Pestana Viking

The Pestana Viking Resort attracts a crowd of English-speaking vacationers, from young families with children in tow to older couples, all of whom are looking for an uncomplicated beach holiday. The hotel is decorated in an eclectic mix of styles, with clean marble, dark wood, and modernist chandeliers clashing with jazzy vivid carpets and yellow and green flower-motif curtains in the lobby. A dated color scheme of orange, brown, and green is found in the dining areas, which also have mismatched fabrics. In a hotel like this, however, guests are more likely to spend time on the large and attractive pool terrace, or lounging in the lushly verdant grounds, dotted with deck chairs that overlook the cliffs and the Atlantic ocean beyond. While kids are frequent guests, the atmosphere is generally quiet and best for those seeking a relaxing getaway.

The hotel is a three-minute walk away from Praia da Senhora da Rocha, a secluded sandy cove with a beach bar. Although there's a small supermarket, as well as a few shops and restaurants in the village of Porches, the nearest sizable town is Armacao de Pera, a five-minute drive away. The hotel also runs a free minibus service to and from the town. Expect car transfers to Portimao Airport to take about 25 minutes, while it’s 40 minutes to and from Faro Airport.

The hotel’s 184 rooms are spacious and bright due to sliding glass doors that lead to their furnished balconies -- most of which have sea views. However, they tend to be decorated with a hodgepodge of furnishings that range from dated to contemporary. They have a beachy color scheme of blue, green, and white, seen in accent walls, seating upholstery, bed linens, and artwork. Terra-cotta floors are topped by wood furniture in various stains and occasional metal side tables, which give the rooms a disjointed look. All in all, they're still comfy and pleasant, and Suites include a separate living room with a sofa bed. All have a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, sink, kettle, and microwave, but no stove. Rooms have two armchairs with a small round table, while Suites add a breakfast bar with stools. Tables and chairs are also on the balconies. Bathrooms are clean and modern, outfitted with a shower/tub combo, bidet, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Note that many rooms have dated tube-style TVs, and there are fees to use the in-room safes and Wi-Fi.

The Pestana Viking Resort has a laundry list of features suitable for a family-friendly beach getaway. The hotel has two large swimming pools, both of which are saltwater. Outside is a large lap pool with one undulating side and a shallow pool for kiddies to splash about in. An indoor pool is found in the hotel’s spa complex, where guests can also book a variety of treatments, as well as make use of a hot tub, sauna, and Turkish bath. While spacious, the fitness center is minimally equipped with just a handful of cardio machines and some free weights.A buffet-style restaurant serves a free breakfast that receives positive reviews, as well as dinner. Both the pool bar and lobby bar serve light snacks and drinks. There is a kids' club that runs daily throughout high season, in addition to a game room with chess boards, arcade and pinball machines, and a pool table. Wi-Fi is available for free in public areas, but some guests have complained that coverage is spotty.