Montemar

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. 

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 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. 

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.