Hotel Belavista da Luz

An immaculate curving facade finished in red-earth tones with hacienda-style architectural features very much sets the tone for this traditional, family-run hotel. Inside, rustic wood touches combine with more contemporary seating for a relaxed and welcoming vibe, while bright and colorful hallways add a pleasant cheerful note. At 45 guest rooms, this is a fairly small three-floor property, built in a U-shape around a sunny pool terrace -- skirted with shrubs and tropical plants. Spotless and well-maintained throughout, it's hard to find much fault. Unsurprisingly, the rates and cleanliness attract plenty of repeat custom from its mostly British clientele of couples and families with younger kids. 

The hotel is located in a quiet and largely residential neighborhood just on the outskirts of Luz -- a former fishing village turned laid-back resort in the western Algarve. It's around a 15-minute downhill walk to the lovely Praia da Luz Beach, though some guests struggle a little with the return journey back uphill. Behind the beach is a string of eateries, bars, and cafes that buzz day and night, while at one end is the 17th-century Fortaleza da Luz Fort, now a restaurant. Along the beach, vendors rent sun loungers, umbrellas, and various non-motorized watercraft for kids and families. Charming Lagos' old town is around 15 minutes away by car, or there's a bus stop across the road from the hotel. The nearest airport is Faro, around an hour's drive, while it's two and a half to hours reach Lisbon.

While neither particularly modern or stylish, the hotel's 45 rooms are clean and traditionally-styled with wicker-wood furnishings, plaid fabrics, and the odd nautical touch or splash of contemporary art. Rooms open to furnished terraces or balconies facing inwards so all overlook the pool terrace. Higher level rooms are treated to sea views -- upgraded rooms and suites feature larger outdoor spaces and the addition of loungers. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs (with a few English-speaking channels), fridge-freezers stocked with free bottled water, and coffee- and tea-making facilities (replenished daily). There's a fee to use the safe. Wi-Fi is available free of charge, though signal is better in some rooms than others. Bathrooms are well-maintained though slightly dated with old-fashioned hose hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and generic toiletries.

For a relatively small hotel, the Belavista da Luz manages to squeeze a lot in. Outside are two swimming pools, one long enough for swimming laps and the other is heated for soaking. There are plenty of loungers and a poolside bar serves drinks and snacks. Guests also have free access to a steam room and sauna, and there's a large games room with TV lounge, card tables, darts, and pool. A fitness room is also large, if a little old-fashioned. It also doubles as a yoga, Pilates, and Zumba studio. The hotel's tennis court looks a little shabby, though access and ball and racket loan is free. Breakfast provides the usual buffet with meats, cheese, cereals, fruit, toast, and yogurt, plus the owner is known to serve excellent coffee, all included in the rate. The traditional-style restaurant also opens for dinner, which is served a la carte at reasonable prices. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.