Mirachoro Sol Reviews

5 Stars from us for a 2 Star hotel I can honestly say that the care and attention we were given was second to none. The only thing against it was the fact that we only took one week when we should have had two. This was due to the unfound negative reviews on different sites. Even when we were there we saw that pleasing some people can be a momentous task. Breakfast was very good, earlier the better. Our thanks go out to Alexandre, Joanna the cleaning ladies that regularly cleaned up daily after us ( even to the point of folding Sheldon's clothes up and putting them away. My son Sheldon 18 going on 28 loved it, slept like a rock and partied all night in a town of lovely people who would go out of their way to make your stay fantastic.

C. McLean, Ipswich
Other

was amazed at some of the negative reviews of this place i found on the web. we found helpful staff , clean rooms , and some different items at the evening meals each night. breakfast was mostly the same , but name me a budget hotel round the med that isn't! two pools and half board for £13 in the euro zone this year - bargain! Yes , bar prices were 3x that of the local cafes , but that seems typical round the med too. the kitchen staff were just a joy!

big andy, kent
Mature Couple (36+)

I would genuinely praise Alex and Juan for their friendly help and assistance. The rooms were clean although the bathrooms are due a refurb and the beds were old and creaky. The hotel was is a residential area so there was noise from the many dogs. It is a good base with Alvor, Pria Da Rocha and Portimao close by but in the evening it felt remote. As a cyclist it is very good as my bike was kept in a secure, alarmed room. The breakfast set me up well for the day but i did get fed up with scrambled egg and cold beans everyday. So a little more variation and more fruit would be welcome. Would certainly come back to use as a base for another cycling holiday.

Carl Booker, Chesterfield, UK
Solo Traveller

This is an excellent hotel for the price, rooms basic but very clean (cleaned every day) with fresh towels. All staff more than helpful. I went mid october so a bit quiet but met some great people. Not much in the immediate vicinity but Praia de Rocha beach about 30-34 minute walk away with lots of great restaurants, and fantastic beach. Only downside was the pool, freezing! I would highly reccommend this hotel to anyone on a tight budget.

pauline noble, suffolk
Solo Traveller

The hotel was spotless, the staff very friendly, would like to say thank you to Alex for all his help during our stay. Hotel slightly off the main centre but not that far to have to worry, with the free bus shuttle to the town in the day and to the beach. The only thing I would change is putting a bell on the bar! I would recommend this hotel if your on a bit of a budget, like the last person said pay 5* prices expect it, pay these prices and love it :-)

Mr & Mrs Gibbons, Brighton, UK
Young Couple (18-35)

Have enjoyed a two week stay at the Mirachoro for 2nd year in a row. Booking own flight, then booking accommodation with Alpharooms and finally booking a transfer make it substantially cheaper than a "package". Enjoy the 20 min walk into Portimao for dinner every evening or 40 min walk to Praia de Rocha at night. L'Esquina and Mata Las Porcos are two excellent unpretensious restaurants. One step back from the harbour near bus stop to Faro there is a very good Chinese also. Beside the hotel, should the possiblity of a walk into town seem daunting, La Quintihna is also excellent! Courtesy bus to beach during the day is available but service infrequent. Staff are excellent in hotel, especially Alex and Joanna at reception. Rooms are cleaned on a daily basis. Beds are old and creaky, someone merely turning over in the bed could wake you up! Loud conversationns in neighbouring rooms can be heard, especially if patio doors are open. Ceiling fan is quite adequate. Pity there is no fridge! Portimao is a lovely town to explore. This Hotel is a grand base if you have a car or enjoy walking.

DK, Ireland
Mature Couple (36+)

Stayed here 8 nights in June for my birthday, been to algarve many times before. Hotel is clean food is good, (yes, you do need microwave to heat some food up) but not a problem. Pool is private and fantastic. staff fantastic, Not 5 star, or on a beach, but for what you pay, I think you cannot fault. I will return. Hire a car, visit the sardine r, estaurants and the beaches amazing value. Pay 5 star expect it. Pay these prices and be suprised. Choose what you want. Amazing value for money.

Diane Wheaton, DEVON ENGLand
Mature Couple (36+)

This was our third stay in the Mirachoro Sol in 13 Months and I'll be back before the year's out. A hire car is a great help as the Hotel is slightly of the main roads and will pay for it's self if you want to see more of the Algarve than just the beach?. The Hotel is spotless the food is better than some are willing to admit and the staff are the most friendly and helpful my wife and I have ever met since we started going to Portugal in 1997, the rooms are big enough for your needs with beds, bath, shower, tv, phone, a safe & cleaned daily. Anyway who goes on holiday to stay in a room you could do that at home. The Hotel is most underrated where Stars are concerned and I have recommend it to all my friends who go to the Algarve on holiday. As far as I am concerned the Mirachoro Sol is A1 +.

Seamus Mooney, Dublin Ireland
Mature Couple (36+)

Not our cup of tea. If you're into healthy eating, you'd better stay somewhere else. If you're the burger type, you'll be Ok. Hotel's clean, staff are friendly but for your money you'd like just that little bit more. Free bus to the beach is Ok but needs to leave earlier and the last bus needs to come back later. Long journey from Faro to Hotel. Bring your own tea bags. Quality of tea and coffee here isn't so good. Cooked breakfast is the same each day. Scrambled egg, fatty streaky bacon,heated tinned hot dog sausages. Bring your own cornflakes. "You gets what you pays for." I may stop over for a night next time but definately not a week.

M.Craig, Kent
Mature Couple (36+)

The Mirachoro Sol is excellent ,rated as 2 star,probably should be 3 +. I read the reviews before I booked and they are all reasonably accurate. A hire car is not a bad idea because the hotel is off the beaten track,although the hotel does run a bus into Portimao and the beach,but it doesn't start until 10.00am and runs sporadically. Another reason for a hire car is the time it takes on the coach, from the airport, to reach the hotel, sometimes more than 2 hours,depending on the number of drops on the way,the hotel is 45 miles from the airport.it takes 45 minutes in the car. It's not the easiest place to find,the map on the website is totally wrong,so get your own. The key to finding the hotel is to look for Tres Bicos,so follow the motorway from the airport, to junction 5, then follow the signs for Portimao and then just keep going straight until you see a sign for Tres Bicos just after a Repsol filling station turn right and then after leaving the slip road turn right again,then onto to a small roundabout and turn right again,follow the road the hotel is on the left. As far as the meals go they are O.K. Book half board if you can,it doesn't cost much more than bed and breakfast. We only paid an extra £16 for the week for the 2 of us. You can then afford to miss a few evening meals as there is an excellent resturant close by called Quintinha,which is just past the small roundabout you came in on. Go on from Quintinha to Tres Bicos and you will find a Farmacia,a few bars and 2 supermarkets. If you just fancy a snack or a cheap evening out,turn left out of the hotel doors,go towards the outdoor pool and look left,you will see Pastelaria Pomba,full of locals and drinks and food at local prices. The clientelle at the hotel seem to be more mature types which is good as everbody seems to communicate and thats good. Evening meals are O.K,breakfast is good ,but the times are wrong. Breakfast 8.00am to 10.am and evening 6.30pm to 8.00pm. In my opinion breakfast should start earlir and evening meal should start later and run later. On our last day when we needed to get to the airport, we went down for breakfast at bang on 8.00am,unfortunately although they say breakfast is ready at 8.00am,it's not,that's when they start cooking it,if you want a continental breakfast at 8.00am you are O.K,if you want a cooked breakfast leave it to 8.30am. On the whole a good holiday,you get what you pay for and this was better than what you paid for,recommended!

jon ellis, swindon
Mature Couple (36+)

" Star rated Hotel with 3 star service. OCT 2006 and OCT 2007 The best 'value for money' hotel you could find anywhere on the Algarve. The food is excellent and plenty of choice. My second holiday at this hotel and I will be back. Staff are excellent, courteous and hard working.

Harry Schofield, Euxton, Chorley, Lancashire
Solo Traveller

The room was small but comfy , hotels don't have studios just bedrooms. It had a telly with English chanels , was clean and tidy so what more do you want from a base to stay ? The staff were excellent , especially Alex behind reception who was really helpfull. The Shopping complex was only 10 minutes walk away around a very attractive residential area and there was 4 resteraunts only a 5 minute walk away. All very reasonable in price and packed with locals at lunchtime. A testament to how good the food is. Stayed half board for 6 nights and never tired of the food. Breakfast excellent , a choice of English or continental. The Evening meals were varied well cooked and very tasty. The courtesy bus returned at the latest time of 17:25. A taxi into the resort was 5 Euros or you could walk the mile in 20 minutes. All in all a superb 6 night stay

steven oldroyd, huddersfield
Mature Couple (36+)

For a 2 star hotel absolutely brilliant! The rooms were clean,(only the odd little ant),the beds were comfortable although a little squeaky,storage more than adequate,fan cooling worked well,bathroom well appointed and spotless and plumbing all worked well,telly worked o.k.,not a lot of extraneious noise from floors or lift. Food was perfectly adequate and wholesome. My weight will testify to that. Ample food of all types available at all times in spite of our trip coinciding with a ravenous group of Polish tourists the kitchen staff coped admirably.Breakfasts had all kinds of eggs, bacon,sausage,cheese,tomatoes,toast,cereals,teas coffeesetc. Dinner offered all kinds of meats and fish dishes including sardines and bacalhau.For a 2 star I we were very impressed,especially taking into account the the price.The only downside on the food front was the lack of fresh fruit or yoghurt, although one could help oneself to any amount of ice cream or melon. Another welcome surprise was the quality of the staff. All of them were polite, helpful and charming.Their work rate,especially in the dining room was heroic. So what are the downsides of the hotel?First it's position.You do need a car. You are in residential area. A long way from a beach or anything of interest for an evening stroll.They supply a free bus but who wants to be tied to a timetable on holiday? Secondly;get prepared for dining in the basement, but you do get used to it;Thirdly;finding it on the first day was fun to say the least,but that is half the fun for us anyway. This was our first trip to Portugal and the Algarve and we were definitely not disappointed. The beaches,scenery,rural beauty,museums(although some of the recptionists were a little dour of face),the churches,the wildlife(we saw massive storks,praying mantis,chameleon,hoopoes etc.,) and of course the weather,which was superb while we were there(late August-early September).But the Portugese do need desperatly to improve their road markings which are very very indistinct as are their road signs. So would we go again? Yes -to the Algarve nad yes to the hotel if we needed a really price concious holiday as it was incredible value for money.

Ken Needham, Cumbria.UK
Mature Couple (36+)

I was a solo travler at the end of May and before my trip I went on the net checked for maps of Portimao, put in the Hotel NAME and "presto" a Map with an arrow showing the Hotel and all the main roads around it. I drove from Faro and only had to ask one person where the hotel was and it was 75 yards away I was on the road but could not see it as it is set back in off the road. I can not add to my review from May but my wife Mary was over-whelmed with the kindness we received from all the staff, how clean every part of the hotel we were in was, our room, the dining room, both pools, the food she was in heaven and enjoyed every moment of our stay. Sly old me I new she would. For would by travelers get a Map from the internet for free of where your going before you go and remember your in another Country away from home so enjoy it by been ready before you go. Thankyou Alpharooms, Seamus & Mary Mooney Artane Dublin Ireland

Seamus & Mary Mooney, Dublin Ireland
Mature Couple (36+)

The Alpha Rooms confirmation etc did not show any map or any directions to this hotel - which at first was very difficult to find, even "Gladys" our Garmin Sat. Nav could not find it. However, when we did eventually find it! we were very pleasantly surprised by the excellent value for money it represened. The rooms, although relatively basic were spotlessly clean , as was the bathroom. Sheets and towels changed regularly and a very good breakfast - both hot and continental. The indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool was a pleasant surprise as was the courtesy bus to the beach and the town . The staff - all of them - were so very helpful on any matter and could not do enough to help. Overall excellent value for money.We personally did not hear any dogs or the cockerel but we have heard lots more noise in far far more expensive hotels around the world. We thought the Mirachoro Sol was very fit for purpose.

JAMES & PAMELA MATTINSON, PENDLE, N.W. LANCS, UK
Mature Couple (36+)

Very good value for money hotel with excellent staff but located in a difficult position and missing some facilities. I agree with a previous review about the location. If you are an independent traveller it is hard to find and Portimao is difficult to navigate because of its one way system. We found lots of different ways of getting lost but somehow always ended up finding our way. The rooms are plain and simple - no air-conditioning but with a fan which was adequate for cooling. However the bed we had was appalling - it squeaked continually and – well, say no more! It also wasn’t possible to get snacks in the hotel. It was necessary to go to the pool which stopped serving at 16.30. Unfortunately, although the cleaning was good, we did have a day when there was a smell of what seemed like raw sewage emanating from somewhere. It was cleared reasonably quickly after we mentioned it but it really did stink while we had to put up with it. There is a good free bus service to Portimao and Praia da Rocha. Breakfast was ok – other’s comments about the drinks being poor are true - but it was served next to the pool. It sounds idyllic yes? Well this pool was two floors down in the depths of the hotel so if you like breakfast in a bunker……………….! The other pool outside was fine. It might sound as if we didn’t enjoy ourselves too much. We did. In fact we had a great time. The only real disappointment being Ferragudo which seemed over-priced except for the beaches. Portimao is more like the “real” Portugal and has some great restaurants even if some of them are a bit hidden away. The people are friendly and helpful which made for a relaxing and peaceful time. We would definitely go back.

Keith, Wisbech, UK
Mature Couple (36+)

The hotel is ok, but the map given in this website is wrong, in fact very very far from the real location. That drove me crazy for some time.

luis, spain
Young Couple (18-35)

We were a group of four and arrived at the hotel late evening. The receptionist ran down two flights of stairs to make sure we could still get a meal as the resteraunt had closed half an hour earlier then sorted out our rooms for us .We found the rooms to be a good size and spotless as was the rest of the hotel.The food was of a good standard with plenty of choice. All the staff were very helpfull and couldnt do enough to help to make our stay more enjoyable. Yes dogs did bark but thats what they do. Didnt hear the cockeral (must have cooked for dinner) The hotel is in a good location for getting to other towns such as Alvor which was beautiful and we went there several times during our weeks stay. We used taxi`s a lot which reception ordered for us. We found all the drivers polite and helpful. A great time was had by all. Thanyou you all at the hotel. John & Enid Miller (Chepstow)

John Miller, Chepstow
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

Stayed here 31st May for 12 nights with 2 children under 5, 2 senior citizen parents and my sister early 40's all reviews previously posted are fairly accurate, the breakfast was good more than you could want, dinner was hit or miss a necessity to be in the dining room as close to opening as possible for a decent selection, childrens pool broken and adult pool small and too deep for my children and I did not like the concept of walking on the main thoroughfare to the pool in swimwear, a kettle and fridge would be an added bonus to the rooms which were serviced daily and linen change frequently, hotel was kept spotless and courtesy bus is necessary for the distance to town although taxi is only 5 euro, not many clients here with children more suitable for older clientele, and yes the dogs bark and there is also a noisy cockerel closeby, overall agood hotel as a base near to many other resorts and ALL staff are very friendly and helpful especially Ruth . Deirdre(mother 39 )

Deirdre Needham, West of Ireland
Other

I arrived at the Mirachoro Sol on Monday 21th of May for 7 Nights, to be greeted by the very freindly manager who explained everything I needed to know regarding the hotel's facilitys as I was been checked in. The room was spotless and cosy in fact every part of the hotel I was in from the bar to dining area and swimming pools ware spotless even the lift. The food was the best I have had since my wife and I started going to Portugal in 1999. My wife and her friend have dropped the hint already for my next trip geuss where. I can not leave out any of the staff their gracious manner in all respects left me without any revervation where i'll be staying next time. If there was a kettle in the room I would rate this hotel a 4 Star Hotel

Seamus Mooney, Dublin Ireland
Solo Traveller

I recently spent 10 days at the Mirachoro Sol, the hotel staff were very friendly, the food was very good for a two star hotel, the hotel was clean and the rooms were basic but spotless.
The daily free bus was great for getting to and from the resort centre, they were on time and the drivers were very friendly.
All in all a very pleasant stay, I would go back there again.

Pauline Baysan, liverpool / england
Solo Traveller

The hotel was good value for money as a two star establishment.

The staff were friendly and helpful and the rooms were comfortable and clean with a good service.

The down sides were:'

1. As we had hired a car, the hotel was difficult to find as the address on Alpharooms only gave a district and lot number, which did not appear on any web site maps, or on a map we bought at a garage. This aspect needs attention for travellers who are making their own travel arrangements.

2. The breakfast was only average. The cereals being of poor quality. The buffet cooked food was not too bad but was often put out later than the time stated and each item appeared separately, so by the time the final choice arrived, the earlier ones were only warm due to the hotplate not being very hot. Also the single toaster took a long time to toast the bread, resulting in a queue to use it when several people arrived for breakfast at the same time. The coffee and tea machine delivered very poor drinks.

3. We ate an evening meal the first night, but it was not a very good selection of food and the problem of keeping it warm was the same as breakfast. While a half board price was good value. Buying the evening meal at the hotel was extremely poor value, We ate at restaurants the other evenings for less cost and much better quality food and selection.

Summing up, the accommodation was good value, but the food side needs to improve.

Eddie Clark, South West England
Mature Couple (36+)

TOOK A CHANCE BY GOING FOR CHEAPER HOTEL AND BOOKED THIS EXELLENT VALUE "MIRACHORA SOL" AT PORTIMAO. WE COULD NOT BELEIVE THE SUPERB SERVICE FROM THIS HOTEL. STAFF MOST HELPFUL AT ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT NOTHING AND I MEEN NOTHING TOO MUCH TROUBLE IN ORDER TO OBLIGE FROM ORDERING COFFEE AT 3.30AM OR A TAXI WHENEVER. WE STAYED FOR 12 MOST ENJOYABLE NIGHTS HALF-BOARD NO SHORTAGE OF FOOD SELECTION FROM AT LEAST 6 CHOICES OF MAIN COURSE CHANGING EVERY EVENING AND STAFF WORKING SO HARD CONSTANTLY DOING THEIR VERY BEST. WITH TEMPERATURES OVER 40 DEGREES SOME PEOPLE  COMPLAINED THAT IT WAS TOO HOT! AND YES AIR CONDITIONING IN THE BEDROOMS AND A LITTLE MORE IN THE DINER AND LOUNGE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ADDED BONUS BUT IN TERMS OF CLEANLINESS AND POLITENESS ALL THE STAFF DESERVE THE HEIGHEST COMPLIMENTS. OUR ADVICE TO ANYONE WISHING TO LOCATE IN A PLEASANT PART OF THE ALGARVE THEN YES MOST DEFINATLEY GIVE THESE GUYS A TRY AND  AS "ARNIE" SAID TO ALEX ON RECEPTION "WE'LL BE BACK" MANY THANKS MIRACHORA SOL PORTIMAO -- TONY REEDMAN PS. WE STAYED FIRST 2 WEEKS SEPT 2006 WITH TEMPERATURES RANGING FOM 35-42 DEGREE'S EACH DAY. IF YOU PREFER A POOL THEY HAVE 2 FOR YOU TO CHOOSE OR A FREE COURTESY BUS TO THE BEACH. BRILLIANT!.

TONY REEDMAN, LEICESTER
Mature Couple (36+)

I have to say that I fully enjoyed my stay here. The staff are excellent, facilities are good for a two star hotel. The complimentary bus into town is great, and the outdoor pool/bar is lovely. I didn't hear ANY dogs barking and had no trouble getting to sleep! I stayed a week here and it was fantastic. Not sure why the place gets so many complaints. If you pay for a 2* Hotel, don't expect the Ritz but it has everything that you need for an enjoyable stay. As a solo traveller, I felt safe and secure in the place, and I will definitely return!!!!

Grace, Dublin,Ireland
Solo Traveller

Mirachoro Sol Hotel, is a 2* price hotel and a 3* quality hotel.Customer Service is excellent.They do the extra mile offering bus service going to Portimao Centre and Praia da Rocha beach. The restaurant offers a good choice of food @ good price.Highly recomended.

Arantzazu Martinez, Dublin
Solo Traveller

I just return from the algarve were i stayed in mirachoro sol hotel for two weeks i had a great holiday i didn´t expect so much for the rate i had to pay [ GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY ] staff   very friendly , great breakfast buffet ,the free courtesy bus to beach and town center was a very good help .
I reccomend this hotel for all people wo want to have a great holidays without spending to much money .

Jim Jones, Codsall staffs wv8 1de
Mature Couple (36+)

We stayed at the Mirochoro sol April 05, It is ideally situated at the top of the montachoro Strip. The accommodation was very nice, we had a one bedroom apartment for the two of us. It was very spacious and clean and with all the things you need for your stay, We used the courtesy bus every day to one of the two beachs - we always went to Fishermans beach which is the best beach ever. The staff and Driver of the bus were always very nice and helpfull. Across from the Hotel were some steps which took you up to the Irish bars. Father Eds bar had entertainment on each night very enjoyable. There was two or three bars in this complex two restaurants and a snack bar. All in all a very enjoyable Holiday - we will certainly stay there again.
Irene Booth

Irene Booth, Stockport,Cheshire. England
Mature Couple (36+)