Residential location, walking distance to restaurants, bars, and the beach
10-minute downhill walk into historic district
Free breakfast buffet with cold selections plus small bar
All rooms have balconies, some with glimpses of the ocean
On-site garage parking for a fee
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
No Wi-Fi in rooms
No mini-fridges or tea/coffee makers in rooms
No meal service besides breakfast
Rooms and bathrooms are dated and plain
Walk to historic district is uphill on the return trip
The 65-room Montemar is a value hotel situated in a residential area, about a 10-minute walk from Lagos' old town. The beach is also within walking distance, as are numerous restaurants, bars, and attractions. In addition to its low rates, the location is the hotel's best feature. Rooms are rather plain and dated, especially the bathrooms. They lack mini-fridges and kettles, but they are air-conditioned. Wi-Fi is only available (and free) in common areas. All rooms have furnished balconies, and some even have distant glimpses of the ocean. A free continental breakfast is served daily, and there's a bar as well. For an alternative with similar rates but more features, travelers could check out the Algarve Surf Hostel - Lagos, which has some private rooms and a pool.
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Scene
Simple, dated hotel with affordable rates, appealing to guests on a budget
This simple hotel is dated and drab, but the quiet location within a reasonable walk of Lagos' charming old town still draws budget-conscious guests who are able to overlook its shortcomings. There's not much common space here, but the spacious lobby has a few sofas and chairs where guests can hang out and use the free Wi-Fi. The bar is adjacent, and Wi-Fi is free there as well. The atmosphere here is laid-back, as the hotel is used mainly as a base for exploring the area. Most guests here are couples on a budget, but families, groups, and individuals stay here as well.
Location
Residential location about a 10-minute walk Lagos' old town, close to restaurants and the beach
This hotel is situated in a residential area about a 10-minute walk downhill walk from Lagos' charming old town. Once there, the cobblestone streets are lined with all manner of bakeries, restaurants, and tourist-friendly shops. The beautiful baroque Santo Antonio Church, the Mercado dos Escravos, and the historic Forte da Ponta da Bandeira can all be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot (all are in town as well). Keep in mind that the walk back to the hotel is uphill the entire way. Guests reach Pinhao Beach in about 10 minutes on foot, or famed Praia Dona Ana in about 15 minutes. The Marina de Lagos is about six minutes away by car. It's a five-minute drive to the dramatic, photogenic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade (or a 25-minute stroll). Faro Airport is just under an hour's drive away.
Rooms
Plain rooms with air-conditioning, TVs, and balconies, but no Wi-Fi, fridges, and bathrooms are dated
Rooms are small and rather plain, with wood floors, yellow walls, medium-toned wood furniture, dark draperies, and minimal decoration. There are no dressers, but a small wall-hung shelf is topped by a mirror, and closets have two drawers and a shelf, plus hanging space. Some TVs are flat-screen units, but tube TVs are still in use in many rooms. Other amenities include air-conditioning and tiny safes (there's a fee for the latter), but don't expect standard comforts like Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, or electric kettles. All rooms have balconies, furnished with plastic chairs and a little table. Some have partial views of the ocean, and some look out on the street or neighboring rooftops. Rooms on the first floor have no view. Tiled bathrooms are small and dated, but they come with bidets, toiletries, and shower/tub combos. Some that we visited could benefit from a good scrubbing or -- even better -- a total renovation.
Features
Free continental breakfast, bar, and free Wi-Fi in public areas
This hotel is limited in features, but a free breakfast buffet is served daily in a simple, nondescript breakfast room. Selections include cold meat, cheese, cereals, breads, and jams. The small bar has red club chairs for seating, and there's a flat-screen TV for entertainment. A computer and printer are set up next to the bar for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free here, as well as in other common areas. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
