Anthony Pappalardo
NEVER STAY AT THIS HOTEL OR AN IHG property.
IHG, THE OWNER. MANAGERS AND FRONT DESK AT THIS HOTEL ARE INCOMPETENT AND UNPROFESSIONAL.
Back in June of 2025 we made a reservation by phone. Later while checking the IHG app we made a second reservation on the IHG app getting a Corp rate. We were planning on getting two rooms so we figured we'd keep them both at this time.
A few weeks later (and weeks before the cancel-by date) we emailed the hotel and asked them to cancel our reservations.
We received an email response from the hotel that the reservations was cancelled believing all reservations were now cancelled at this time weeks later (and still 24 hours before the Cancel-BY date) the Crowne hotel front desk clerk contacted us directly with a "pre-check-in" email.
We immediately emailed him back and told him that we had cancelled our reservations. The clerk then informed us that we had only cancelled one reservation and that there was a second reservation in the system that was still live.
Again we immediately responded telling him that we believed all reservations were cancelled and to immediately cancel the second Corp rate one.
INSTEAD THE CLERK (AND MOST LIKELY AT THE DIRECTION OF MANAGEMENT AND OR OWNER) THEN PURPOSEFULLY DID NOT RESPOND BACK TO OUR SECOND EMAIL UNTIL THE CANCEL-BY DATE HAD PASSED IN ORDER TO PROCURE A LATE FEE OF A ONE NIGHT STAY ($700).
The clerk and Manager then continued to play email-tag with us sending back senseless and cryptic emails but still never cancelling the reservation to ensure we would miss the cutoff date.
WE ESCALATED THIS TO IHG CORP SEVERAL TIMES BY PHONE AND IN WRITING. But IHG continued to respond back by saying not to worry, that they would reach out to the hotel and cancel the charge.
But after several calls and emails with IHG (and the hotel) IHG claimed the Hotel would not budge and the matter was out of their control. In my view this constitutes fraud and deceptive practices by this hotel.
IHG is also guilty of being complacent in the matter by letting this hotel perpetrate this fraud.
I also asked AMEX to cancel the charge, but the AMEX representative told me that "the hotel is their client" not me and refused to cancel the charge after a lack luster job of investigating.
What's worse is the second reservation on the app doesn't even have the correct spelling of my name so in my view this reservation could've been made by someone else without my knowledge and should be cancelled. IHG, the Hotel owner and Manager and AMEX are not concerned.
Jack Ross
Arrival great with receptionist that explained all. Rooms great, nice open shower. Swimmingpool and beach acces also top. Down side is the service in the (pool)bar, too long, not too friendly. It is a shame
Alex
We love the Crowne Plaza Vilamoura – it’s beautiful, relaxing, and perfect for our family holidays. The location is ideal, right by the beach and close to the marina. The pool and gardens are stunning, and the rooms are always spotless and comfortable. Special thanks to Samuel , who is incredibly helpful and always makes us feel so welcome. He’s a real asset to the hotel. Can’t wait to come back!
Linda North
Excellent hotel located about 10 mins walk from the busy marina area. Great spacious rooms always kept very clean with lots of big fluffy towels everyday. Friendly staff everywhere, always willing to help with any questions. Celebrated our ruby wedding during stay and received a lovely bottle of fizz and chocolate strawberries which was such a lovely surprise. Great breakfast with so much choice. Fab swimming pool with plenty of beds. Great choice
Joan Langham
Lovely room need larger cups more milk, and teaspoons for all british guests.
Was very surprised to see wooden sticks instead of teaspoons in a 4* hotel. No dressing table mirror either.