Pine Cliffs Resort Townhouses

We've visited for the last 8 years on and off during Covid. The service level has sadly dropped, despite the price going up (which we expect). The last two visits have been in summer holidays, where the amount of people at the resort makes it impossible to feel relaxed. The resort is trying to be everything at all once. Positives - the films put on for kids with popcorn is a lovely touch. We visited O Grill and the staff were fantastic, really friendly and what we expect. The porters and staff around the pool were also fantastic and very helpful. The staff in the hotel shops are always lovely and delightful to talk to, especially the shop with floats and the traditional gift shop. Some things to point out: - Two of our family are gluten free, the selection at buffet breakfast is poor for gluten free, so we choose to eat at Zest, the buffet staff made a massive problem of us sitting together on one table whether it was in the courtyard or at Zest (but Zest staff were great about it). - Check in is quite slow, although we appreciate we were early and given a room early. - The spa was full of young teenage lads, some of which were on phones constantly and even took them in the large jacuzzi. Staff could maybe look in once in a while or limit numbers at times? - The Concierge at Ocean Suites could not book a table over 6, but made us go to another Concierge, or ring them, but would not offer to ring that concierge. - Around the rooms, pools, some bits of maintenance needed and things looking tired. - The restaurant on the beach was really missed, we loved that place, it's a shame the work could not be sorted before summer. Because of the issues with Faro airport we feel we'd rather try somewhere else next year than return.

With regard to Pine Cliff’s wifi. Sign up for the most expensive package, during your stay the wifi will undoubtedly fail or be incredibly slow, take screen shots of the wifi speed and on check out refuse to pay. We do this every year as the service doesn’t warrant the cost. Also please complain about the temperature of the only heated swimming pool (next to the golf club house) and meant for children. However, they (the management who never get into the pool) have decided it is warm enough, which they also admit is a financially driven decision; net result the water is freezing and the kids come out shivering, not an enjoyable experience but the hotel has saved some euros at the guests expense - totally shameful poor judgement management for a hotel that charges over the top for everything. MANAGEMENT READ AND DO YOUR JOB !!!

To say it right away: if there were six stars, we would give this resort in the Algarve six stars as well. Because everything is right here: the location, the offerings, the staff, the concept. The grounds are well-maintained, you are offered service practically around the clock, the amenities in our suite left nothing to be desired, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The guests are cultured and pleasant. However, you should know a few things before you book here: for one, this property is huge at over 70 hectares. I.e., if you haven't been accommodated close to the main building, you may have to cover long distances of 800 m. While there is a resort shuttle that can be used for free, it is still a bit of a hassle. So: it depends a lot on where you are staying. A look at the site map might help. Furthermore, it is not exactly cheap here. A cup of coffee costs six euros, for example, and a scoop of ice cream five. A massage is €195 for 1 hour. The quality is top-notch, but it also has its price. Furthermore: in our case, the arrival times were not optimally coordinated with the availability of our suite. This resulted in us having to wait 6 hours before we could move into our rooms. During this time, we were allowed to use all the hotel's amenities, but we would have had to get to our suitcases again for that... If you know all of this and prepare for it, this resort is a top-notch destination, especially for a visit with children. There is always enough space, you can easily get to the beach with an elevator, and you never have to wait long for your table in the various restaurants (great food!!!!). So, a definite recommendation from us.