Cerro Mar Garden

"We stayed in the Cerro Mar Colina apartments (across the road from the main hotel). The apartment was very spacious and had a fully equipped kitchen. Some essentials (like washing-up liquid) would have been appreciated, but there is an ALDI close by. There were two balconies; the chairs were too uncomfortable to sit on but there was a sun longer (only one though). The decor was dated but clean. The shower head was not attached to the wall, but on turning it on we found it had very little water pressure anyways - so we didn't bother asking reception to fix the wall mounting and instead used the showers in the pool toilet block (these had great water pressure and very hot water). We got sun loungers by the pool every day (didn't see any beds 'reserved' with towels in the early morning). It was mostly families - only a couple of large groups of guys/girls. The drinks at the pool bar were good - cocktail of the day for 6 euro. The service was very slow at times though (as they make the cocktails from scratch - no premixed rubbish). I used the gym in the main building every day - it was relatively well-equipped. The walk to the old town took less than 10 mins but is a very steep set of stairs. Not a problem for us, but would be impossible for people with limited mobility. The small shop outside the apartments only takes cash"

"booked cerro mar atlanco but u have to check into cerro mar garden . the main hotel is there. its very nice clean nice big pool plenty of sunbeds. lovely snack bar . good breakfast. staff very nice and helpful,except for one girl in bar upstairs think her name is Amanda. long black hair and lots of tattoos. she must have been the rudest barmaid i ever met. area is right on top of old town just a short walk down the steps ."

"The Cerro Mar Garden hotel is in the perfect position as it is near the Old Town, yet far enough away from the noise and hustle and bustle. The apartments are fantastic and spacious, and can see right down into Old town with the sea beyond. They are well equiped with kettle and coffee makerdishwasher, washing machine plenty crockery pots and pans (though we didn’t cook much), a huge fridge freezer which was great. There is hairdryer and ironing board. Everything you need Maid service was everyday and the apartments were cleaned to a very high standard. Our maid was Israj, and she kept the apartment spotless and changed towels almost daily. There is an indoor pool, sauna, steam room. Pool is well heated and quiet in early morning for a peaceful swim. Its great to see families with young children learning to swim and having such fun too. Restaurant opens at 7pm for dinner - can have buffet or A La Carte - we ate grilled fish, and it was delicious, beautifully cooked and presented and our waiter Ruben Nascimento was attentive and friendly without being intrusive - indeed the staff everywhere - at reception, in the spa, just everywhere were all really kind and helpful. We explored other eating places in the Old Town and beyond - found an amazing Greek Restaurant - Os Gregos - Kleftiko and Greek vegetarian dishes slow cooked and quite delicious and reasonably priced. Albuferia is a good location for exploring the small fishing villages and beaches of the south coast of Portugal. We did this by bus. We have been on previous boat and bus trips, but like the independence to go where and for how long you want, so the buses are ideal for this. We each got a bus pass, but be aware not to get an airport bus to or from anywhere as the ticket price is more than double. This was a grerat holiday, and we should love to return to Cerro Mar Garden Hotel in the future."