Dom Pedro Vilamoura

Housed in a boxy, old-fashioned pale orange building, the Dom Pedro Golf Resort draws golfers and couples, as well as a fair share of business travelers during the off-peak season. The lobby is dated and basic for a hotel that bills itself as a four-star property. It blends traditional Portuguese elements, such as terra-cotta floors and white wicker furniture, and more contemporary touches, including a white vinyl round couch and wood accents on stairs. The lobby's seating is pleasant and sunny, and large windows offer serene views of the lovely grounds. The vibe at the Dom Pedro Golf Resort is relaxing during the day, when most guests are out playing golf, at the beach, or lounging by the pool. In the evening the atmosphere becomes a little livelier, with music shows and drinks flowing at Alambique Bar.

The hotel is located at the end of a long driveway off a busy street in central Vilamoura. There are several bars, shops and cafes within a three-minute walk of Dom Pedro, and the famous Vilamoura Casino is right across the street. It’s a five-minute walk to Vilamoura’s sandy beach, where the hotel has a private area with a restaurant, and loungers and straw umbrellas that guests can rent for a daily fee. A 10-minute walk away is the bustling marina, home to several restaurants, bars, and shops, and one of Vilamoura’s main attractions. There are several other wonderful stretches of sand within a 20-minute drive of the hotel, including Falesia, Oura and dos Pescadores beaches. The hotel offers free shuttle service to several local golf courses. Faro Airport is a half-hour drive from Dom Pedro, and transfers can be booked for a fee at front desk.

Dom Pedro Golf Resort has 266 air-conditioned rooms, all featuring pleasant balconies with expansive mountain or sea views. Rooms are spacious, but decor is a little dated. Expect terra-cotta floors, simple wooden furniture, and small generic paintings on walls. Standard amenities include small flat-screen TVs and fully stocked minibars -- but no coffeemakers, and guests can expect a lot of fees. Even all-inclusive guests have to pay for minibar items (there's not even free water), and both Wi-Fi and the use of safes will also cost you. Internet access is free in the lobby. Club Rooms are located on the top floors and come with extras such as robes and slippers, poolside lounger reservations, and priority booking at on-site restaurants. Bathrooms are simple but clean in all rooms, with shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

The outdoor pool is pleasant and long enough for laps, and there are plenty of loungers both on the deck and on the grass. Adjacent to the main pool is a spacious kiddy pool, and a bar serves drinks and snacks during the warmer months. Overlooking the pool deck is the spa, complete with three treatment rooms and a sunny area with a small gym, an indoor pool, and a whirlpool that guests can access for a fee. There are also two hard tennis courts, and a volleyball court in a green area near the pool. The only restaurant open year-round is Bougainvillea, which serves a varied buffet and a la carte options for lunch and dinner, as well as a decent free breakfast. Alambique Bar features live evening shows, and in the summer months Mimosa Grill offers drinks and light meals. There are optional all-inclusive rates, and the buffet usually includes meat and fish options at lunch and dinner, as well as a cooked-to-order option such as burgers or stir-fry. Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon. The quality of the food gets mixed reviews, and some guests complain that the food is left uncovered and gets cold. Drinks are included, and all-inclusive guests order from a separate bar. Kids are kept busy with a playground, a games room, and a kids’ club; babysitting services can be booked for a fee. The hotel also offers five meeting rooms, and freebies such as on-site parking, Wi-Fi in the lobby, and shuttle service to local golf courses. Airport transfers are available for a fee.