Hotel Apartamentos do Golf

Located in a green hilly area above the town of Vilamoura, the small Hotel Apartamento do Golfe is for those seeking some peace and quiet. Rooms and common spaces are housed is low white buildings with terra-cotta tile roofs and small patios, and lovely gardens offer plenty of space to unwind and relax. Interiors are simple and a little old-fashioned throughout, from the small lobby with terrazzo floors and rattan couches with yellow cushions, to the brown vinyl couches in the bar. Most spaces, however, have been updated with a few nice touches, including wood paneling, exposed wooden beams, and cute wallpaper with geometric patterns in the bar and restaurant. The property’s location amid golf courses — and free shuttle service to several of them — draws mostly middle-aged golfers, but the kiddy pool, extensive lawns, and spacious apartments for up to four guests are also convenient for families. Apartamento do Golfe’s many return guests seem to love the hotel's quiet vibe, cleanliness, and simplicity. 

The hotel is located on a quiet street in a residential area just outside Vilamoura. The Old Course golf club is directly adjacent to the property, and several other renowned courses can be found within a short drive of the hotel, including Laguna, Millennium, and Pinhal. Vilamoura’s marina, known for its lively atmosphere and many dining, shopping, and nightlife options, is a 10-minute drive away. The town’s main beach is about the same distance away, and there are several other lovely stretches of sand within a 20-minute drive of Apartamento do Golfe. This location is also convenient for those looking to explore the surrounding area, including nearby towns such as Albufeira and Faro, as several buses stop a short walk from the hotel. The airport is a 30-minute drive away. 

The hotel has 59 Studios, One-, and Two-Bedroom Apartments, all featuring small, basic kitchenettes equipped with cooktops, microwaves, mini-fridges, electric kettles, sinks, and toasters. All units are clean and spacious, and have separate living areas with flat-screen TVs and a small dining table, as well as balconies furnished with plastic chairs and tables. Decor is plain and dated, especially in living rooms, where brown vinyl couches and chairs look straight out of the '70s, and closet doors and countertops are showing some wear. Bedrooms are also simply decorated, but large headboards made with traditional blue or pink tiles add some charm. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioners that double as heaters, but there have been complaints of dampness and low temperatures indoors during the colder months. Clean bathrooms feature shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, and a few basic toiletries. Wi-Fi and safes are available for a daily or weekly fee. 

The restaurant serves a decent but basic breakfast buffet, as well as a short international menu for dinner. The dining room is small but cute, with exposed wooden beams and large windows overlooking the pool bar and the garden. Golfer’s Bar has live music a few times a week year-round, and a TV showing major Portuguese and international sports events. The pool is long enough for laps and is surrounded by a big grass lawn with lots of plastic loungers and a separate kiddy pool. A casual bar with tables in the sun and in a porched area serves drinks and snacks during the warmer months. The hotel offers free shuttle service to Vilamoura’s marina a few times a day, as well as to several local golf courses on demand. Wi-Fi is available free in the lobby, but there is a fee for in-room Internet access.