Sao Rafael Atlantico

Poor
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : A very nice beach adjacent to the hotel with a walkway down directly from the grounds to the beach.Rooms were spacious and plenty of towels provided, daily housekeeping.
  : Hotel is supposedly rated 5 stars and disagree strongly of that rating.Food was atrocious, some meals were almost inedible.Margarita pizza was horrible.Breakfast buffet included in stay was terrible - fruit tasteless and poor quality, porridge/oatmeal that was cooked was unavailable - a standard anywhere , meat looked questionable so didnt try, no bowls of natural or Greek yogurt to have with fruit, just pots of sugary, artificial yogurt pots.Coffee was terrible and iced coffee ordered at pool bar was milky and very little coffee, someday would have cream, some not and was priced differently.Paid 7 for an ice cream and coffee one day and 2 days later paid 8.50 for exact same. Very little choice of quality restaurants in walking distance.No good shop or supermarket within walking distance. A couple of very small shops with empty shelves of very limited supplies and still quite expensive.Staff unhelpful and not willing to check for an item left behind in room after check out in lost & found - service is not 5 star service.Room and hotel style quite dated and curtains were stained and wooden side tables scratched.Remote control was dusty.Television was dated and not a smart television capable of chrome casting, watching Netflix etc.No satellite channels with English speaking channels available other than CNN and sky news - very poor for 5 star rated hotel and option to watch a movie for 11.99 which is extremely dated.Staff were not informative and helpful on checkout and showers being available etc. receptionist who dealt with me on checkout just wanted me to pay bill and no nice small talk about if I enjoyed my stay.Would not stay here again and would caution others against doing so - far superior 4 stars available.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : Suite rooms were very large - certainly for two people, no doubt ideal for additional people

Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : The location was good, 7-10 minute drive from the old town. The scenery by the pool and the (not private) beach leading from the hotel was also beautiful, although busy full of locals on the weekends.The room was really nice, big and effective air conditioning with really comy beds. The shower was also large and more than adequate. The staff were always helpful and personable when needed as well as being hard-working. The food was great, and we didn't get bored with half board as the selection was varied and very tasty.The gym was decent and spacious, and nowhere to put any of your things, though, some shelves would be good.
  : It was a little tired looking, needed some maintenance and decorating in places. We could see where leaks had happened around the shower in our room, and we could smell the drains on a couple of occasions. The pools were dirty. We never saw anyone cleaning them, sand at the bottom, and floating bits (who knows what) within the pool water itself. It might of had something to do with the seagulls bathing in it daily. The patio around the pool was not quite level, so puddles formed. These puddles were dirty and became very slippery as they had not been cleaned or swept away for some time.The price when you are there is steep, 4 for a small bottle of water and no free water on site except for breakfast and the gym, but you were not allowed to fill bottles up or use it at all if you weren't using the gym.We read that it had a private beach, this wasn't the case as it was open to members of the public, as a result it was very busy on weekends.Really could of done with a bit more attention to detail for a fairly expensive 5 star resort.

Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple

Wonderful
Traveller Type:

Good
Traveller Type:
  : It was set in a quiet area with walking distance to a beautiful beach. The room was big and the bed very comfortable. Shower was lovely too. Breakfast was also very good with a big variety of options - great coffee. Close proximity to Albufeira old town- 6 in an Uber. Where you will find plenty of bars and restaurants for all ages.
  : The hotel lacked personality. It was big and it felt empty. The dark corridors with old crinkled carpet. Around the pool and the bar it felt dead and could have done with some atmosphere such as chilled music, lights etc.

Very Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : The staff were lovely, room was cleaned everyday, great selection of breakfasts and good choice for lunch and dinner in the hotel. The pools were clean, short walk to a private beach and the grounds were beautiful and well maintained.
  : Our room was right next to reception despite booking well in advance so it was slightly noisy on some evenings. The two single beds separated alot. The prices for snacks and drinks in the room and vending machine were expensive. No iron and expensive ironing service. Nothing major, great overall.

Very Good
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple

Very Good
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : The hotel style was really elegant with many areas to relax and lounge in. The room was very spacious and clean. They had many facilities including several restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, gym and access to beachfront area. The outdoor pool was well maintained. Majority of the staff were very friendly and helpful. It was in a good location where you could go to the other parts of the town easily. The breakfast was really good with plenty of selection. The access to the beaches and cliffs was convenient. They provided towels indoors and outdoors.
  : Although they provided a different one, the pillows were a bit too soft. The indoor pool waters was not as clear. They charge 8 if requesting spoons to your own room. The food in the restaurant was hit and miss, some days it is really delicious and some days its mediocre. The evening buffet was too expensive for what was provided. Overall, my stay was still pleasant and enjoyable.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple