3HB Clube Humbria

Guests of 3HB Club Humbria skew heavily toward families thanks to all the kid-oriented features on-site, especially during school holiday periods and summer. This mean the atmosphere is largely lively and boisterous, making it less suited to couples or peace-seeking travelers. Because the property was originally built as a self-catering property all the rooms have kitchenettes, but they're only equipped on request and most guests find the all-inclusive dining sufficient. The hotel has a contemporary style throughout, with decor that alternates between sunny yellows, bright blues, and stark whites. The complex is built around the hotel's nebulous-shaped pool and garden, which are lively in hot summer months, full of people on loungers or the grass. This is the place to be during the day if you're not at the beach, and luckily there are enough loungers and grass space for everyone. Daytime activities and nighttime shows appeal to families, but those with early-to-bed children may find the bar and entertainment disturbing.

If you're just looking to stay at the hotel and visit the beach (a 10-minute walk away), then Clube Humbria's quiet location works well. But if you are hoping to find anything of interest within walking distance of the hotel, you might be disappointed. There are some restaurants and bars in easy walking distance, but the main town of Albufeira is about a 15-minute drive away, meaning you'll either have to rely on a rental or frequent cab rides. There is also a shuttle that can take guests to and from town for a flat rate. The closest beach, Olhos de Aqua, is a beautiful spot with golden sand and sometimes glimpses of dolphins swimming in the waves. Lisbon is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest, while Faro Airport is just 30 minutes east.

Clube Humbria's 193 rooms are outfitted in simple yet contemporary decor. White walls and wooden furniture, canvas prints of beach photography, and tile floors help give a breezy and cool beach house feel. Blue bedding and built-in, full-sized sofa beds in living areas topped with bright-blue cushions add a distinctively Mediterranean look. Rooms range from bright and sunny to cave-like depending on which way they face and where the sun is, and units either overlook the garden or pool. Balconies have wrought-iron guard rails and plastic chairs. Kitchenettes come standard -- each with a sink, two electric burners, and a mini-fridge -- but guests actually want to whip anything up will need to request utensils and other facilities. Microwaves and kettles are also available on request. All rooms come with good air-conditioning, LCD TVs featuring a few English channels, two single beds pushed together in the bedrooms, and dining tables for four people. Tiled bathrooms can feel a bit dated and come with shower/tub combos, dinky shower curtains, and bidets. Small wall-mounted hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. Wi-Fi is fast, even in the rooms. 

The designated centerpiece of the hotel is its central pool, which is a popular place to be on a warm and sunny day. At one end, the pool starts out ankle deep and gradually gets deeper, plus there's a small circular kiddy pool. Bright-blue loungers and white umbrellas dot the sidelines, though some guests prefer to lounge by throwing a towel down on the nearby grassy knoll. Pool towels are available for a deposit and you can expect to see tons of pool toys and inflatable tubes in the water. The family fun doesn't stop here, as there's even a small water park with multiple waterslides, fountain features, and an adjacent playground. During the summer, the hotel runs a kids' club for children ages 4 to 12, where younger kids can make crafts and older kids can play game like bocce or paint. For more mature kids, there's also a small, year-round game room with a few arcade and tables games, and a mini dance club. Even though there are self-catering facilities in rooms, the resort is all-inclusive, with the main Humbria Restaurant serving up a buffet of international cuisine (with one themed cuisine per week). Unfortunately, the reviews on the food are a mixed bag, though everyone seems to like the live cooking station. From April through October, guests can also choose to eat at the daytime snack bar, The Grill Restaurant, which serves hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers, fresh fruit, and easy-to-grab snacks. Bars include the Melody Bar, a pre-dinner drink spot and location of the evening's entertainment, and the terrace Pool Bar, which also offers ice cream. Wine, beer, soft drinks, water, local spirits, coffee, and tea are part of the package. Some past guests have complained that drinks are served in plastic cups everywhere except the main restaurant.Adults can take advantage of the seasonal massage and beauty treatments, and a basic gym is on-site. Families can sign up for a host of daily activities, ranging from water polo to live music, though extra fees may apply. Nighttime shows are also offered and it's geared toward a younger crowd.Freebies include Wi-Fi and parking.