Conrad Algarve

Our stay at the Conrad was very good. The service was great and the food quality was excellent. We ate in the Louro restaurant on our last night and the experience was fantastic. The breakfast selection was amazing too.

Having just returned from our third visit to the Conrad Algarve, I realise that I haven't previously reviewed the hotel so this is long overdue. We absolutely love this hotel - the staff, facilities and food are just wonderful. Having just got back, we are already planning another visit next year! On our first visit we stayed in the entry-level King Deluxe room, which is very spacious and well-equipped for a 'standard' room. On our second visit, our Hilton Honors status saw us upgraded to a one-bedroom suite which was incredible. On this most recent visit, we stayed in a pool view Twin Deluxe room (made up as a king bed) which had a lovely view from the balcony. All of the rooms have everything you need - a hugely comfortable bed, well-equipped bathroom (with bathrobes, slippers, a bath, shower and double sinks) and generous wardrobe space - so you can't go far wrong, but the pool view really does make a difference as a step up from the entry-level room. Each time we have stayed, Guest Relations have been extremely helpful ahead of our visit and staff on-site have done everything they can to make our stay run as smoothly as possible. On this occasion, we had an early flight and arrived around midday but having noted our flight time, the team were able to prepare our room early and give us access at 12.30pm. We also had a late flight but again, the team were able to offer a late checkout (as Hilton Honors Diamond members) which meant we could make the most of our final day. We visited Louro for breakfast, plus one lunch and one dinner, and each time the staff were exceptionally attentive and friendly. Breakfast is particularly impressive, with a huge range of options available; we particularly love being welcomed with bite-sized pasteis de nata, fresh orange juice and filtered coffee each morning. We like to go to the gym before breakfast so it is also helpful that breakfast is served until 11am. The gym is well-equipped for a hotel gym, and the outdoor space - which I have seen used for yoga, stretches and simply a rest from exercise - is also lovely. This was the first time we had visited the Gusto Bar, and we were very impressed with the cocktails, which included the head barman's special Easter cocktail. We would have stayed for several drinks had we not already made dinner reservations at Louro! I would recommend a visit to the bar if not the restaurant. This was our second visit at Easter time and the hotel really go all out with the celebrations, including beautiful displays as well as special food and drinks. On Easter Sunday I also spotted staff hiding Easter eggs around the grounds, presumably for the little ones to take part in an Easter egg hunt. That morning, we heard some very excited children running up and down the corridor (the only time we were really disturbed in our room) so it must be lovely for them to have the hotel make it so special for them. To address areas of criticism that have been referenced in other reviews: - On-site prices: this is a five-star hotel, and food and drinks are priced accordingly. The room prices give an indication of what to expect. We personally feel that the quantity and quality justifies the prices; there is also a convenience factor, as there are cheaper options nearby. To us, the 'premium' is worth it if we want an uninterrupted day by the pool or to enjoy room service on our balcony. The portions are generous and my husband and I often share a main dish (e.g. a salad, burger or pizza) and a side for lunch as it's more than enough. And as someone who rarely considers a salad as a 'main', they really are here! - Location: we have never hired a car when we have stayed here and don't consider it a problem. We are a couple without children so feel that there is plenty to occupy us on-site (gym, spa, pool, relaxing on the balcony, bars, restaurants) and nearby (the shopping centre across the road has shops, bars and restaurants and we have walked around the area quite a lot), but we've also asked the hotel to organise trips for us to Faro and Vilamoura in the past, which weren't unreasonably priced (around 30 Euros each way if I remember rightly). We always use Faro Airport Transfers to and from the hotel, at 25 Euros each way. Despite visiting three times we still haven't taken advantage of the hotel shuttle to the beach either - so that's on the list for next time! However, there is a car hire outlet in the shopping centre which makes it very easy to hire a car for a day or two if needed. As Hilton Honors Gold (previous) and Diamond (current) we have been able to benefit from additional perks during our stays, but from what we have seen and heard, all guests are treated exceptionally well here. I'm sure there are aspects of the experience here that I have missed, but let me just assure you that if you enjoy luxurious facilities, good food and drinks, relaxation and excellent service, this is the place for you. I am so glad that we discovered this resort and already can't wait to return!