Apartamentos do Parque

Check-in at the Apartamentos do Parque takes places in a small low-rise building topped with terra-cotta tiles and decorated with traditional blue tiling. Inside is more functional and modern with little more than a front desk, the usual reams of tourist leaflets, and a rather impressive collection of books for borrow. Apartments are spread around two whitewashed buildings of three and four floors -- only the taller of which has an elevator. While there's little in the way of gardens, colorful flowers and plants line walkways, and one of the apartment blocks overlooks a sheltered and spacious pool terrace. The tier down is a second pool terrace (featuring a distinctive plastic dome that covers the pool during chillier months). The atmosphere is quiet, friendly, and relaxing, and the complex is excellently positioned not only for soaking up the daytime sunshine, but also for enjoying spectacular evening sunsets over the Atlantic. Clientele are an even mix of vacationing couples and families with kids, mostly from the U.K.

The Apartamentos do Parque is located in the Algarve resort of Olhos de Agua, a 15-minute drive east of the popular holiday spot of Albufeira. It's just a few minutes' walk to the golden sands of Olhos de Agua Beach, though down a footpath with over a hundred steps, so the return journey might be taxing for some. The larger Maria Luisa beach is also within walking distance, as are numerous bars and restaurants; there are also a couple of supermarkets less than 10 minutes' walk away. The lively nightlife of the renowned "Strip" is about a 10-minute drive. The nearest airport is Faro, about a 35-minute drive, while the capital Lisbon is two and a half hours away. 

The hotel's 47 apartments range from fairly modest-sized studios (390 square feet or 36 square meters) to roomier one-bedroom (592 square feet or 55 square meters) and two-bedroom (750 square feet or 70 square meters) units. Interiors are clean, bright, and well-maintained, but furnishings are dated and lacking coordination. Ground-level apartments open to small private gardens with loungers, while the rest have furnished balconies, all with either pool or sea views. All have kitchens with fridges, microwaves, electric hobs, ovens, and coffee machines; Studio kitchenettes form part of open-plan lounge and sleeping areas. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs (with a couple English-speaking news channels) and free reliable Wi-Fi (which is fairly rare for the resort). Traditionally tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries.

Certainly the most distinctive feature of the complex is the saltwater swimming pool that is enclosed within a plastic dome during cooler weather, making it a pleasantly warm place for a swim. The second, larger pool is filled with fresh water and has a separate splash pool for kids and an adjacent cafe. This is also where breakfast is served ( not included as standard) together with a good selection of light meals, drinks, and snacks throughout the day. There's little else in the way of on-site facilities, though loungers around both pools are plentiful and there's no shortage of free parking on-site.