Novochoro Apartamentos Turisticos

This hotel is quiet and laid-back, with a family-friendly atmosphere and little in the way of entertainment or activity. Not much sets it apart from the many apartment-style budget properties that ring Albufeira, and the style is low-key a bit dated. Besides the outdoor pool, the only public area consists of a multi-purpose lobby, where guests can also purchase snacks and drinks, play billiards, read, watch TV, and use the computer. There's also a little area here with toys for the youngsters. Since all units have kitchens, this place attracts self-sufficient guests who don't need a lot of frills. Most guests are budget-conscious couples, but families and groups of friends are also seen here. 

This hotel is situated in a quiet neighborhood, about a 10-minute drive from Albufeira or Oura Beach. Guests can walk to The Strip, a lively zone of bars and nightclubs, in about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the destination. Although there isn't much immediately around the hotel, Monte Choro is about 10 to 15 minutes away on foot as well, with shops, restaurants, and a supermarket. Expect a 35- to 40-minute drive to Faro Airport. The hotel provides a shuttle to Fisherman's Beach and Oura Beach four times a day for a small fee. 

Rooms here are studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Some are generically modern, with bright interiors, but others are dated and tired. However, even the fresh apartments are plain. In the more pleasant units, expect to see details like terra-cotta floors and medium-tone wood-veneer furniture plus floral artwork and fabrics in spring green and sunny yellow hues. In contrast, older rooms are drab and dingy, with faded artwork and dated upholstery. These units also lack air-conditioning. All apartments have flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes. Kitchens in modern apartments have granite countertops, updated appliances, and fresh tiling. The outdated units are showing wear and tear throughout the kitchens, although they are equipped with most everything needed for cooking and dining. Bathrooms are much the same story, ranging from tired and worn to fresh and clean. All rooms have balconies or terraces furnished with plastic chairs, some with views over the pool. Two one-bedroom units above reception share a large balcony that works well for group get-togethers. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi isn't available in apartments. 

This apartment-style hotel is a basic, no-frills place with few features. A bright common area by reception includes a snack bar, kids' play area, library, mini-market, and a billiards table. Breakfast and lunch, as well as drinks, are available at the snack bar. Guests can hang out at the dining tables and chairs to eat and drink, and there's also a sofa in front of a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. The outdoor pool is on the small side, but there is a large deck with umbrella-shaded lounge chairs for relaxing poolside. There's also a shallow section for kids. The beach is accessible via the hotel's shuttle, which makes the trip four times a day for a small fee. On-site parking is free. Free Wi-Fi can be accessed in the lobby and at the pool, but not in rooms.