had no air, two pool cues (one without a tip), no chalk and the machine three boys were putting their money never worked.
Overall we felt that this hotel was probably a huge entertainment complex in it's heyday but was now past it's prime.
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John Smith from Middlesbrough travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
independent
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Having booked the apartment first then reading the reports on this site. I went fearing the worst. What a pleasant suprise I got.
I was in block B1 at the front of the complex with the pools and reception behind. The apartment was clean and well equipped with fabulous views out to sea and over the old town.
The complex is on a hill but nowhere as near as steep as reports made out. If you entered the complex via the main entrance, where the cars turn in you can avoid the path up the embankment.
The entertainment is not the best but you are 10 mins walk from the town square where there is fantastic live entertainment in many of the bars. The complex is also only 10 mins from the fantastic beaches.
I would certainly return here and definitely recommend it to friends and family.
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Jean Whiteley from Huddersfield travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
med.hotels
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel staff apart from middle aged man very surly.
Apartment what we expected,probably built in 1970s.lots of steps to apartment,need to be fit.Cleaned every day,but could have used bleach to clean floor after daughter sick in the night. No toaster,kettle.
Ate at restaurant ,part of complex ,expensive but freshly made. Pools clean,not many other guests staying at the time so sunbeds available pretty much all time. Kareoke only entertainment.
Word of advice ,don't book a taxi to take you to airport in the town,didn't turn up. However, man on reception gladly rang one for us and was there in 5 mins.
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Tracey from London travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Direct Holidays
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Too many steps (over 70 to be honest!) from reception to our apartment always seemed a struggle, especially having to do this at least 3 times a day. Didn't like the studio we stayed in. It was very basic and the decor/furniture was rather dreary. The electricity was poor in that when we switched the cooker on, the tv would go out and if we plugged our iron in, our portable cd player would go out. I was very surprised that the apartments didn't have a microwave or even a kettle!
The reception staff were ok but the bar staff in the complex's bar were all excellent - they always had time to chat and have a laugh with us so I would give the bar staff top marks.
As for some of the people that we were staying at the complex, I was very surprised by some of the hostility of some of the guests so seeing that a lot of that didn't make it easy for us to have an enjoyable time compared to where we have stayed before. Wouldn't stay in this complex again!!!
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Debbie John Nathan Maureen from Bolton travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Direct Holidays
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Upon arrival we were greeted by a very friendly male receptionist in his 30's. A couple of the receptionist who were, lets say middle aged, were quite abrupt.
We were directed to our 2 bedroomed apartment in block C1 which was very spacious and had a cracking view over Albufeira toward the sea. It was very clean and was serviced by, again, friendly maids every day.
The size of the complex is massive, with lots of steps. It has 3 pools altogether, 1 of which is for tots. I think that if the whole complex was full,it would be a struggle to cope with the demand for the beds as they soon filled up in the morning. Of which there is a charge, unknown as we somehow managed to avoid it.
The restaurant on the complex was fairly expensive but delicious and the snack bar is also fairly dear in comparison to the square but then there isn't any competition on the complex.
The staff on the bar we found to be also very friendly but it is a shame that the entertainment is poor. Most nights it was Karaoke.
There is a courtesy bus which takes you to Albufeira at 0930, 1030, 1430 and another time which I can't quite remember, the timetable is given on your keycards but it doesn't run after 6pm.
It takes approximately 15 mins to walk down a steep hill to the square and beach, depending on how fit you are Many steps and beware of the paths, lethal, as they are very slippery. But once in the square there are plenty of bars shops and restaurants and street entertainers.
If you take any trips, the pick ups are from the Dolphin roundabout, which is easy to get to once you know how, we ended up at first on a tour around the complex, ha ha. Go up the the steps along side reception, at the top you will see the tennis courts over to your right you will see a restaurant, walk towards it and go through an archway, keep walking and you will see some steps on the left go down.. voila..
Depending where you are staying in the complex the amount of steps could haunt you by the end of your trip, but you will certainly come home a lot fitter.. ha ha..
Albufeira is a lovely place to stay and this hotel we will certainly be travelling back too, and even my mum who is, well we will say 21 plus plenty of VAT, thoroughly enjoyed it and will be going back. The hills and steps didn't put her off.
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David & Brenda from Wakefield travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Direct Holidays
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Although the hotel was on a hill it was easy to get around the complex. My wife has had an op on her knee and did strugle to to get around because of all the steps. But that did not stop her from having a good time. The rooms were cleaned daily, staff freindly and helpful It was rather hard to find anything wrong with the complex.We will be going back again.
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Phillip,shelly from Reading travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Libra
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: On arrival at Jardim 1 we were greeted quite abruptly by the receptionist not a good first impression. However it did get better! The studio room was quite spacious with a good sized bathroom but a very very basic kitchenette. No kettle, toaster or equipment for toasting. Beds are makeshift settees but were reasonably comfortable and rooms were cleaned and beds made daily except on Sundays. Good views from balcony in most areas. Word of advice dont even attempt to wear any sort of heel as the pavements ( if you can call them pavements) are very steep and slippery!! The swimming pools were nice but the sunbeds are usually all taken by ten o clock so be prepaired to get up early to get one and pay 1.50 euros for a thin mattress. The resturant on the complex is very basic and quite pricy, there are plenty of places within a short walk which are cheeper in price. There is a free bus service which runs around to specific stops in Albufiera but comments from other guests seem to say that this service is not as reliable as suggested. Jardim 1 was situated in a quiet area with a 10 minute walk downhill to the main square. A very well laid out resort but shame about the enormous hill!!!!!
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sharon & peter from edinburgh travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
direct holidays
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: studos are very drab & basic,in total need if refurbishment.place was crawling in cockroaches.place consistantly smelt bad.ubable to have shower on full power as water went all over the place---location is not suitable for families with children as it is a fair walk to the old town.staff at reception are very abrupt & of no help at all,----entertainment--what entertainmant????? karaoke karaoke & more karaoke----will not be back at these apartments nor would i recomend them to anyone
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Claire from Scotland travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Airtours
on a 18-30s holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2004 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I want to mention some of the good points about this complex. The complex is very very clean and the surrounding gardens and paths well maintained. The hotel is quiet and has stunning views of the old town. 5 mins walk down hill through charming narrow streets takes you to the old town in Albuferia, it takes about 10 mins to walk back up the hill - fast paste. (The hotel provide a free bus 5 times a day) I could see how this holiday may not be suitable for older people or families with buggies due to the steep hill but if you are young and fit and don’t just intend to spent your evenings in the hotel (as the entertainment the night we were there was dire) give this place a go. PS the poolside sun beds were very comfy and 1.50 euros do not break the bank!
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joehume from UK travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Direct Holidays
on a Unknown holiday.
There were Unknown adults and Unknown child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2002 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: On arrival quite late in the evening, we were confronted by a very unfriendly receptionist who was unhelpful and adamant that we as the customers were wrong with regard to our holiday confirmation on the apartment location. She almost certainly had a charisma bypass at some stage. Further requests made to reception during our stay were met with very rude and short answers. The studio itself was very drab and the furnishings outdated although we were lucky that it was on ground level with no steps to suffer! Set in a nice location, the complex was at the top of a steep hill and it was an exhausting climb after an evening out on the town. There were no wheelchair facilities at the complex and although the pools were a good size and regularly cleaned, they were outdated as well and could have been very dangerous for children due to the nature of their depth areas. ALL of the sun loungers were broken and would have been impossible to lie on except for mattresses being avaiable ( at a price of 1.50 Euros per day ). It was obvious to us and also other guests who we spoke to that this complex was in need of a major facelift both inside the apartments and also at the pool areas. Entertainment at the Jardim 1 was rubbish ( almost embarrassing ). I must comment about the toilets at the pool being constantly blocked thus resulting in a disgusting smell being present all of the time in the gents. This smell was permanantly noticable at the entrance to the complex entrance also. There was no courtesy room available for a shower on the day of departure - just a cold shower offered in the disgusting toilets at the pool. We wont be going back to this apartment complex and would not recommend it to anyone who would like a pleasant location and quality accomodation. However we had good company in the friends we met and enjoyed the town of Albufeira.
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pkane from UK travelled to Jardim I Apartments with
Direct Holidays
on a Unknown holiday.
There were Unknown adults and Unknown child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2002 |
rated the Jardim I Apartments as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Our first impression when we arrived with our six year old son was, where is our bedroom? We realised that we had booked a studio but expected some sort of separation. We ended up sleeping on a settee, which doubled up as a bed with our son on a folding guest bed. The decor and furnishings were somewhat dreary and dated.
Not to be put off we set about enjoying the sunshine. The apartments have three pools with loungers and cushions available, but we found we had to be there at 9am to get one! The beds appeared to be about 20 years old despite having to pay 1.50 Euros per day to use them. Surely this charge could be reinvested in new ones?
There was a pool-side bar and restaurant, which we found to be pretty good.
Jardim 1 is at the top of a long incline known affectionately as 'Cardiac Hill', ten minutes from the town centre. We had a further 74 steps to the door of our room. It kept us fit, but I would definitely not recommend Jardim to anyone with health or mobility problems. It is on the outskirts of the old town, which we prefer to the livelier 'strip' and relatively quiet. Our only annoyance was in the form of the in-complex entertainment. We never attended any of this, but friends who did described it as 'awful'. As we overlooked the pool/bar where it took place we were kept awake on several occasions until 1am.
We did manage to live with our apartment, enjoyed Albufeira and would go back for a third visit. We would not stay at Jardim 1 and would not recommend it to our friends. Look for a higher standard, it is out there.
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