Hotel Oriental^{(4 stars)}

Size of the bathroom

4.0

Cleanliness & linen change

4.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

4.0

Size of the room

4.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

4.0

Quality of food and drinks

2.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

4.0

Variety of food and drinks

3.0

Competence (handling complaints)

2.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

2.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

2.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

4.0

Overall condition of the pool area

2.0

Leisure activities (e.g. sauna, tennis, entertainment, etc.)

3.0

Family friendliness

3.0

Condition of the Hotel

4.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

4.0

Disabled-friendly

3.0

Proximity to shopping areas

6.0

Restaurants & bars in the area

4.0

Transportation connection and available excursions

6.0

Other leisure activities available

4.0

The rooms are a bit dated, but in clean condition. They were cleaned daily and towels were changed on request. Even the ant colony had disappeared on the second day. The rooms are spacious and the bathroom even has a double sink.

We'd only booked breakfast. Which was in order.

Unfortunately, the hotel had made a reservation error (apparently the first time that summer). So we had to spend the first night at the neighbouring Hotel Santa Catarina. As a compensation we got a free dinner.

The hotel has a small pool, which we did not use.Sun loungers by the pool were reserved by 8 clock already (despite that being prohibited).

From the outside the hotel looks very well kept and inviting. Tourists are mainly Portuguese, English and German.

The hotel has a quiet but central location. The beach can be reached via a staircase. There are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity of the hotel.

Our hotel room was the largest one we've had on our past holidays and was superbly equipped. With a small kitchen unit and refrigerator. The beds were very comfortable and the bathroom had an above average size and even had a window!

We had booked half board for that one week. But would not do that the second time. The breakfast buffet offered virtually no variation, but was acceptable for a week. Dinner was served as a menu with 4 courses. You could choose between a fish or meat dish. Side dishes were mostly the same and seemingly from a can or the freezer, and seasoned far too little. Some of the mains did not correspond to what was written on the menu. All in all, the food was rather bad and since there are many excellent and cheap restaurants close to the hotel, we made use of them during the last three nights. :)

Staff both at reception and in the dining room were always friendly and helpful. They spoke English. The rooms were cleaned daily and towels were changed on request.

The hotel's own pool was small but nice and for the number of hotel guests quite sufficient. There was plenty of room on the lawn and many comfortable loungers. The beach itself is simply fantastic and both the sand and water are very clean. Sadly you have to pay 5€ per chair / per day on the beach. But the great beach is more than worth it!

The hotel itself is in very good condition, not too big nor too small and from the outside by far the best in the vicinity. In addition, very clean and in a quiet area of Praia da Rocha, but near the centre and the harbour. During our time of stay there were mainly British, German and Portuguese guests.

Transfer from the airport took about 1 hour, when calling at a few other hotels, it will be longer. East of the hotel there is the slightly quieter area with a harbour and many highly recommended restaurants and beach bars (i.e. Dockside). Shopping is just opposite, in both directions. We took part in 2 trips that were offered by Neckermann. First, a cave tour (beautiful) and a trip to Lagos and Sagres. The lighthouse at Cabo Sao Vicente is worth seeing, as is the view on the various grottoes from the cliffs. You can easily get from place to place on your own, either from the bus stops right outside the hotel or the nearby taxi rank. Both have extremely competitive prices! You must know, however, that the bus has no fixed timetables. It does its rounds every 20 minutes, so just stand there and wait :)

- Large room with balcony, kitchen with accessories such as refrigerator, stove, cutlery, plates, cups, ...and large bathroom and TV, safe and 2 chairs, so quite sufficientThe room was always cleaned well.- Unfortunately, the

- There is a restaurant where the breakfast buffet and dinner are servedas well a bar at the hotel and outside by the pool- Breakfast buffet selection was good and big enough for a week: two types of cold cuts and cheese, two types of cereals, three diffe

# NAME?

- Freshwater pool is sufficiently large, clean with a superb temperature- Very nice and plenty of pool chairs and a large lawn- Down on the beach you had to hire beach chairs (10 € for two people) or you can lie inbetween them - Beach is very cleanetc.

- Small hotel about 80 rooms in an Oriental style.- Quiet location, since all the bars / cafes etc are located at the front.- No construction sites in and around the house- Great location, right on the beach, which can be reached via a staircase

- Located on the beach with beautiful views of the water- About a 15m long stairway to reach the beach - If you walk left from the hotel you can walk along the promenade with its cafes, bars, restaurants, discos and small supermarkets

Size of the bathroom

6.0

Cleanliness & linen change

6.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

6.0

Size of the room

6.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

6.0

Quality of food and drinks

4.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

6.0

Variety of food and drinks

3.0

Competence (handling complaints)

5.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

6.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

6.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

5.0

Quality of the beach

6.0

Overall condition of the pool area

6.0

Family friendliness

6.0

Condition of the Hotel

4.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

4.0

Disabled-friendly

6.0

Proximity to shopping areas

6.0

Distance to the beach

6.0

Transportation connection and available excursions

6.0

Restaurants & bars in the area

6.0

Other leisure activities available

6.0

Our room was spacious with a small kitchen that had everything we needed. We got a room on the side, but still with a direct sea view. When making a booking at the travel agent's we had already expressed that we wanted a room up as high as possible with a nice, full sea view. One week before departure our tour operator called the hotel again to make sure we would get one of these. Which worked perfectly.The beds are separated by a night stand, this is not a problem, the beds can be pushed together anyway. A safe can be hired, we did not need one.TV.

There is a restaurant at the hotel (where you could also eat breakfast) with a small bar, which is recommended, like I said, because they make delicious cocktails.I can not say anything about the food in general, because we got put off by breakfast already so that we did not want to eat dinner there.

Staff were always friendly, especially our cleaning lady was very nice and hardworking. Reception spoke English.

The hotel has a small pool with some chairs, which are "reserved" very early in the day with towels. We were there during the time of the World Cup, so beside the pool a screen for watching the soccer was installed.Once in a while there's an entertainment programme at night, in our case it was a solo entertainer with a guitar who did some cover-versions.For the audience of 50+ probably quite nice, but for us too boring in the long run.

The hotel was generally clean and for the most part (the facade had crumbled in some places) in a neat condition. The room was cleaned thoroughly every day, even the dishes are washed by the cleaning lady. Only once did a cockroach get lost in our bathroom, but in southern countries this is not unusual.The roof terrace was, unfortunately, hogged by some large sea gulls, which have spread out their dirt generously over the entire surface of the terrace. Too bad, because you can get a very nice view of the beach from up there.The large fountain in the entrance hall was in operation only once during out ten day stay. On the ground floor some smaller construction works were done, which we were not disturbed by (no construction noise)Most guests were retirees, we have significantly lowered the average age.A very big drawback was the breakfast which was, not by any stretch of the imagination, worth 4 stars. For 10 days there were 2 kinds of cold cuts and cheese, no Nutella, the coffee was undrinkable and the "fresh" fruit were clearly from a can. Every 2 days there were either scrambled eggs and bacon or scrambled eggs and beans. The selection left a lot to be desired. The cocktail bar is recommended, we enjoyed some very tasty cocktails here, which were lovingly prepared.

The Oriental Hotel is, in my opinion, the most beautifully located hotel in all of Praia da Rocha. It lies secluded from the "party area" so that you will not be disturbed by any party animals and are able to sleep in peace. A very steep, somewhat dilapidated, staircase leads to the beach. If you have mastered the steep descent, a boardwalk will lead you directly to the beach. Whatever the time of day you get to the beach, there are always plenty of beach chairs, even right close to the water. These must be rented, however. The beach itself was very nice and clean.Along the boardwalks on the beach there are several restaurants. The first one, when coming down to the beach from the hotel, is not recommended. A few metres further along, there is another restaurant which offers excellent food at cheap prices. We had lunch there several times.Next to the hotel there is a bus stop from which a bus to Portimao leaves every 20 minutes. We also had a rental car to explore the surrounding area. If you want to get some groceries, you should not go to the small shop on the street, directly in front of the hotel. The food is extremely overpriced there. (Pasta sauce for 8 €, etc.) A few metres further down the street there's a small supermarket which has many fresh and sometimes German groceries (sausage) and all at reasonable prices. Directions can be obtained from reception.

Room cleverly equipped, appealing and practical with the tiled and wooden flooring, large closet, large balcony with (a mostly partial) sea view, simple plastic chairs, with telephone, safe, TV (some 30 international channels), air conditioning (not needed because of the natural breeze that went through the house), bathroom with bidet and 2 sinks. Arm chair for watching TV.  No pictures, but still not cool or boring. Mosaic floor in the paths of the courtyard. Interior shows some use, but not worn or defective. You get the impression that the little-used large roof terrace, has been used more often by sea gulls than the cleaning crew can get rid off. No complaints about the beds. No mini-bar, only a normal refrigerator for self-catering.

1 restaurant and 1 bar were sufficient, as some guests often went out to eat anyway: casino right next door...    Food ok, but a little monotonous as time went by (1 type of cold cut, which we avoided; sliced cheese could have been given a little more variation by adding a couple more different types.); presentation without any fuss, but clean. Since everything mostly pre-packaged, nothing local was noticeable. Potatoes that were served at dinner were strongly al dente, probably delivered already peeled. Properly set tables, even with fish cutlery, prices within reason (beer, wine).

Reception does not bend over backwards. Answers to normal questions, i.e. about timetables, have to be tickled out of them. Moderately prepared. Overall sufficiently friendly staff. Laundry taking up to 48 hours seems too long. Info material is more from various operators, but little input from the hotel itself. Adapted Moorish bar-room, but (unsurprisingly) during pre-season not much used at all: hardly any solo entertainers.However, the supply with food was secured, even though our arrival / departure times were outside of meal times, an exception was made for us. Real deficiencies in service were not detectable (mostly intercepted by reception).

During pre-season no offers, Internet is available, of course (not free). On the beach (along a wooden path, 50m away from the water) there's one beach bar next to the other, more than 12, but more on a party-level, i.e. more or less focussed on alcohol and snacks, no small prices.Hardly any rubbish on the beach (many bins) and sand right into the water, with a variety of shells - after the tide. Hardly any shady spaces outside the private sunbathing areas (sun beds, sun umbrellas); no showers on the beach, but toilets next to the beach bars - the hotel is, however, really close by, so this is not a real restriction. In the pre-season there was no unpleasant noise (from stereos etc.) either. A pier (with a lighthouse for boats) offers some more walks.

The complex is nicely located, as it is close to the beach, with a clean pool and lawn. Room (86 supposedly) large, partly with a small kitchen = hotplate + fridge + some dishes. Somewhat Moorish inspired, thereby more pleasing than the hotels close by, with their ice-cold marble rigidity and no pool in the sun.Cleanliness in order, with small flaws (strong vinegar cleaner). Unfortunately, on 2 afternoons there was no water in the room for several hours, because renovation works were being done during pre season, announced at very short notice. Beautiful (roof) terraces, but not suitable in the blazing sun.Due to the 360 degree view, you get a sea view in almost every room, outshining all the large concrete hotels of the rest of Praia da Roche, Breakfast included, half board is recommended, although no star rated restaurant: only a few €s for which you get adequate food, otherwise eat out somewhere or add some more spices yourself. The water system in the courtyard is probably most valuable during the hot season.

Direct path (stairs, a little bumpy due to a blocked gate which is broken ...) to the wide beach. Loungers etc. private, so not for free. Everything free of charge in the hotel garden, even toilets and shower. Since it is located on the beach promenade (behind the hotel) you can easily get to the shops, easy access, city shuttles stop right next to it, from there take a bus or train (from Portimao) and with further means of public transport you can easily and cheaply travel further along the Algarve. Sandy beach top, also for hiking on the karst steep slopes which make for some very attractive bays/ beach sections. Of course, there are also various tours on offer, but a comparison of prices and destinations is recommended, also there is a more expensive rip-off on the beach than in Portimao (an urban area, the centre can be reached by city bus - approx. 6km away). Pay attention to arrival / departure (times), otherwise taxi costs of 60Euro to the town of Faro, which is 65km away, could easily develop; enquire early.

Size of the bathroom

5.0

Cleanliness & linen change

5.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

4.0

Size of the room

4.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

3.0

Quality of food and drinks

2.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

2.0

Variety of food and drinks

1.0

Competence (handling complaints)

1.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

1.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

4.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

3.0

Condition of the Hotel

3.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

5.0

Proximity to shopping areas

4.0

Distance to the beach

6.0

Transportation connection and available excursions

4.0

Restaurants & bars in the area

5.0

Other leisure activities available

4.0

Size of the bathroom

6.0

Cleanliness & linen change

4.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

5.0

Size of the room

6.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

5.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

6.0

Competence (handling complaints)

3.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

3.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

4.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

4.0

Family friendliness

3.0

Condition of the Hotel

5.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

4.0

Disabled-friendly

4.0

Proximity to shopping areas

5.0

Restaurants & bars in the area

5.0

Transportation connection and available excursions

5.0

Size of the bathroom

6.0

Cleanliness & linen change

5.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

6.0

Size of the room

6.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

4.0

Quality of food and drinks

4.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

5.0

Variety of food and drinks

2.0

Competence (handling complaints)

4.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

5.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

4.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

5.0

Condition of the Hotel

4.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

5.0

Proximity to shopping areas

5.0

Restaurants & bars in the area

5.0

Transportation connection and available excursions

5.0

Size of the bathroom

5.0

Cleanliness & linen change

5.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

5.0

Size of the room

5.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

4.0

Quality of food and drinks

4.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

5.0

Variety of food and drinks

4.0

Competence (handling complaints)

1.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

2.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

3.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

3.0

Overall condition of the pool area

5.0

Leisure activities (e.g. sauna, tennis, entertainment, etc.)

2.0

Family friendliness

3.0

Condition of the Hotel

3.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

4.0

Proximity to shopping areas

5.0

Restaurants & bars in the area

5.0

Transportation connection and available excursions

5.0

Other leisure activities available

3.0

Size of the bathroom

6.0

Cleanliness & linen change

6.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

5.0

Size of the room

6.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

4.0

Quality of food and drinks

3.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

5.0

Variety of food and drinks

3.0

Competence (handling complaints)

5.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

6.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

6.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

6.0

Quality of the beach

6.0

Overall condition of the pool area

6.0

Family friendliness

6.0

Condition of the Hotel

6.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

6.0

Distance to the beach

6.0

Size of the bathroom

5.0

Cleanliness & linen change

5.0

Room amenities (TV, balcony, safe, etc.)

5.0

Size of the room

6.0

Atmosphere & furnishings

4.0

Quality of food and drinks

5.0

Overall cleanliness in the restaurant and in the dining areas

5.0

Variety of food and drinks

5.0

Competence (handling complaints)

4.0

Reception, check-in & check-out

5.0

Friendliness and helpfulness

6.0

Staff's knowledge of foreign language

6.0

Family friendliness

5.0

Condition of the Hotel

5.0

General cleanliness of the different areas

5.0

Proximity to shopping areas

4.0

Restaurants & bars in the area

5.0

Transportation connection and available excursions

5.0

Other leisure activities available

5.0

Great size and there was a big compliment to the cleaning ladies, who really did a good job. At the beginning of our beds separate, which we didn't like, really good put together they did you could not because the bedside table is fixed on the wall. When I got my bed before the bedside table pushed together, so that it was right next to the bed my friend, the cleaning lady decided the whole room can be adapted, we still to our "double bed" arrived : -)) really great! You could also see how big these rooms are, it's possible! Also the fitted kitchen was good; we used it except for using the fridge. But if you are self sufficient, it was a really great touch.

Unfortunately our only criticism is here: The breakfast was constantly except for the same really ok/adequate and good, but dinner was rather modest: that there were only two dishes to choose from, wasn't bad, since my friend rather eat meat and I prefer fish (and the fish was always really great! ), But unfortunately there was almost always the same the side dishes and the soups were also rather out of a packet with a few fresh ingredients, as well as the salads were getting used to in the combination. All in all, the hotel was "bearable", but really needs improvement, because of a great holiday wants to also find good food, or?

The staff is really friendly, discreet and attentive despite. German was as far as everywhere very good understood, but really everyone speaks English. The rooms were always tip-top and even our dirty glasses were always washed. than a afternoon before check out still not know how much hours in the morning, to our check out is supposed to be, the reception staff really hard to clear up the for us. Really great!!!

Freizeitanimation there weren't any, but it is not a bad, as we were there to relax. In the summer the pool is certainly too small, but the beach chairs and sunbathing area there's plenty. Everything was in best condition! With small children, I would go back but that didn't happen here. And more, this is also not general little going on, so you can again great retreat, so we did! The beach is an absolute high-light!!! So clean and AAAAAHH!! Temperature of the sea was still ok, you could still not hesitate to swim!

The hotel is by the size and the location just perfect. Our room was the largest, that we have had in a hotel, even with a fully equipped kitchen and a large balcony with outstanding views of the sea and a little area. You can tell him show its age, but still everything was in all very clean with extremely friendly and unobtrusive staff. We had half-board, but we didn't do it again would, as the dinner (with choice of 2 dishes: fish or meat) somehow always tasted the same and up to 2 times was really no really unimpressive. Breakfast was plentiful, but unfortunately no variation. That would be the only thing we did not like so much.

Absolutely top marks, because the hotel is really perfect. On one of the best, cleanest and widest beaches at all, we've ever (can even Venezuela, Dominican Republic or anything not compete!!! ) With a rental car you got along without problems everywhere - which was also absolutely time should, as it really is a great country. We drove with the transfer bus from the airport took about 1 hour. On the pirate ship on Grottentour is is awesome!!!