CS Sao Rafael Suite Hotel

The hotel's convenient on the outskirts of Albufeira near the Sao Rafael beach (about 15 minutes walk, as you have to follow the winding streets). Several times daily there was a hotel bus service to the beach and to the center of Albufeira. a few restaurants in the immediate surroundings (which we have not tried), and a little supermarket.

All the staff were always very friendly and helpful. Requests were always rapidly. Our two children were always treated particularly friendly. So our daughter such as a after a short time automatically brought a pillows for the chair, dropped pacifier were even cared for and washed returned. They spoke enough English to very good, German languages only a few.

We had booked half board (because of our children) and we were happy. The breakfast was varied and very good and the buffet was refilled until the end.. Evening meals or A-la-carte restaurant (buffet there is only in high season). The food was very good, but don't expect star. Most of them were fish or seafood better than meat. The prices for wine and water were for a 5 star hotel in order. At the pool restaurant and in the bar for lunch there were a smaller Show, also with snacks. We didn't visit the beach restaurant.

There were 3 outdoor pools (2 large, a children's pool), where a large pool was not usable, as it had been cleaned. During our travel time, it was still always plenty of space. Towels, mats and umbrellas were free. On the beach there were no towels for free, 2 beach chairs with mats cost 12 Euro per day. The hotel also has a small spa center with heated indoor pool (Please note: swimming cap is a must), a sauna and jacuzzi (not for children). Massages and treatments can be booked for a fee. In the main season there is in the hotel also child care, during our stay but found nothing.

We had a deluxe suite. From the description in the catalog and clarified we had a living room and a bedroom with proper beds expected. But it was a very big double room with bathroom and a very generous living area with dining table, a small kitchen area with a kettle and fridge (for tea etc. , didn't want to be on the food cooking spot). In the living room there was no proper bed but a sofa bed. It was fine for our daughter for adults, it would not suitable. Convenient were the two separate bathrooms (at the living and bedroom). Our organised baby bed was put on arrival in room. The closet had a free safe with electronic number lock. The balcony was huge. Overall the room was very spacious and well equipped (enough closets, 2 LCD-TV). The room service was friendly and efficient.

We had 14 days in October only a bad day (cold and rainy), but it was the end of noticeably cooler. Before you could very well at the beach. Basically is a rental car was a good idea, if you don't leave a daily on the same beach or want to be at the pool.