Balaia Atlantico

we stayed at this hotel for 5 nights over the bank holiday the hotel was very clean and the staff very friendly and helpfull the only problem with this hotel is its too far away from the beach but there is a free bus into the villages and town which is free the food was good but not a variety to choose from

jason gardner, lancashire
Mature Couple (36+)

We have jsut come back from this hotel and I must say that it was very good. We have a 10 year old and he found a mate quickly so I did not have to worry too much about him for the 5 days we were there. The room is like a modern flat with spearate Bedroom . plently of space , new Kitchen and imac bathroom. All overlook the vast pool and had TV chaneels like BBC 1 2 4 etc. We went all inclusive so although the restaurant is very clean and prsented the food was not always the best. Breakfast was moderate and we got numerous sandwiches and burgers from the pool bar during lunch. The local drinls ion the Inclusive list was enough for me but for the more concerning palate might not be right. Staff were very hard working and plesent but like most of these all inclusive deals it can be a pain getting served when there is only 2 staff on. Busses take you to town if required and for the older children I assume that the limited entertainment might not be enough excitement. Overall we got the weather so for me it was great I put up with the food rather than complained. ( It was very clean). It is out of the way and does not have much around it , they do need more staff in busy periods. But hey we got it cheap enough it was very clean altough the pool is "ICE Station zebra" I would recommend it .

Malcolm Black , manchester
Family with Children 11 and Under

As we have two small children, 2 years and 4 months, it is very important that we choose good accommodation.  All in all, we were very happy.  Rooms, pool, service was excellent.  Weather fab even at beginning of October.  We did an all-inclusive which I am usually very dubious about but it was worth it finanically and practically.  The only disadvantages were:

Even when door is locked from inside the apartment, it can still be opened, i.e. there is no latch which means children can open it.  We had to continually block it up with suitcases, which was a bit of a pain

Pool Bar snack area opens from 11-12 and then from 4-6.  Usually you would like lunch at around 1-2.  The option is to use the formal dining area on floor 5 which has a dress code.  

If you are going all inclusive the evening meal did leave a lot to be desired.  We ended up going into the old down most nights.  However, the all inclusive was still worth it as all drinks, icecreams, breakfast and pool snacks were included.  

The hotel is located about 2-3 miles from main town which means you have to get a taxi.  You cannot pre-book car seats so it is really a matter of holding on tight to the wee ones

However, despite the disadvantages we really enjoyed the place. The apartments are really really nice.  If you are bringing children request a ground level apt (which is actually on the first floor) as it is convenient for nipping in and out of the apartment during day from pool area.  Also, when kiddies were having naps you can lie out and enjoy the sun uninterrupted using a baby monitor to keep an eye.  

Hope this is of some help for the would-be holiday makers.

Kind Regards

Eithne Dolan, Galway Ireland
Family with Children 11 and Under

Excellent hotel, very modern rooms, well equiped, clean.  The only thing against it is that you have to get a taxi into Albefeira, it is far to out to walk anywhere.

Tina Carpenter, Ipswich
Family with Children 11 and Under