Pine Cliffs

Depends on what you’re looking for - nice overall resort with restaurants that are used to accommodating to children, this is a nice place to go. But the facilities are definitely oversold - the playground is so old and needs a major facelift and actually has minimal play equipment. There are lots of pools but they are all basically the same, nothing to really differentiate them. The beach is also quite a hike with a little kid and equipment in tow. It’s not quite as simple as take an elevator down the cliffs and land on the beach, the elevator spares you two flights of stairs but then there are many more stairs and a long board walk to follow. It was a nice place but i think we just felt like the website way oversold many amenities. We enjoyed three days here to just relax in a nice place where we didn’t have to apologize for having a toddler but we were bored by day 4.

I don’t normally post reviews however after reading the recent negative reviews, feel I should offer some reassurance to anyone visiting soon. Reception staff were welcoming, professional and most helpful in resolving a supermarket delivery issue I had booked. Our 2 bed penthouse suite in Ocean View Suites was spacious and well equipped with wonderful views from the 3 balconies. Shortly after settling into our suite a beautiful birthday cake and champagne was delivered followed by some delicate chocolates and a box of treats for my grandaughter. This was unexpected and much appreciated. We ate in resort on several occasions and again service and staff, especially in Corda Cafe were friendly and professional. Yes I would agree that prices in resort are expensive but there is the option to self cater or eat outside the resort however the setting of the Sunset Bar and Gin Bar is stunning and worth paying for After a busy Mediterranean cruise, we had a wonderful relaxing break. I have visited before and will most certainly visit again.

I've been to the Pine Cliffs Hotel several times since 2004 when it used to be under a different brand name. And, unfortunately, in the last 4 years my experiences there have been worse and worse. Now, it's not a luxury hotel at all in my opinion. It's a busy resort focused on making money on everything with declined services without any special attention to the guests and this attention to their guests makes hotels really special and luxurious (the lady at the reception at the check-in didn't pay attention at all that I went there for my birthday, so zero reaction from the hotel or the management). Of course, you will still have the same buildings, facilities (the gym is overcrowded, you may have to wait to have places outside for the breakfast) and, most importantly, the nature (this is the best part of this place - beautiful views over Praia da Falésia). But the facilities on the beach are poor and they still don't have any showers (which is really bad for a so-called 5-star luxury hotel).