Paraiso Albufeira

"Unfortunately, our stay was very disappointing. The rooms were outdated, but for the price, that was somewhat expected. However, on our first night we found a used condom wrapper in the bed, which was not exactly the best start to our holiday. We also had issues with the air conditioning, which broke during our stay. Although it was eventually repaired, it left a large hole in the wall that remained visible afterwards. One thing we found frustrating was the hotel's policy regarding food and drinks. There is a shop attached to the hotel, but guests are not allowed to bring in food or drinks purchased elsewhere, and staff were quite rude when enforcing this rule. The biggest issue was the atmosphere and lack of security. I would not recommend this hotel for families. During our stay, the hotel was mostly occupied by stag and hen groups. Many guests returned late at night heavily intoxicated, causing disturbances in the corridors with shouting, banging on doors, arguments and fights. We were located next to reception and expected that area to be quieter, but our door was repeatedly banged on throughout the week. As a family of four, we got very little sleep during our seven-night stay. The lack of visible security was concerning, especially with so many drunk and disruptive guests around. It did not feel like a family-friendly environment and at times felt unsafe. The only real positive is the location, which is conveniently situated between the old town and new town, with both around a 20-minute walk away. Overall, despite the good location, I would not recommend this hotel, particularly for families looking for a safe and relaxing stay."

"Firstly receptionist overcharged us the tourist tax, only those over 12 pay it-chared us for our 9 year. Took an age and 2 reception staff to rectify. It took over 30 minutes to check in even though we had all relevant reference numbers etc. You need to pay for EVERYTHING, pool towels, safe key, ironing board etc. For example the safe key was a refundable deposit of €25 and a non refundable charge of €2.50 per night, which cost us €20. Checked into the room on the ground floor, dingy and old fashioned-smell of sewers and on investigation discovered the toilet water on being flushed was coming up through a drain in the bathroom floor. The drain hole in the bath was mangled-it looked like it had been hacked at. Returned to reception to complain and ask for another room-no issues here-another key was given to us so we could check another room-this was far superior,on the 3rd floor - updated decor, nice kitchen-granite work surfaces/digital oven, walk in shower. The TV was not working in this room -this was resolved after 2 further trips to the reception. The outdoor pool was fine, kids enjoyed it. HOWEVER, the pool staff and one of the bar staff were constantly harassing guests enjoying soft drinks and crisps, ice creams etc which they had purchased from the Spar Supermarket on the ground floor of the hotel-telling guests they could only eat/drink what they purchased at the pool side bar. It turns out the bar was not even selling ice cream until June, the only crisps available were mini pringles. An absolute disgrace -so many guests were left upset and embarrassed having been approached by the pool staff. The pool staff went so far as to take Spar shopping bags off the guests, pour out drinks and dispose of them. One of the pool staff took to standing at the door out of the hotel and when he saw a guest with a Spar bag he would then follow the guest to their sun bed and then approach them and take drinks/crisps etc from them and put in the bin. The restaurant, we only had breakfast included, there was very little choice of foods, very basic hot food- sausage/bacon/3 eggs/hash brown/tomato/beans/pancakes & waffles on alternative mornings. The kids were so disappointed with what was on offer. 2 types of bread roll and bread for toast. Very small selection of cereal, juice, coffee machine, very limited selection of yogurts. The only salad foods on offer were tomato and cucumber, along with cheese and salami/ham and turkey. A very limited selection of pastry -something our kids always look forward to-none of us were impressed with the breakfast offerings. Food was not hot. It was the same food EVERY MORNING. The breakfast staff were all very helpful and polite. The housekeeping staff were all nice, would greet you when you passed them in the hallways etc On one day the ladder coming out of the deep end of the Outdoor pool fell off the side of the pool as a man was climbing out of the pool. 2 guests got the ladder out of the pool by diving down and hauling it out-the ladder then sat by the pool for 2 days before it was taken away. The indoor pool needs updating, there is a weird pool liner that was lifting from the floor of the pool. Absolutely no ventilation in the indoor pool room -it was like a sauna you did not ask for. Could not open windows. Would not recommend this hotel and we will not be back."

"Having just returned from a three night holiday with my family I had to give this a review. The hotel itself is ok it’s just run terribly. When we arrived the women on the reception were miserable and very unwelcoming (great start) The rooms were dated but nice and big and beds were clean. They were fine for the price we paid. The main thing we had issues with was the noise, there is no security so guests were allowed to run around playing loud music, dragging furniture, shouting and all sorts until 6.30am in the morning. We barely had any sleep and were exhausted by the time we got on the flight on the way home. The other problem is when you’re around the pool you are not allowed to purchase any drinks or snacks from the shop and take them with you. They literally come around and confiscate them it’s like being at school!! I understand glass bottles but bottles of Fanta and bags of crisps should be allowed. Especially when the hotel outside bar was far too to expensive for regular use. We still had a nice time though the area is stunning and the beach is great. I just don’t recommend this hotel especially if you have children"