Apartamentos Old Village

We really enjoyed our break here, we stayed for 3 nights in apartment 27a. As some people have said, it is a bit difficult to find the reception, but someone found us so that was ok. Yes the main pool does have a charge for sunbeds, and it only available for guests after 9.30am if there owners don't use them all. It also started no drinks or food should be taken in to this pool area, which isn't good for self catering. It was very quiet when we went, I think the pools would fill up quickly in summer as they were tiny and the complex was quite big. We liked our apartment, the kitchen was really well stocked for self catering and even had a washing machine. Some bits like the bedding and sunloungers were quite tired, but it was fine for the price We had a lovely little patio garden, but it didn't get any sun until after 3pm. The shop on site was the same price as any other spar's locally. We had a meal at the restaurant in the square which was very good. The walk to town was nice, it's down a slight hill then through a park, past a pond. It was fine to walk back up again, not too steep. There are lovely coffee shops at the start of the town, which are very reasonable for breakfast. We would definitely go again

The good points: - This complex is lovely for families and safe, no cars allowed on the streets, beautifully maintained gardens, onsite shop, three lovely pools that are enclosed with key pads, and good sized apartments. Can be very peaceful, (apart from overflow of pool side music). Some apartments are individually owned so cleanliness depends on the owner, ours was clean, spacious and fully equipped. This was a lovely holiday and we would consider returning. Other helpful points, not necessarily bad! Pay per sunbed: - Think this is one of the major hang ups. This is entirely unnecessary and just another way to make a quick buck. Really does not advertise the resort well. €2 per bed for half a day may not seem a lot for a couple but for a family it adds up. If they are trying to avoid people 'saving' loungers all day this can be limited in other ways. Reception: Arrived very late at night, the reception (for our own tour operator) was incredibly hard to find and obviously closed with a number to ring for the night porter. Really would suggest all guests get a map prior to arrival. This was the most annoying part of our trip, trying to find the reception, tired kids and in the pitch black. The next day was Sunday so they were closed. Need a better service. Restaurants/Food: On site restaurants were good however pricey so only out for one or two nights. Food was good to excellent (do book the restaurant in the square). We mostly did self catering. The onsite shop was alright, slightly limited in products, again a bit more expensive than the main supermarkets but that is expected. There was a small bakery on site, so it was nice to get fresh bread etc in the morning. Note - the main supermarkets were too far to walk. Bars: There were two bars, both very friendly, one offering live music. However, both also but on sports matches, (this is not to our taste, listening to loud football matches is not a good atmosphere for some!). Not much for the young ones to do in the early evening, no mini discos or kids clubs etc. This is more a complex where young adults go to the harbour pubs and old folks sit in the bars! Or tiny tots go to bed early! Location: The complex is on a hill and the harbour is about 20 minutes walk away (we are fit walkers). The walk is not suitable for people with disabilities or elderly. Saying that it is ideally suited to get to Vilamoura, and only 15 minute drive to the water park. Transport: If you do not have a hire car (it is not needed) suggest hiring a Bolt (like uber) taxi, they were very cheap to get around. Only a couple of euro to get down to the harbour. There are free public buses that run through the summer season, the times vary, you would need to walk to the bus stop. They run on a loop and the loop can be a good half hour to one hour to get to a place that would take you 20 minutes to walk.

Clean and well maintained, only downfall was the old cobble stone paths were not ideal for buggy’s. Also no lifts to upstairs apartments so be aware prior to booking with young kids. 25 mins walk to marina but coming back is uphill so tougher ….