Quinta Penha de Franca

Stayed in one of three junior suites that are above the restaurant at lower site . The restaurant which has a large terrace also caters for private functions , this leads to excessive noise people a music till at least midnight , so if you want chilled evenings spent on the balcony for your entire stay do NOT book junior suites .

We have stayed here many times. We have told people to come here many times. We also live locally and sometimes come down to use the pool. They have increased this charge to €20 per person per day. Fair enough, only twoce ( and a bit) of the lido and much more peaceful. But they have allowed the local scuba people to fill the pool up with people learning to scuba dive. They swim back and forth across the pools well as blocking off most of it.As I write, there are 14 in the pool ( it isn't big, check it out) which is completely unusable for swimming. Not doing this again. Will tell our friends. I hope that when they read this, they recognise the hidden costs of decisions like this.

We loved the traditional, old style charm of this hotel. We stayed in a superior side sea view room which was spacious, with mini bar, hair dryer and air con (though this was rather feeble). We were half board. You could eat breakfast on the terrace at our hotel or across the road at the sister hotel (Penha de Mar). Evening meals are from a set menu, with a choice of 2-3 options. Fish was always on the menu, if you like seafood it was very good, others might find choices limited. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Joe’s Bar serves excellent cocktails. You can use the facilities at the sister hotel. We found the best way to the centre was over the bridge, through the sister hotel and along the seafront as it’s not as hilly as the road way. 10 minute walk to the harbour. As noted by other guests , the lift is still broken, which may an issue for some guests. Breakfast tip - do not leave food unattended, the pigeons will have it unless the hawk is there! I would go back to this hotel, it needs a bit of tlc in places, but has character and charm.