Hotels near The Parlour Irish Bar, Alvor

We have just spent a week here, and enjoyed everything about the hotel. * It is spotlessly clean everywhere; rooms serviced daily, to an exceptional standard, with fresh linen and towels. * We stayed B&B - exceptional value for money- worth every penny. We liked the breakfast room- some reviews imply that it’s an unwelcoming space - but we didn’t find that. Hot breakfast offerings- kept replenished and very well presented and again spotlessly clean and high standards observed. Continental options and good selection of bread and pastries. Nice coffees and fresh juices. A huge thank you to the team in the breakfast room- super polite, friendly and efficient- true service with a smile - EVERY morning (apologies- we didn’t get your names). * Reception team - very welcoming and friendly, again always service with a smile. Sasha helped us get a taxi to a restaurant and always had a smile on her face - she is a credit to the hotel as “front of house “. *We stayed in room 306 - has a balcony facing the back of the hotel overlooking the pool. Very comfortable self catering- enough for light lunch preparation. Bathroom excellent. Beds comfortable. Decor clean, fresh, well coordinated and modern design. Went with jet2 and air con/safe included in price and very effective keeping us warm this time of year! Room is good size for a couple. The only negative is the lack of English TV channels- wouldn’t usually be a problem for us - but we had inclement weather and would have given us a distraction in our room for “bad weather days “. * fantastic location- walk through car park opposite hotel and you’ll find all the bars, restaurants and shops within 5mins. The boardwalk is amazing and the beaches/coastal walks are spectacular. Alvor is a beautiful place and we will definitely return in the warmer months to see it in all its glory. * This will definitely be our hotel of choice on our return- due to the welcoming staff, high standards of hygiene, amenities and locality - thank you to the whole team for a lovely stay

I would love to give this place a poor review to put people off going so I could keep it for myself but that would be doing the staff a real disservice. I can't fault this place at all- the place was spotless inside and out and the rooms were well equipped with fridge ,safe and air conditioning and lovely hot showers. The breakfast had something for everyone and changed each day. The staff are the real star of the show though and nothing is too much trouble. We mentioned we were looking for worry beads and the next thing we knew one of the waitresses at breakfast went across the street and brought back a selection for us to choose from and purchase from the shop opposite. Special mention to Ioanna who was so friendly and up for a laugh she really made our holiday. Great Central location but quiet with a lovely small pool and pool area. Can't wait to come back!

Reviewing any hotel on just one visit is I think a little unfair, but I suppose appraising an old friend that you return to each year is also a little biased. It is a few years since we had a chance to return to the Dom Joao and this year we are seeing it amidst the relative quiet of February. I suspect that judging a hotel when it is at peak times is a test of its management and efficiency, whilst in the doldrums of February it is a test of its staff, their skills and character. The Dom Joao passes both appraisals, sailing along with grace and charm, steered by good management and crewed by delightfully caring people. Some have suggested that it is showing its age in places and could do with some investment, but it doesn’t detract from its idyllic location nor its special atmosphere. If Pestana do decide to invest a little in the hotel it should be done with care to reward the special people who work there.

We stayed in the Alvor Atlantico Hotel for nearly three weeks and would recommend. We had a Studio Superior, with a Sea View. We were on the 7th floor and the view was absolutely beautiful, we could see all of the beach from the beach at the Atlantida Restaurant to the very end. It was lovely to wake up to. The hotel itself was very quiet, there's no bar, there is an indoor pool, which we didn't use and it was also very clean. The Studio was well equipped with a 2 ring cooker, fridge and plates and cutlery, we had a problem with the cooker and the kettle which was sorted out for us, no problem. We had one rainy day when we didn't fancy going into Alvor, you can book dinner (or breakfast) in the Dom Joao Hotel, which we did for the one night, it was only a 5 minute walk away. It was buffet style but was very good. It's a 20 minute walk into the harbour or centre of Alvor on the boardwalk which was a nice way to start the evening. We will definitely stay here again. The beds were comfortable, a bit hard for my personal liking, the shower was good with plenty of pressure, so all in all would recommend.

Overall I was a little disappointed with our stay here. The good points first! The concierge guys who take you to your room in the golf buggies were all very pleasant and could not do enough us while we were there. We stayed in a 2 bedroom premium room which inside was very good, lots of space, clean and had everything we needed. The not so good points. It is a pity that the bar and waiters weren't the same as the concierge. If this is a 5* I would have expected them to be more efficient and more helpful. There was no waiter service at the pool again something I would expect for this standard. Now I know that the summer months are peak season but this property was very overcrowded. It was near on impossible to get a lounger by the pools if you weren't down very early and on some of the nights at the buffet the queue as out the door. Food was just ok and on some nights there were dishes not being replenished as they had probably ran out. At a good true 5* hotel this should not be case. We did try Roastic which was good but MAd Med and Caroseelo were booked out!!

The owners have spent money on the hotel to improve the look and appeal, although despite this there are several things that let it down. We booked a Superior sea-view room and on arrival (our room was not ready as we were early) we were informed that, our room would be on the second floor. We were then placed on the fourth floor and were assured that it was a Superior Sea-view room. The room was tastefully decorated, but a little tired with a partial sea-view - large tree obscuring the sea and with a small bathroom. First night; beds and pillows very uncomfortable, needless to say we didn’t have any good nights sleep for the week we were there (requested pillow exchanges which didn’t help). The room was very hot, twice we reported that the AC wasn’t cooling and asked for a fan which didn’t appear. Housekeeping didn’t refill the fridge with water, nor replenish teas/coffee’s. We asked several times for more water and wondered if they were chargeable? On checking with reception, we were assured they were complimentary - after this our fridge was restocked everyday. Bathroom exchange bidet and face clothes -took them away and didn’t leave replacements). With all our negatives, the location was perfect and staff where friendly.

Huge improvement in the last few years. We have been coming to Penina for the last 12 years. Just post Covid, the hotel and golf courses were very run down. (Like many hotels so not unique). The recovery to great service now is impressive. The hotel has not been rebuilt or even redecorated but is much ‘fresher’ and a pleasant place to spend your holiday. The Championship Course is much improved and probably only one more season from being back to great condition. The Resort Course is much improved over this year. Four temporary greens whilst the original greens are relaid. Fairways quite good but tee boxes need attention. Having said that, the price to play has been reduced to compensate and the golf staff made sure you understood that the course is having work before you sign up. The par-3 course no longer exists and there seems no sign that it’s coming back. A web search shows the par-3 as still being advertised. The Gym is still an asset. Bit old but good enough for a rounded work out. Now the gem in the crown and the most improved area is in staff attitude, friendliness and helpfulness. Front desk is very welcoming and efficient. Dolores was ever present and helpful. Bar and Henry Cotton staff are likewise, friendly and efficient. Breakfast is great, choice and quality of food has improved from adequate to very good. Someone is clearly on top of the offer and service. Staff quantity increased and all seem happy and helpful. Golf Shop and Caddy Master group are also great and a joy to interact with. Overall, my opinion…. A 5* hotel that is really a 4* hotel with 5*+ staff. Definitely on the right trajectory getting back to its best. The key to the next level of offer is to finish off the Henry Cotton golf course and get the Resort Couse back to great condition.