Jamie Borastero
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Fantastic Family Stay at The Navigator Solaqua
We have just finished our stay at The Navigator Solaqua in Albufeira, and honestly, I have nothing negative to say about this hotel. Both families in our group had an absolutely fantastic experience.
We were two families, each with two adults and two children, staying on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and the hotel was absolutely perfect for a family holiday.
From the moment we arrived, everything was exceptionally clean, comfortable and well maintained. The rooms were comfortable, the hotel was spotless, and it was a really pleasant place to come back to after a day exploring Albufeira.
And the breakfast was incredible! There was a fantastic choice, everything was fresh, and both the adults and children were more than happy with it. Definitely one of the highlights of our stay.
I had read some negative reviews before coming, particularly about a room deposit, but I wouldn't let those comments put you off if you're travelling as a family. I actually spoke to some guests who were staying as part of a stag party, and they explained that the deposit is specifically something the hotel asks from groups such as stag or hen parties. For a normal family holiday, this isn't something that should concern you.
The location is also excellent. You're roughly 15–20 minutes' walk from the Strip, the beach and the Old Town, so you can easily get around without needing the car. There's also a supermarket and shopping centre just a couple of minutes' walk away, which is extremely convenient when travelling with children.
Parking was another big plus. There is underground parking for around €10 per night, which is ideal if you've got a more expensive car and would rather keep it somewhere secure instead of parking outside.
Is it a super-luxury five-star resort? No, and that's not what we expected. It's a very nice, clean, comfortable and well-standard hotel, and for a family holiday in Albufeira, it ticks all the important boxes.
Both families in our group absolutely loved the stay, and we would 100% come back again.
So, if you're reading through the reviews trying to decide whether to book, my advice is simple: don't let the negative comments put you off. For a family holiday, The Navigator Solaqua was fantastic.
Cleanliness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Breakfast ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family-friendly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parking ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely recommended! 👏🇵🇹
Craig Molloy
Lovely hotel.
Two pools one indoor one out.
Bar is bit high priced but worth it while sitting by the pool.
Hotel food is decent enough but plenty of options near by an plenty on delivery apps.
Relatively close too both new an old towns. Roughly 15 min walk down hill too old town an about 15 mins walk up hill too new town.
Taxis from this location too either town are Roughly 5 to 7 euro.
Russ Underwood
Great location away from the noise but less than a 20 minute walk from old town or the strip.
Good selection at breakfast and the indoor pool was a nice temperature and clean.
Next to a small shopping centre for supplies, great parking and bus stop at the end of the road.
Frank Andrew
We just spent two and a half weeks there. It is a fantastic location within comfortable walking distance to the beaches, the 'Old Town', etc. Two grocery stores ('Pingo Doce' and 'Continente'), the Albufiera Terrace shopping centre, restaurants, cafes, buses and taxis are extremely close by.
Our room (1 bedroom with pool view) was exactley as outlined in the photos, clean, safe and always a welcome to come back after bieng out all day.
Best of all were the staff at the hotel - front desk staff always on hand and helpful, the bar & restaurant staff are exceptionally efficient during 5pm to 6pm 'Happy Hour' ( half price on red and white house wine and 'Bock' beer....and can make a great cocktail, too. My Negronis were always perfect). The Housekeeping staff were great and seemed to be on always hand.
Would highly recommend the Solaqua and will stay there when we return to the region.
Lee Wade
Absolutely love this place. Staff so nice, spotlessly clean, great apartment type room with sun most of the day. Location is perfect, far enough away from the old town to be relaxed and quiet without being boring. Nearby shops and ameneties, so convenient. I actually want to move there!!
