julie utley
Quiet location. Quite a walk to town but buses taxis or tuk tuks readily available. Clean but old fashioned.
Ike Santos
Overall, our experience at Balaia Mar Hotel was great, the staff are super friendly and helpful. The room was fairly spacious for the price we paid, well-organised, and very clean. Although I didn’t use it much (I’m more of a beach person), the swimming pool area is amazing.
The only downside was the limited variety of products served at breakfast. While everything was delicious, a bit more variety would have been welcome.
I’d also like to mention how friendly the restaurant staff are, especially the Brazilian woman who usually prepares the food. She is incredibly kind, and we loved seeing her every morning (so sorry I forgot her name).
I would definitely recommend this hotel and would stay there again when visiting Albufeira.
Ginni Angnani
We stayed 3 nights here during our Portugal road trip after 5 great hotels, this was the only bad experience. We arrived exhausted, the AC wasn’t working, and there was no vending machine or even drinking water, so we had to step out at 1 a.m. The first night receptionist was kind and offered another room, but the next morning the lady at reception was extremely rude, refusing a room change saying we were “too loud,” which made no sense as we were asleep. When we mentioned the AC again, she said they could only give a fan. Terrible service and attitude
Richard Griffiths
We rented an apartment 'Mar' from 'Check in Portugal' at the end of August 2025. The apartment was very dated, with old furniture and bedding, a small kitchen that smelt of drains, and for 3 days we had no hot water. Eventually 'Check-in Portugal' who manages the apartment eventually got it fixed, but for the money we paid and the lack of service by them and they insist on taking a 250euro deposit despite us booking through Airbnb. And they didn't give it all back due to some missing pool passes (some pieces of card they took 18 euros off for with no communication why, until we asked) reading other reviews, they do this alot.. the smallest of reasons they will not give you all your deposit back.
The hotel area and pool itself is nice. Shop over the road is expensive, and walk to the beach is about 10 minutes, also long walk into the main part of Albufeira. So not the best location.
If you want a quiter place then it's okay.
### Just don't get one of the 'Check-in Portugal' ###
Jonna Kiviniemi
Pool pretty small, and cold water. You cant drink or eat nothing your own. Even water. You must buy evertyhing from the restaurant. Beer 5e.
Restaurant has pizza and other foods, ice cream, drinks etc.
Drinks was good.
