Vale d'El Rei Hotel & Villas

It was our second visit to the hotel, the first being in 2018. We went half board this time as last time we ended up eating at the hotel every night anyway due to the location which we didn't mind. Last time the restaurant was closed so there was a buffet in the bar instead. This time we were pleasantly surprised by the 4 course meal on offer in the restaurant, great options each night. Drinks weren't included but water was only €2.50 which did us most nights. The pool and surrounding area were clean and the grounds well maintained. The air con in the room meant we slept better than at home in Scotland! The beds were also very comfy and the curtains blocked out all light. The room was cleaned daily and towels replaced.

The gym was a bit disappointing, the treadmill had an out of service sign for the whole week and the two ellipticals didn't seem to allow a change in programme. The bike worked but the pedal was off and on the floor next to it the first day so I reported it and it was put back on but was very creaky. The gym wasn't cleaned the whole week.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. I mean very very helpful. They all speak English. The hotel / room was always clean. The hotel is located 10mins ( by taxi) away from the beaches / coast. 15mins from Lagoa ( coach station) ( by taxi) It was so quiet in the evening and relaxed atmosphere, just what I really wanted as I’m always busy so I was looking for something like this location. Bed was so comfortable !!!

Poor WiFi. I did not that bothered so much ( using social media / watching Netflix wise) but when i needed to book taxi or checking in my flight etc etc essential use, wifi was very poor. For my son, it sounded like end of the world. I have read comments of people mentioning about it so something they can improve for it? About buffets, yes it’s not much selections for the price. People are also mentioned about buffets so more selections would be nice.

The staff were very friendly and some even remembered us from our last trip. They went out of their way to answer any questions we had and even suggested some family-friendly activities that we tried, such as the dolphin and cave boat tour that my children absolutely loved! The spa facilities are good with the use of the sauna & steam rooms being included with our deal. We opted to have our villa cleaned every other day, which came with the benefit of receiving vouchers to use at the bar/restaurant. The grounds are absolutely beautiful with multiple swimming pools (we had a heated pool directly behind our villa). As it was Easter when we visited, activities such as an egg hunt were arranged for the children. This is the second time we have been here as a family and stayed in a villa, and we will definitely be returning!

The resort is a little remote, but a shuttle bus service is provided, free of charge, multiple times a day. It is also easy to arrange an uber for leaving the resort at other times.

Lovely pool and rooms, comfy beds. Very friendly staff. Beautiful sea views and as only a small hotel not a large amount of people staying.

The location was too far away from the town meaning you have to get taxi’s everywhere. The hotel do run a free shuttle to the town however this is only 3 times per day and the times weren’t very convenient. There is a variety of choice for breakfast however they were slow with bringing food that had ran out and the hotel food service at lunch was extremely slow meaning the food was cold.

We had a great stay. The staff is so kind and really exceptional when it comes to the details, from the free shuttle bus to Carvoeiro, to parties for kids, grill dinner to the surprises for your birthday (wine and cake to the room). Even during the warmest days, you would get a very nice breeze from the gorgeous surrounding trees.

The SPA area was not renovated but i did have a treatment (scrub and massage) and the service was just great.

Really lovely stay. Staff were always friendly and attentive. The pool, bar, lounging area were brilliant in the Algarve sun. You can easily spend full days here. Short taxi or drive to Carvoeiro or the nearby beaches. Staff accommodated a birthday request for my partner which was really well appreciated.

The buffet dinner options were a little bit limited, however the options that were there were tasty and well prepared.

The Villa was great and well kept. Lots of space, kitchen decently equipped - could easily make your own breakfast, dinner etc, 3 aircons. Very quiet, clean and tidy resort. Pool area was nice, great for kids. Good lunch food at the pool bar. Short drives to plenty of beaches. High quality resort overall.

Make sure you go early if having dinner at the resort. The late night selection and quality was not worth the money (30 Eur p/p). The only disappointment we experienced.

Overall facilities and stay. friendly staff and cleansiness.

Property is now managed by “Details”, and should definitely pay more attention to its details. A more in-depth maintenance work should happen, any small bits should be looked after within the villa as plenty dated & jammed equipment. seems that maintenance of facilities not up to the mark. Gym is ridiculously old, dated, barely ventilated… Quality has dropped since my last visit, over expensive give current availed services/quality.

Location.

Breakfast a shambles..Seems like after the first few people who had breakfast ate everything because when my partner went at 9h45am there were no pastrys,bread and no refills were done. I was told 7am breakfast as they were aware there was a cycling event in the area with a early start then they sms and said it would be at 7.30. After i said too late they said they would provide a breakfast box!!!!! I got the breakfast box with bread and ham which was not fresh.a 200ml orange juice and a apple. In 2020 we used the same hotel with no issues.there were many cyclists and breakfast was at 7with no issues. How times have changed...Advise to cyclists for future events in the area. One positive note they allowed me to shower after check out time.

Firstly, The CHeckin process was smooth, made easy and perfect thanks to the Front desk manager Daniel Lopes. There was plenty to see in and around this awesome place, and Daniel sent us a lot of stuff on whatsapp prior to reaching the hotel. Wish we had stayed here for at least 3 days to do justice to all the awesome beaches like Marinha, Benagil, Carvoeiro, etc. The hotel and the property is just picturesque with fabulous landscaping all around. Breakfast was great too, plenty of free car parking. Just in all a great experience.

There's just nothing to complain. People are kind, friendly helpful like they are all over Portugal. Hospitality runs in their blood. Will be back hopefully one day.