Pestana Alvor South Beach Premium Suite Hotel

The hotel is close to the beach and a 15 minute walk into the centre of Alvor. We had booked a suite with a land view, and were pleasantly surprised that it had also had a seaview. We enjoyed watching the sunset from the balcony with a glass of wine. The rooms are quirky, bed comfortable and on arrival you are offered a welcome drink. The breakfasts are varied and the staff are friendly and professional. Our flight was leaving early and they made us a breakfast box. The pool area had plenty of sunloungers and you are provided with towels for the pool. We were looking for a relaxing holiday and we were not disappointed.

Loved it here. Right on the beach, less than 5mins/5 euros in a taxi to alvor town/harbour. Friendly staff, great breakfast selection, everything is kept clean & tidy and it never felt crowded or busy around the pools. A couple of shops walking distance and bars on the beach Looking forward to going again

We have stayed at South Beach several times and have witnessed it’s decent to mediocrity. The hotel is superbly situated and one could be forgiven that this has possibly contributed to Pestana not addressing issues raised as far back as 2023. I have read many reviews and Mr Almeida has repeatedly assured clients that relevant teams had been notified and improvements would be made in the ‘short term’.. Overall we did not enjoy our stay as the hotel is ‘tired’ and needs upgrading and a price review. We had toured the Iberian Peninsula and stayed at Pestana Tavira. Paradore Carmona, Barceló Aracena and a private hotel in Evora.and finished in Alvor. All were cheaper and better and at least one had a definite policy not to charge different rates for the same room on different days .. what did South beach provide on the more expensive days that were different than cheaper days? The following issues include some mentioned in 2023( eg dirty sundeds, insufficient parasoles) On arrival the first thing we noticed was the stained toilet seat which would not be acceptable in any star hotel( see photo) In fairness the seat was change after a photo was shown to reception. The replaced seat was not new. Towel rail had been repaired in the past but ineffectively as it failed, falling off the during our stay but was repaired by evening. The shower surround had a very poor repair. Please see photo Towels very old and thin and one had a hole in.. please see photo The bed was like sleeping on a boat and I felt as though I was going to fall out.. perhaps the very thick mattress topper didn’t help. Again the worst sleep on tour. Breakfast hot food was actually lukewarm warm at best.. two heat lamps .. this was mentioned in an earlier review and ‘teams were notified’ I can say that the coffee was undrinkable in my opinion. Finally, we never used the sun beds as when we wanted to sunbathe all the best ones were occupied and parasols all in use.. The only beds left were the ones mentioned back in 2023 that were covered in mould and just not inviting and management said they were addressing the issue at the time. Sadly we will only return if these issues are actually addressed . This hotel is just not offering value for money.

Funky little place on a fabulous beach. Very modern design, open plan public areas. Very Premier inn its way. Bedrooms are large and well appointed although no wardrobes as such just a hanging rail and loads of shelving. We had a ground floor room with a lovely balcony looking towards the sea but spoilt by two shabby looking sun beds. Housekeeping kept the room clean and tidy. The ceiling was plastered with a huge photo of bathing beauties in a pool, very kinky. The Bathroom was a challenge it is a shower over a bath. The bottom of the bath is about 10cm off the ground so you not only stepping over the side of the deep bath but also up. There were no grab handles to hold. No anti slip mat. Not a good design if you have any mobility issues like dodgy knees or ankles. I felt very insecure using it. The shower head was on a flexi pipe with a water saving vari head to adjust the meagre flow. However, the main bath water flow tap to the bath gushed like a torrent. The taps on the sink were a joke. No water flow, it came out in a fine sprinkle with no power. Hot water was an impossible challenge in the sink. A real struggle to use the sink when shaving. There was no plug in the sink either. Plus the soap dispenser was on the wrong end of the vanity unit to the sink. I totally understand that the Algarve has a major water shortage but the sink was a joke. Breakfast was fine. Great omelettes made to order. But the rest of the food, pool side in the hotel and Sea Deck restaurant was extremely poor compared to the local alternatives. Pools were clean but no grab rail on the steps leading into the pools. The bar shut at 11pm and the staff were out the door within a few minutes, doors shut, music off, lights out. Taxis to the town were easily available. About 5-7 euros. Loads of fabulous restaurants can be found there. The fish restaurants here are stunning. We found the hotel staff helpful enough but i felt they were not loving the job. Overall i give the hotel 7 out of 10. I found the pestana praia a better hotel a few years ago, but Alvor is stunning. The beaches, the restaurants and the town the reason we have returned quite a few times over the years.

Spent two weeks here in a pool view/ sea view room. The view was stunning! Plenty of space in the room , lots of storage . Great shower & comfy bed. Easy check in by friendly staff . Pool area was never crowded always got a bed. The cabanas need renovated , the covers were dirty and shades need replaced, but just used the sunbeds. The pools were “refreshing” ! Breakfast was good plenty of choice of all usuals, you can order omelettes etc but no one tells you this I read it on another TA post. Bar staff could be a bit more chatty and hotel should make much more of bar area. 10-15min walk into town either along boardwalk or through residential area. Don’t go HB here there are so many good restaurants in Alvor. Would recommend and hope to return

I appreciate I booked last minute but I really don't think the hotel was worth the price. The rooms are smaller than pictures make them appear, and a little tired. Large stains on carpet around bed. My bathroom sink didn't drain and they did get this seen to and fixed promptly. The pool was pretty. The food for dinner I wouldn't rate either. Mixed reviews. Staff super nice! but overall I wouldn't go back purely as I think it's overpriced for what you're getting. Checked out early.

Cleanliness in rooms poor. Pool area very relaxing and clean. Plenty sunbeds, no reserving allowed. Well done! Board walk and beach right next to the hotel. 15 minute walk to Alvor along the beach or boardwalk. Bar area deserted in the evening. No pool service. Breakfast excellent, loads of choice. Reception staff disinterested. Not helpful. We will return as we can ignore the majority of these issues.

Incredible space in terms of hygiene, quality and professionalism of all employees. This is Restaurant and Hospitality at the highest levels that they try to copy in my city... Thank you all i come back certainly another day to relax more time.

Hotel Below Expectations My stay at this hotel was far from the four-star experience I expected. Right at reception, I was greeted with cold and indifferent service, with clear differentiation between customers. The informal and relaxed atmosphere of the place, which should be inviting, was permeated by a disdain that contrasted with the courtesy and ease expected from a hotel of this level. The facilities themselves were comfortable, but quality service was lacking. The team seemed disinterested and unprepared, leaving something to be desired in terms of attention and proactivity. Despite the negative points, the hotel offers a peaceful and relaxing environment, ideal for those looking to escape stress. The proximity to the beach is a plus, allowing guests to have direct contact with nature, especially in low season. However, the overall experience falls short of what is advertised and lacks essential services, such as massages, an outdoor spa with sea views and, at least, a pool with heated water for colder days. To top it off, the lack of activities both inside the hotel and on the nearby beach leaves the place lifeless and without leisure options for guests. In short, this hotel failed to meet my expectations and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a complete and quality experience. The lack of essential services, the unprepared staff and the indifferent atmosphere at reception left something to be desired and made me feel that the amount paid was not in line with what was delivered.