Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Business
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Chinese and 3 more
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Boating
Babysitting
Secured parking
Wifi
Yoga classes
Yoga room
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Sauna
Pool / beach towels
Indoor pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Vending machine
Poolside bar
Game room
Horseback riding
Tennis court
Windsurfing
Aerobics
Billiards
Canoeing offsite
Entertainment staff
Table tennis
Water park offsite
Children's playground
Children's television networks
Indoor play area for children
Kids club
Kids pool
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hammam
Hand massage
Head massage
Makeup services
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Salon
Steam room
Waxing services
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Clothes dryer
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Washing machine
Ironing service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Extra long beds
Bidet
Dining area
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Microwave
Minibar
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
iPod docking station
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Mountain view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Location
Rua do Pestana Golf Resort, Estombar, Lagoa 8401-904 Portugal
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa is often celebrated for its spacious, clean apartments and the well-kept, glamorous grounds that create a tranquil atmosphere. Guests have highlighted the attentive and friendly service, with the staff earning accolades for their responsiveness. The rooms are acknowledged for their comfort and modern amenities.
However, some visitors have mentioned a shortage of sunbeds and the inconvenience of the hotel's remote location, suggesting a car is necessary to reach nearby towns and beaches. While the booking costs are reasonable, a few travelers have criticized the value offered, pointing to additional charges and the quality of food.
Location
Remote
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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When we arrived at Vale d’Oliveiras we had a pinch me moment. The grand entrance sets the expectations of the venue very high. With a sweeping driveway and circular entrance it feels very glamourous.
The staff have all been very helpful and friendly. We arrived at 1pm and had to wait for our villa to be ready and we were given complementary drinks at the bar whilst we waited.
Our 2 bed apartment with garden view was very spacious, fresh and clean and the outdoor space is very peaceful. We were pleasantly surprised to have an en suite and a bathroom and the beds are extremely comfortable and the pillows very good for hotel pillows! Our teenagers enjoyed the Wi-Fi in the apartment and the choices of TV channels. We even received vouchers to spend in the bar and restaurant if we opted out of having the housekeeping in every day. We received €5 euros per day we didn’t have the room serviced and chose to utilise this 6 days out of the 10 day stay which paid for ice creams and drinks by the pool for a day!
The pool area was lovely however the sun beds were often taken before we were up and out (we have teens!) We didn't get four sun beds until a week into the holiday and we were fortunate enough to have ones with a cushion cover. The amount of beds to resident ratio seemed a little off especially as you need a car to visit the beach so many families stayed on resort. We hired a car via the hotel which was wonderful and made the stay even more enjoyable.
We used the gym which was adequate for our needs (running machine & weights) and although we didn’t use the spa we heard good things from those who did. With older kids we didn’t use the kids club but saw many families who did and enjoyed the respite.
Overall a lovely holiday had by all of us - thank you!
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Be quick to get a sun-bed before 9am!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ricardo Demian, General Manager at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Aug 30, 2024
Dear guest, Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your recent stay at Vale d’Oliveiras. We are thrilled to hear that your arrival set the stage for a memorable stay and that our staff made you feel welcome. We appreciate your feedback regarding the availability of sun beds around the pool area and will certainly take this into consideration as we continuously strive to improve our services and facilities. Nevertheless It’s great to hear that your apartment was comfortable and spacious, and that your family enjoyed the amenities, including the Wi-Fi and TV options. We are delighted that you had an overall lovely holiday, and we thank you for choosing to stay with us. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Vale d’Oliveiras in the near future. Best regards, Nuno Caçorino Hotel manager
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Nestled in a serene location, this hotel proved to be the perfect haven for families seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating escape from the demands of the work world. From the moment we arrived until our departure, we were enveloped in a tranquil ambiance that allowed us to recharge and reconnect with our loved ones.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our stay was the prevailing sense of calm throughout the entire property. It was evident that the hotel had meticulously designed its spaces to create a soothing atmosphere. Whether we were strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a quiet meal in the restaurant, we felt an overwhelming sense of tranquility that instantly melted away the stresses of everyday life.
The hotel's commitment to creating a peaceful environment extended to its accommodations as well. Our room was a true sanctuary, providing a blissful retreat where we could relax and unwind. The tastefully appointed interiors, plush bedding, and thoughtful amenities contributed to a restful atmosphere that allowed us to get a restorative night's sleep. We woke up each morning feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the day ahead.
What truly set this hotel apart was its dedication to catering to families. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every member of the family felt welcome and comfortable. From engaging activities for children to family-friendly dining options, every aspect of our stay was tailored to our needs. The hotel even offered serene spaces for parents to relax while keeping an eye on their little ones, striking the perfect balance between tranquility and family-friendly amenities.
Furthermore, the attentive and friendly staff added to the overall sense of relaxation. They were always on hand to offer assistance or provide recommendations, and their warm and genuine hospitality made us feel like valued guests.
Beyond the hotel itself, the surrounding area offered plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. We took advantage of the hotel's proximity to nature, embarking on leisurely walks and hikes that allowed us to connect with the peaceful surroundings. It was the ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of the work world and reconnect with nature.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Grácio, Outro at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Jul 9, 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for this stunning review. We are truly glad to learn that you have fully enjoyed your recent holiday at our Resortl and we would like to thank for you kind comments on our facilities, as well as our employee’s friendliness and commitment on providing you with the best experience possible. Your comments are a great value to us and will keep us motivated to continue and always improving our level of service. We are thankful for your recommendation and we look forward to welcoming you again very soon. Kindest Regards, Daniel Grácio Resort Manager
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This was our second trip to VDO, the first being pre-covid under the previous management. There have been some updates to the resort in terms of decor etc. since then but we had a similar 4/5 experience this time (we went in August last time). This hotel is set in the hills near Gramacho golf resort. It is relatively remote and you need a car. That being said it is only 10 minutes to supermarkets and small towns with restaurants etc. There is a fabulous tapas bar within walking distance and also a small supermarket selling the basics 10 mins walk away. As a result of being more remote the grounds are huge and stunning. The layout of the rooms make it feel like you are in a villa on your own not in a hotel. As to the rooms, last time we stayed in a 1 bed apartment, this time we stayed in a deluxe 2 bed. It was gorgeous! If you can stretch to it book one of these rooms, it was enormous. The price was really good value in October half term. The hotel was very quiet as its off season but some of the service niggles remain. Even on the warm sunny day no cushions were put on the loungers. The Pool Bar is not open in October and you have to use the Olive Bar, which is fair enough, but they had such a skeleton service it was difficult to get served and on one occasion we waited 40 mins for two lunch dishes. Breakfast was plentiful with the added bonus of made to order egg dishes including eggs benedict etc. Again it was not busy but there were only a couple of staff each morning so they were run off their feet. Overall this is still an excellent choice in the area and it is well located for reaching all the lovely beaches, towns and golf courses of the Algarve. We will come back to this hotel, particularly with the good prices in low season.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Grácio, Outro at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Nov 5, 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to leave here your review about this last stay at Vale d'Oliveiras and share it with other travellers. Your constructive feedback really gives the ideia of the pros and cons regarding our location. Regarding the service, we are sorry that on this time we still didn't manage to totally meet your expectations. This is being like a ground year for us, and it is very important to have this valuable feedback so we can better understand our guests needs. This year, we closed the pool bar on the 20th October, maybe next year we do it differently and also extend the number of staffs. Once again, thank you for your feedback and we truly hope to welcome you back again. Kindest Regards, Daniel Grácio Resort Manager
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This hotel is not to a 5 star level and compares more to 3 star level.
Food The breakfast was very poor in my opinion. Again this compares to a 3 star level of breakfast rather than 5 stars. There was not much variety ie there was only the choice of boiled or scrambled eggs, there is no alternative milk options to the traditional cows milk and no meat alternatives for vegetarians - again this is expected for a 5 star resort.
Location The hotel is situated in the middle of nowhere. There is no walking routes to the main town hence an Uber or car is required to get around outside the hotel. The hotel does not have any store/mini-mart within the premise which is not ideal considering the location of the hotel. I think this should be considered for the future especially for the necessities such as water.
Service The overall service from the hotel from the staff was very good however I was surprised again, considering this was a 5 star that I was charged for extra capsules for the coffee machine in the room. We were also charged to use the ping pong table and provided bats which was heavily used - not worth the 10 euros. Lastly, I think the room services should offer more than fruit salad and ham sandwich outwith the hours.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Hire a car or be prepared to order Ubers
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nuno Caçorino, Outro at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded May 9, 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you for choosing Vale d'Oliveiras and we appreciate that you took the time and effort to share your experience with us and sincerely regret that we did not met your expectations in certain areas. We are sorry to read that our breakfast didn't please you. This is an area where we usually have good reviews, and your comment help us to identify the points that we need to improve, namely the information. We have a sign on the top of the hot station where it shows that you can order from the kitchen poached and fried eggs and omelettes. We also have a Healthy Corner with vegan and glutten free options and when the guests inform us about any food restrictions, we provide any extra needed items as soon as we can. Regarding the location, it is good for guests that are looking for the country side peace and quiet, being also a short car ride from beatifull beaches and town center, Your constructive feedback will be shared with my team as we continue strive to not only meet but to exceed our guests’ expectations. On a positive note, we are very glad that you have enjoyed our staff service attitude. Kindest Regards, Nuno Caçorino Resort Manager
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As returning guests we were really looking forward to another great stay here. The apartments are large, furnished to a high standard, and spotlessly clean. You would struggle to find better elsewhere. Grounds are well kept and attractive. Breakfast was decent. We have never eaten in the a la carte restaurant as it was closed this time as it has also been on previous visits (maybe we are just unlucky?) The location is about 10-15 minutes drive from nearest towns and beaches, so rather tucked away, but that suits us fine as we prefer a more peaceful destination. So far so good. Now for the big BUT..... Unfortunately during our recent stay the hotel was overrun by the Jet2 sunbeds at dawn brigade. All sunbeds claimed before 8.30 (and most well before then) with many if the "occupants" not turning up until late morning. This is probably because pool area is nowhere near big enough to accommodate the coachloads of nerf gun toting package holidaymakers and their over sized inflatables who have appeared this year, and who are stuck here all day every day probably not expecting to have been so far removed from other forms of entertainment (I spoke to a few people who felt misled by Jet2 but that's another story). At the very least management desperately need to address the shortage of sunbeds, particularly if they won't tackle the problem of dawn 'reservations'. I noticed a previous comment from a few weeks ago saying new sunbeds and mattresses have been delivered, but there was definitely no sign of them during our visit last week! Unfortunately this experience spoiled our stay and has tainted our view of the hotel. We would like to return because this is a lovely resort but I don't think we would come again during the summer months.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ricardo Demian, General Manager at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Aug 23, 2024
Dear Mrs. Vineity We sincerely thank you for choosing our resort again and for sharing your detailed experience with us. It is always a pleasure to receive such comprehensive feedback, especially from guests who visit us often. We deeply regret that your recent stay did not fully meet your expectations, especially with regard to the situation of the sun loungers in the pool area. We understand that this situation may have had a negative impact on your experience and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. This is an important point that we take very seriously, and we are reviewing our policies to ensure that the sun lounger situation will not be an issue and that all our guests can fully enjoy our facilities. Concerning the à la carte restaurant, we sincerely regret that it was closed during your visits. This situation does not align with the level of service we strive to offer. However, to ensure exceptional service based on occupancy levels, our team has temporarily adopted a buffet format. Please note that this change is not necessarily permanent. Nevertheless we are happy to hear that you appreciated the comfort and cleanliness of our apartments, as well as the tranquillity of our location. We appreciate you bringing these issues to our attention, as it is through comments like yours that we are able to identify areas for improvement. We hope you will give us the opportunity to offer you a better experience on a future stay. Best regards, Nuno Caçorino Hotel Manager
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From a previous visit prior Covid, we pointed out the health and safety of the pool area walk boards being dangerous, they are worse than they were. Food choice/ selection on an evening in the main restaurant Olive Tree was rather small. The few meals we ate were rather disappointing. Yes you could order meals from the Jasmin Bar, this food was always enjoyable, but you want a selection that is different and a better choice too. We ate in the Jasmin bar more than the Olive Tree due to the lack of evening choice, or eat out of the resort. For those that love a happy hour, there was one advertised, however on five separate occasions to be told there was no Happy hour, by the staff, even though reception told us there was, so even though we did visit at the relevant times we did not benefit as we were told no, although select persons/ visitors did benefit from the Happy hour that did not apparently happen or did it, got fed up of the contradictions. For some reason both weeks there was a Barbecue but was held in doors. The price was 32euro and the amount of food available was minimal. There is no longer a shop or shuttle, at the resort. We did not hire a car this year due to cost and both facilities been available however we were disappointed to find out that both had now since been removed. Yes you could order a few basic items that you could order from the reception tried this but, was a bit of a failure to be fare. A car is a must if you want to cook any of your own meals.
The pool Towels want replacing, they are marked and with holes.
House keeping was disappointing at the start, they were selective in what towels were being replaced after use, instead of like for like, they were also rather dated. The dodgy gel they provided was as though it had been watered down and when housekeeping were asked for towels not been replaced they became unfriendly and unapproachable.
Overall sorry to say are stay was very disappointing compared to are great previous visits. I do understand that the management have changed clearly not for the better we s as re afraid to have to say this.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Grácio, Other at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Oct 9, 2022
Dear bhntbru, Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your recent stay, I am very disappointed to read that your recent experience has not been in keeping with your expectations. Your constructive feedback is very much appreciated, and I will personally look into the points of criticism which we are taking very seriously and as an opportunity to work on improving the services and products we offer to all guests. I do hope that you are willing to give us another opportunity of welcoming you back to Vale d`Oliveiras and see all the improvements in place. Kindest regards, Daniel Grácio Hotel Manager
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Very nice hotel, with magnificent facilities. Spacious, well-equipped and comfortable rooms. The hotel is somewhat far from leisure areas, so it is a good option to rest. For that same reason, I base one of my complaints. On Saturday night, of the three restaurants it has, only the one by the pool was open, because it was a fish barbecue (35 euros/person, without drinks). We asked if we could eat something other than fish, and the answer It was no. We had to go outside the hotel for dinner. I think it's not difficult to have something else on the menu. I also see the pool as a little tight, for the size of the hotel, but to be honest, we were comfortable in it.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here over the New Year period 2024 to 2025 (including New Year's Eve - hotel midnight fireworks were nice to watch from our balcony) to get a bit of winter sun. The hotel is just excellent all round. Really nice, relaxing grounds, tranquil setting, lovely set up (too hard to describe in text, but just so nicely set up - much better than the online pictures show), but not far from towns; we just got an Uber when we wanted to go anywhere as we decided not to rent a car, which was so easy to do; we also got an Uber to the local supermarket to get provisions in, which again was so easy and quick to do. Too cold for the outdoor pool but the indoor pool was just marvellous and never busy; on one visit we had the pool to ourselves for most of our time. We booked on a bed and breakfast basis; breakfast was just amazing, with some changes every day; my 8 year old son loved the chocolate doughnut day and churro day 🤣. The bar and restaurant food are really good too, though we didn't use them that much as we prefer to eat in of an evening; hence the provisions from the Uber trip to the supermarket. We had a two-bedroomed apartment (M06) which was outstanding; it was massive and so well kept and clean, with a lovely view and so, so quiet. We had one issue whilst there, but this was sorted so efficiently and professionally by Sonya and the manager, much more than just to our satisfaction; the staff of this hotel clearly do care about ensuring guests have the best experience possible and will do everything possible to ensure that this happens. Indeed, all the staff were amazing on every interaction. My 8 year old son said that this hotel is the best place he has ever stayed in (we stop in hotels and villas around the world frequently as a family) and he is not one to pull punches believe me; chip off the old block so to speak. I would also say, myself, that this is one of the best places I have ever stayed in my life, and I've stayed in some of the best hotels in the world. I'd read some of the more negative reviews on here before booking and going, but chose on balance to ignore them due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. I'm so glad I did. We had such a lovely time. So much so, that at the time of writing this, I'm online looking to book to go back again in February (it's where my son wants to go for his February holiday so, you know..), which is what reminded me that I wanted to write this review; I had forgotten. If you have any hesitation about booking to stay at this hotel, I would recommend that you put this aside, and just go. The staff are amazing, the location is amazing, and the hotel is amazing. In the words of a stockbroker, 'book, book, book', or maybe I might have got that a bit wrong is it 'sell, sell, sell'?. Anyway, just go and enjoy - you won't get a much better experience anywhere else and I doubt you will be disappointed. As a direct note to the hotel as I know you'll read this: thank you to the management and all the staff for the lovely time we had; we will be back - possibly in four weeks time - hope to see you then.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nuno Caçorino, Other at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Jan 20, 2025
Dear Family Moore, Thank you for taking the time to share such a glowing and detailed review of your stay with us over the New Year period. We are delighted to hear that you and your family had a truly memorable experience at our hotel. Your kind words about our grounds, facilities, and tranquil setting truly warm our hearts. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the convenience of local transportation and the options available for self-catering, as well as our breakfast offerings—your son’s enthusiasm for chocolate doughnuts and churros brought a smile to our faces! We are thrilled that your two-bedroom apartment exceeded expectations and provided a quiet, spacious retreat for your family. Your recognition of our staff, especially Sonia and the manager, for their efficient and professional handling of your concerns is greatly appreciated. Ensuring our guests' satisfaction and comfort is always our top priority, and your acknowledgment means the world to us. We are deeply honored by your son’s high praise, as well as your personal comparison to other esteemed accommodations worldwide. It’s truly rewarding to know that we’ve made such a lasting impression on your family. Your recommendation and plans to return in February fill us with joy, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming you back. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if there is anything we can do to assist with your upcoming stay. Once again, thank you for your heartfelt feedback. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to provide another exceptional experience during your next visit. Warm regards, Nuno Caçorino Resort Manager
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Quiet, peaceful place but nothing available nearby except the excellent Quinta Dos Santos winery and restaurant - open 13.00 to 22.00. Our hotel room was clean and spacious and the staff really do try to do an excellent job. However the food is extremely disappointing and the only evening meal available is a buffet of mediocre, tasteless dishes. Two nights a week the restaurant is closed, one night Pizza is available and the other night Barbecue; if these are not to your taste you'll have to make do with bar snacks. It is mandatory to book a table for the evening restaurant but don't try and do this through reception, they will always tell you it is fully booked. However if you go to the restaurant personally most of the tables are free and you will be able to eat there. Apparently this is because a lot of "all inclusive holidays" are booked there and so evening tables are prioritised for these people but most of them do not appear for dinner. Why reception is unaware of this none of the staff could explain. Apart from dining chairs at the Pool Bar and loungers round the pool there are no comfortable seats available. Certainly not one of the better places I have stayed in.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ricardo Demian, General Manager at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Sep 6, 2024
Dear Mr.James Kernan Thank you for sharing your feedback on your recent stay at our Resort. With regard to the points mentioned about the food options, we deeply regret that the dining experience did not meet your expectations. We are always looking for ways to improve and will review your comments on the quality of the dishes and the variety available on theme nights. Thank you for highlighting this issue and we are already working to make the menu more attractive and satisfying for all our guests. We apologize for the inconvenience related to the restaurant reservation. Your comment about the discrepancy between actual availability and the information provided by reception will be investigated and taken into consideration in order to improve our internal communication and our guests' experience. As for the comfort of the common areas, we will take your considerations into account for future improvements to the facilities in order to provide an even more welcoming environment. Nevertheless we are happy to hear that you enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, the spaciousness of the room and the efforts of our staff to provide excellent service. Your compliments on our cleanliness and service are very important to us. We hope that you will give us the opportunity to welcome you again in the future and to offer you a more satisfactory experience. Best Regards, Nuno Caçorino Resort Manager
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There are many good points to this hotel. The accommodation was spacious and clean, beds comfortable, plenty of hot water and air conditioning worked well. Grounds and pool area were mostly well maintained and the pool wasn’t too cold! We had no issues with getting a sunbed at any time of the day, unlike some of the other reviews.
The description of the hotel we thought was somewhat misleading by our holiday company ‘the resort's ecological gardens are ideal for a romantic scenic walk in the morning or for a leisurely bike ride in the afternoon.’ Yes you can hire bikes and walk, but there is no cycle route or really any walking route except for round the perimeter of the property . Walking around you can also see where it’s in need of a little TLC or finishing off, and it almost feels like they ran out of funds somewhere along the line.
There is an organic garden near the entrance which was once probably amazing but has been left to go to ruin and looks quite sad… which brings me on to the worst aspect of our stay - the food.
Dinner was awful, breakfast less than average, not sure how they manage a five star rating. We persevered for four nights before complaining : food is very plain, cheap and tasteless, lukewarm even when we were often the first diners in the restaurant. Limited selection all round, sometimes we were in and out in 15 minutes, there was barely anything we could eat. Even basics like fruit and vegetables were not always available.
Not sure whether it was due to low budget or lack of skills, but we were motivated to raise the issue with Guest Relations. She acknowledged it wasn’t the first time she had heard this complaint. Having also noted this in other reviews below, we can only assume the hotel is aware and is doing nothing about it.
On that basis, we gave the restaurant one last chance. With no improvement we decided to eat out for the rest of our stay. Restaurants are not really in walking distance but ubers plentiful and not expensive.
Overall we did enjoy our holiday but don’t recommend booking here half board.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
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Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from Ricardo Demian, General Manager at Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Responded Sep 27, 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback about your recent stay. We are pleased to hear that you found the accommodations spacious and clean, and that you enjoyed the pool area. However, we sincerely apologize for the shortcomings you experienced regarding the dining options. We take your comments about the food quality and variety very seriously and want to assure you that we are actively working on improvements in our culinary offerings. Your feedback has been shared with our culinary team, and we are committed to enhancing the overall dining experience for our guests. We also appreciate your insights regarding the grounds and walking paths, and we will look into addressing the areas that require attention. We value your input and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future, providing you with a much-improved experience. Best regards, Nuno Caçorino Resort Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Estombar area.
PRICE RANGE
C$138 - C$216 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
vale d`oliveiras quinta hotel carvoeiro, vale d`oliveiras quinta resort and spa
LOCATION
PortugalAlgarveFaro DistrictLagoaEstombar
NUMBER OF ROOMS
104
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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