Cerro Mar

Firstly, the hotel is clean and the staff friendly - there are no problems on that score. However, you're playing a lottery when you arrive. There are basically two halves to this hotel - the superb new side (spacious airy apartments, new furniture and electricals, fantastic views over the town to the sea) and the old side (pretty basic and if you're on floors 1 or 2, you can just about see the sea if you stand on tip-toes). I've never written a review so guess where we were. My sister and brother in law were on the best side which is why I know so much - I tried to spend as much time in their room as possible. If you're the type of holiday maker that gets on with it and makes the best of the hand you're dealt then you'll be fine where ever you're put. If on the other hand you like a good moan then you too will be in your element. Whilst my in-laws enjoyed fantastic views, a dishwasher, new kettle and more mirrors than a fun-house, we had no view, a crappy kettle and one mirror to crowd around! As for the dishwasher - he's typing this review. In summary, a clean, quiet hotel - and no mad dash for the sunbeds - always a bonus in my book. Good luck and keep your fingers crossed when you book in!

C Glover, Manchester
Mature Couple (36+)

I booked this a week before departing, we stayed from 14th - 20th June. My other half and I were fortunate enough to stay in the new 'View' building and the apartment was brand new and seemed as if we were the first to stay there. It was very spacious for 2 people (could fit upto 4). All the utensils were there in the kitchen and bathroom was very clean. Balcony had a lovely view of Albufeira and the ocean. Albuferia is not expensive so it is possible to eat out every night on a budget, but if self catering, there are a few shops (and a Lidl) within 10-15 mins walk. The pool was lovely, and as the apartments were not fully occupied, the pool area was quiet and uncrowded. Staff were very helpful, friendly and informative, the breakfast buffet was highly worth it- selection of hot and cold food and drinks to a good standard. Our friends (another young couple) who booked a week before us stayed in another older building of Cerro Mar- there apartment was even more spacious but slightly dated and their apartment had a very strong cigarette smoke smell which was a little off putting (but spent most the time at our apartment anyway). Their building's pool area was rather noisey during the daytime. The only other negative I can think of (not really associated with the Cerro Mar apartments) but the road outside reception is a little steep and the paving is a bit slippery so beware. And the last thing- Cerro Mar is situated at the top of the stairs which lead down to Albufeira, about 95 steps- can be tiring but being young and generally fit- it wasn't too bad but I can imagine it to be quite a chore with young kids and the elderly. Overall, we all had a great enjoyable holiday and would love to return to Cerro Mar in Albuferia (given that we are booked into the new buildings).

L Lee, Surrey, UK
Young Couple (18-35)

Returned from cerro mar on the 23/4/08 we had booked a two bedroom apartment and was amazed at how nice it was , we arrived at the apartment at 10.30 am but checked in straight away ,so clean all well looked after could not fault anything 5star . the only negative thing i would say is that 99 steps into town were hard work with a buggy but the free bus service of a day was great. Also albuferria has gone so expensive with the poor exchange rate .

jo mansell gray, home
Family with Children 11 and Under

We just come back from Portugal and the Cerro Mar. We only stayed a week there and a week at another popular hotel. We loved the Cerro Mar - clean, quite new, well equipped with Washer, dishwasher, coffee , maker, fridge . freezer, etc. Our Balcony overlooked the pool and offered stunning sea views. The gym and spa were also very nice and well maintained. The Cerro Mar is close to downtown, which you can reach by going down quite a number of steps to the old town square. Our favorite restaurant was Maderia House, we went there 3 times and cannot say enough about the excellent food there. Thank you Alpharooms for the excellent value offered, we were really surprised to receive much more than expected. The only complaints are that towels are limited and no shower supplies are provided, but as long as you know that going in it is not an isse. We were able to find public parking rather easily, and drove to Modelos (by the Brisa Sol) instead of going to the small Supermercado. We only ate once at the restaurant and had no complaints. The coffee was excellent and the entertainment was also very good. I would definitely go there again.

C.Deleavey, Moncton, NB, Canada
Mature Couple (36+)

Just come back from this hotel. Stayed for a week over Feb half term. We really couldn't fault the place. The Appartment was far more than we expected, home from home, in fact better equiped kitchen than my own!!!! Absolutely spotless, staff very friendly and the facilities great. Kids really enjoyed themselves. Even though it was quiet at this time of year, it was warm enough to go to the beaches which were spotless. The Old town is definately the place to stay, much better than around the strip which was really tacky. We would recomend this hotel without doubt and hopefully from this review lots of people will take our advice

Pineconecollie, Wales
Family with Children 11 and Under

I was very impressed with the apartment and although we booked a 1 bed app we were given a 2 bed which was fantastic. We were there over xmas and maybe because of this there was no evening entertainment but we had the use of the hotel pools one of which was indoor with a hot tub.There was also tenpin bowling so my youngsters were pretty much occupied all day. Overall a great holiday and the steps werent a problem going down.We got taxis to come back that only cost 4 Euros.Will definately book again but we'll try the summer.

sandra smith, new milton hampshire
Family with Children 11 and Under

We stayed in the new apartment block for 6 nights. The apartments were fantastic. They were huge and also included integrated dishwasher, washing machine and fridge. They extremely clean and very well maintained. For a couple it was huge and would certainly still be plenty of room for a family. There was a fantastci balcony with a pool and sea view. The resort itself was lovely. Yes, there is a walk up a steep hill with steps but it seems like good exercise and a great opportunity to walk off all the food and drink!!! It only takes a few minutes and the old town is lovely. We had 3 lovely sunny days but unfortunately then came the rain!! Apparantly it is very unusual for this time of year but it did not spoil the holiday as luckily the apartments were so nice as we spent a lot of time in them. Overall a fantastic holiday. The apartments were lovely and i would recommend them to anyone.

steve and Vicky , birmingham
Young Couple (18-35)

Friendly hotel, perfect apartments, fabulous place to spend New Year.  Two problems: 1. very steep steps/street down to old town and 2. building taking place all around the Cerro Mar.

Pat Tandy, Sheffield
Mature Couple (36+)

We stayed at the Cerro Mar during the last week of September 2006. The apartments were fantastic. My partner and I went with another couple, we were put in apartments next door to each other, both with a pool view and sea view. The apartments were exceptionally big and extremely clean. They were everything we were expecting. There was building work going on, but this did not affect us in the slightest. There was a bit of a hill upto these apts but the exercise did us good after all the eating and drinking. The staff on reception were very helpful and I would recomend these apartments 100% and we will all definitely be returning to the Cerro Mar.

Joanne Bedson, West Lancashire / England
Group of Young Friends/Couples

accomodation was excellent, and hotel war spotless.  people were friendly.
Accomodation was very spacious and well laid out, and have already recommended to friends.

linda black, irvine, ayrshire
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

Great facilities, nice rooms, a bit dodgy going down the steps to the square but a bus is provided at certain times and taxis are very inexpensive so not really a problem. Would highly recommend to couples, groups and families.

Bernadette Fitzpatrick, Doncaster
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

Excellent, they were super cannot fault anything, recommended we stayed in room 204 superb view

Vik, Epsom / England
Family with Children 11 and Under

We were at Cerro Mar at the end of March 2006.  The hotel has several buildings on 3 sites separated by two roads that run through the complex.  

When we were there they were building a new hotel in front of our apartment - the width of the pool from our balcony.  We were in the newest block which is the furthest from the town centre.  The noise was constant and very loud when concrete was being poured or bedrock being excavated by drills on the front of jcb's.  

Below the oldest, central, block of the hotel they were preparing for another new building - there was a large site which had been quarried out of the side of the hill.  No building had started there yet, but signs said they were going to be building and named the contractor.

When we complained to the hotel, at first they said there were no other two bed apartments, and after Alpharooms had called them they offered us a room which faced northwest overlooking the main inner ring road of the town - no sun and steady traffic noise.

They had not advised us or Alpharooms of the building work.

In a year or so's time I might go back there (after checking on building) - the apartment was first class and the location good.

The centre of Albufeira is also being dug up - the whole town square is a building site with no roads or pavements - you walk on gravel, mud, boards.  Fortunately it did not rain while we were there, or it could be a no-go area.

Graham Lacey, Essex, England
Other

Fantastic Apts,great location and the size of the apartments and cleanliness was spot on -I can't remember a day the maids weren't in during the 7 days. The location is prime, only 5 mins to the old town square and the beach although this is via the much commented on dreaded steps, easy on the way down but a bit tough on the way back. Would definitely go back and have already recommended the apts to friend and family.

Bradley Moore, essex, england
Young Couple (18-35)

Quality accom.Good helpfull English
speaking staff.Unfortunately hotel being built directly opposite.
Hence some noise but was more entertaining than a nuisance.How do they work in that heat? Only 5 mins to town square and all rests/bars 10 mins to beach. Sun beds on beach a little dear at 15 euros for 2 + parasol.Accom is in 3 blocks,not made clear you can use all facilities.Easy to go down town,hill is steep coming back up!!.Would go again.

David Payne, Tamworth/England
Mature Couple (36+)