We have stayed here a number of times, mainly because the location is perfect for walking down to the plaza. Some of the rooms have been refurbished and I would definitely recommend asking for a refurbished room, however, on arrival we often feel the check in process could be better. Firstly, it would be nice to be offered a welcome drink - this is standard practice in Turkey 5 star hotels and is much appreciated after a flight and transfer particularly in hot weather. Secondly, checking in always seems to take a long time - no idea why. At the moment with Covid the hotel is cleaning rooms either in the morning or in the afternoon which means you may have to wait a few hours for your room depending on your arrival time. We weren't prepared for this wait (four hours) and had to raid the suitcases for beachwear and then disappear for the afternoon.

Again, due to Covid, breakfast is no longer self service which means at peak times - 9am ish - there are long queues at the hot/cold counters. Don't really understand why self service has stopped because everyone is wearing masks and you still help yourself to fresh orange etc - touching the handle of the dispenser! It would make more sense to have table service as guests would then expect to wait for their food but would at least be seated at their table. Similarly there wasn't enough staff serving food - maybe they haven't brought everyone back to work yet? The staff that were in were working very hard in difficult circumstances - special mention to Lillian who is always very efficient and friendly.

Not sure whether they have reduced the number of sun loungers or whether less people are going to the beach but again there wasn't enough loungers and they ran out of towels regularly during the day.

We will continue to use this hotel but it's the little things that make good hotels great and Dona Filipa needs to step up to their five star rating.

I would not recommend this hotel unfortunately the classic room is not 5 star, forget luxury and there is no attention to detail! or comfort in this substandard 5 star! These rooms have basic linen, The room is certainly not refurbished and unacceptable, the decor is dull and dark brown, the bed linen plain and you cannot shower as limescale blocks the shower and when you put the pressure up it flies around the bathroom ! God knows how I am going to wash my hair tomorrow as can’t shower without holding the shower hose! This is not 5 star! My husband has never refused to stay at a hotel in the 15 years we have been together but he is appalled at the room.
! I only checked in yesterday for my birthday weekend and desperately tried to change rooms with no avail, so sad as is this the first break since lockdown and we are only staying till Tuesday. Worked the whole way through and wide awake at 6am because the walls are so thin you can hear next door walk to the bathroom and. even hear them flush the toilet! The toilet light is so bright no dimmer, not great either as you are then left wide awake
It’s 6am so I will add pictures to this post when hubby wakes so you can see what I mean. I stay in a lot of hotels yearly and this is the worst 5 star room I have ever stayed in. I shall report back on the facilities of the hotel too and try and be as fair and balanced as I can be.

I would like to thank all of the team of Dona Filipa for an outstanding service provided during our stay in July 2020. Dona Filipa is an excellent place to stay with the family. Rooms are spacious and perfectly clean, swimming pool, kids club, a step away from the beach.
Me and my family had an enjoyable and a wonderful stay and we will try to come back next time.