Hotel do Cerro

With its white-washed and stone facade, this hotel fits right in in its residential neighborhood -- as such, this is a quiet alternative to some of the boozier crash pads right in the center of town. Potted shrubs and flowers accent the entrance, and palm trees and flowers are visible out front from the second-floor terrace. The narrow reception area is cozy and friendly, with a long front desk along one wall and leather sofas and chairs along the other. However, the decorative mishmash that greets guests is a clue as to what's to come. A red accent wall behind the white reception desk and red pillows and rugs add splashes of color, while modern art hangs on the lobby walls. However, hallways are outfitted with antiques and traditional art, and rooms are an even more confusing, dated blend of styles. Musical instruments also hang throughout the hotel. The atmosphere overall is a bit quirky, but cozy. It attracts mostly mature couples, but also families, groups, and individuals, most from the U.K. and Ireland.

This hotel is situated in a quiet residential areas on a hilltop above Albufeira's bustling old town. It overlooks the Bay of Albufeira, and there are many restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. Fishermen's Beach is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and there is a bus stop nearby with buses that run to the center of town. A supermarket is a short walk away, and there is a nearby shopping arcade with a pastry shop, snack bar, an Indian restaurant, and a terrace. Depending on the destination, it's a 10- to 15-minute walk into the old town, which is packed with bars, pubs, restaurants, and shops catering to travelers from the British Isles and Ireland. Keep in mind that the walk back will be entirely uphill. Faro Airport is about a 35-minute drive from the hotel, while Lisbon will take about two-and-a-half hours to reach by car.

Rooms are small and modest, with tile floors, medium-toned wood and rattan furniture, gold accent walls behind the bed, decorative canopies over the bed, and striped draperies. It's not exactly a modern look, though retro-contemporary chairs in some rooms do add a bit of style and color (though ultimately look quite out of place). Some rooms have dated features such as phones, tube TVs, and bedspreads, but all have air-conditioning, satellite television channels, and free Wi-Fi. Minibars and kettles for tea and coffee are available on request for a fee, and safes also carry a fee. Suites have sitting areas plus a dining table and chairs. All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, and higher-end rooms have larger outdoor spaces and scenic views of the sea. Some rooms overlook the pool area. Compact bathrooms are tiled and feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, bidets, and toiletries. 

The restaurant offers a free breakfast buffet with a good selection of hot and cold items. Lunch is served in the coffee shop, and dinner is a la carte off the menu. A cozy bar with velvet and leather sofas and chairs for seating offers entertainment most nights, and in nice weather, guests can sit outside on the terrace and take in beautiful views of the water. The food and entertainment both get mixed reviews, but guests who would prefer to go elsewhere will find plenty of nearby options. All-inclusive and half-board rates are available, but restrictions apply and the packages disappoint most previous guests. 

The rectangular outdoor pool is a focal point for the hotel, as many of the rooms overlook this space. Its rectangular shape makes it suitable for swimming laps, and there are lounge chairs with umbrellas surrounding it. The pool deck isn't very wide, so the space can get crowded at times. A smaller kids pool is adjacent, but that's about it for kids' activities. Ambient lighting and bust statues atop columns provide a gaudy atmosphere at the indoor pool. The small spa also offers a sauna, whirlpool, Vichy shower, and Turkish bath, as well as massage and other treatments, all for a fee. There's also a fee to use the fitness center, which has cardio and weight training equipment in a small, windowless space. 

A cozy library and game room offers cushioned wicker seating in front of a flat-screen TV and fireplace. Games and books are available. There's also a pool table and TV in the coffee shop, as well as TVs in the bar. Small dogs are allowed at no charge, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.