Best All-inclusive Hotels in Faro, Portugal

Vila Gale Albacora is a three-and-a-half-pearl hotel in the Ria Formosa Natural Park overlooking Tavira Island. It's a little off the beaten path, and a 10-minute drive into Tavira's old town, but the atmosphere here is quiet and secluded. The top-notch leisure facilities include a large freeform outdoor pool, children's pool, indoor pool, fitness center, kids' club, scuba diving center, and kayak rental. A free shuttle runs to Tavira center and a boat (for a fee) goes to Tavira Island beach. The 162 simple, modern rooms come with balconies or terraces, some overlooking the river. All include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. 

The three-and-a-half-pearl Vale da Lapa Resort & SPA has the benefit of wide open landscaping on the edge of Carvoeiro, with pleasant views of the gardens and mountains in the distance. It's too far from attractions in Carvoeiro to walk to anything, but the resort does have plenty to do on-site, including a nine-hole putting green, a full-service spa, and a kids' club. The 85 suites and Villas are modern and sharp, and include full kitchens, making them ideal for those looking for an upscale but affordable stay. All-inclusive rates are available, too. 

The 306-room Vila Gale Lagos has an upmarket atmosphere, sleek interiors, and a beach-adjacent setting -- though reaching Lagos' charming old town will require a 10-minute drive. There's definitely a buzz to the vibe here, and while its posh spa, clubby lounge, and high-end dining are all geared toward adults, there's plenty for kids as well. The real showpiece, though, is the design-conscious pool that has over 400 sun beds, so there are never fights for space. Rooms are attractively modern, if simple, and all include balconies, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. The best have views of the ocean. 

The 84-room Hotel Oriental is an upper-middle-range option located right on Praia da Rocha. Although it's in a quieter area, it's only a five-minute walk to numerous restaurants, pubs, and shops to the west. Dining gets mixed reviews, and all-inclusive rates are available, but there are plenty of options close at hand. Rooms are a mix of lovely, modern spaces and some that are past their prime. All have furnished balconies or terraces, and some have full views of the beautiful beach or kitchenettes. The pool and lawn provide relaxing places to hang out, and kids get their own pool and a small playground. 

The three-pearl Vila Gale Atlantico is a quiet, pleasant property well outside the hustle and bustle in Albufeira, and within eyeshot of the beach. Rooms have been given a subtle overhaul and have a generically modern look (as of 2016). They also include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes, and some have up to two bedrooms. All-inclusive rates are available and the buffets are well-liked. A popular pool area includes a separate kids' pool with slides, and there's a game room as well. The beach is less than a 10-minute walk away, though many guests simply hang around on-site as there's nothing else nearby.

The 283-suite, upper-middle-range Salgados Palm Village is one of a handful of large, contemporary resort complexes in the purpose-built development between the Algarve towns of Armacao de Pera and Albufeira. Modern design and 10 pools scattered around landscaped gardens certainly feel impressive, though it can feel a little short on ambience off-season -- not helped by its remote location. Plenty of kid-friendly facilities keep families happy, while couples can use neighboring spa facilities for a fee. Most guest are impressed by the size of the suites, but less so the quality of the buffet restaurant.

The Hotel Baia Cristal is a three-pearl family-friendly cliffside hotel overlooking Vale de Centianes Beach. The ocean views from the property are great, and there's direct beach access from the hotel. The 121 rooms have balconies or patios, but they're plain and slim on amenities. Additionally, not all have sea views. There's a kids' club and an indoor game room, but for a hotel that caters to families, the children's pool is comically small and the indoor pool isn't much bigger. Despite being close to Carvoeiro, there's little within walking distance, though there is a free shuttle into town.