Pestana Blue Alvor Beach - All Inclusive Hotel

This was our second time here, we were here in October there was 10 couples and we had a great time the staff and the entertainment team are really lovely Miguel fabio and Threasa we came back with family on the 29th of April for nights and I have to say I was very disappointed on one or 2 occasions we had to queue for food ,on Sunday the 2nd of may we went up to have lunch and I queued for chicken and that was ok because the hotel was busy but when I went to cut into the chicken it was UNDERCOOKED I brought it up to the manager to show him he took it off me and not even an apology was given which I feel is unexceptionable i email the Pestana hotel and not even a reply back I won't be back

This was my first experience at Pestana Alvor Blue Beach Hotel and it actually something else. The staff was really friendly and helpful, always willing to help with anything. And don’t even get me started at my food experience: really tasty and delicious.

I’ve had a blast with the team! Everyone is so friendly and cooperative, and I love how they go out of their way to make sure everyone feels included. The events—especially the mini disco, Flash Dance —were a highlight for me. I’d love to keep this same energy going!

Attended Kai stretch class and the aqua aerobics this morning. Both classes well thought out and good fun.

My first visit to this hotel was over 30 years ago. I am pretty sure the same tiles were on the walls by the dining room back then! Not a criticism, just an observation. We stayed in this hotel last year, and had such a lovely week, we returned this year, but earlier in the season. It didn't start too well as despite the hotel being quiet, our room wasn't ready. The official check in time is 3pm. Our luggage was put away securely and we were free to use the hotel facilities. Initially we sat under cover, had a drink and then, because it was chilly in the shade, we moved out of it! A mistake! We were there less than 2 hours before we got sun burned - not the hotels fault of course, but a reminder to pack sun cream in hand luggage! Reception had told us they would ring once the room was ready, they didn't. Had they rung we would not have been hanging around quite so long. We booked a sea view and our room on the 12th floor was disappointing because it was a side view of the sea really, not as lovely as the previous year, but we did get some afternoon sun. Last year we enjoyed the Surf & Turf restaurant and the Italian restaurant in the hotel. They required booking in advance. This time we were told that they weren't open as it was low season which was disappointing. I think it was misleading to read the additional restaurants timings are variable, they aren't variable in low season, they are none existent, just state specifically when they are closed so that people know what to expect. I think there were supposed to be 2 themed nights in the restaurant, but honestly, I didn't notice any difference. One day we found ourselves on the 12th floor with no lifts working. We asked one of the housekeeping staff, who didn't understand us, and who seemed equally surprised they weren't working and tried our electronic key and her own. We ended up walking down 12 flights, which was admittedly much better than walking up 12 flights! Once in Reception, other people said they had been told this was a scheduled event and all guests should have had a letter in their room informing us this would happen. No one we spoke to, including the housekeeping lady knew it was happening. Not sure how long the lifts were out, it may have been minutes and we were just unlucky with our timing. Not a single sardine was seen all week, not a Portuguese tart! I know Sardine season hadn't started yet, but tinned sardines on the salad bar would have been good! I see some people complain about the food, but honestly, you don't go to an all inclusive hotel and expect fine dining. You won't go hungry that's for sure. The staff are all lovely, and enthusiastic! Whatever they pay the animation team, it's not enough, give them a pay rise. Not being fans of scheduled "fun" we escaped the hotel for most of the day just to avoid being entertained! Maybe we could agree that if you are around the pool, you are fair game, if you are on the grass, you don't get disturbed!! Despite the sun burn, the lack of surf and turf, the absence of sardines, the dodgy sea view, we will have no hesitation returning, and really, that's all I really needed to say.