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Ok, I will start by saying I found it very hard to select a star rating for review, as there are numerous pros and cons.

Let’s start with the positive. The staff, especially at reception and notably Jenny (Can’t remember what it was shortened from!) and Isabelle, were lovely. Kind, helpful, cheery. Always on hand with advice and recommendations, and to help me with luggage / push chair etc 

Location couldn’t be better - 5 min stroll to old town square or fisherman’s beach, and even less to the tourist train stop (Blue line to Marina) Pharmacy and shops on doorstep. Stunning church and clock tower outside.

Breakfast was very basic - continental offerings but with the addition of Portuguese bacon, mini hot dog style sausages, and scrambled eggs. Not a huge choice but what was there was fresh and tasty. 

The room was immaculately clean (room
411), as were all communal areas. Rooms were basic and slightly old fashioned, but all you need for a short stay. Bed, AC, safe (although our was broken and you have to pay a deposit!), small fridge, desk & wardrobe. Balconies are tiny but I think given the location and age / style of most building in old town it’s in keeping. The bathrooms could be done with modernising, but again they were clean, shower was fine, did the job.

Didn’t use the roof terrace or pool, but did have a nosey and seemed perfectly fine for size of property and location. 

The courtyard is lovely - plenty seating and well Stocked bar available with an extended happy hour. Sun all day.

In summary, please don’t expect 5* facilities - you really are paying for this properties location. 

Now for the regretful negatives…..
The hotel accepts stag & hen parties / same sex groups. BIG mistake. This is going to be the eventual downfall of this hotel. As it’s an older building let’s just say the walls are thin. Myself and my two year old daughter heard things nobody needs to hear, and the door slamming / screaming / shouting was awful. I had strangers knocking at my room door at 3am - quite intimidating for a solo lady travelling with a small child. Spoke to several individuals at breakfast who were equally horrified - mostly older couples who to be honest looked miserable after getting very little sleep. I do feel the clientele accepted needs to be vetoed - as a travel professional I would LOVE to be able to recommend this hotel to couples - especially slightly older ones due to location - but I really don’t think I could as long as these groups are permitted. There are plenty options near Oura strip so keep the stags and hens there! Really torn as to who I’d recommend the hotel to as it’s ideal for solo / couples / pairs but not as long as it permits the levels of noise that it does.
Given the close proximity to the centre you absolutely have to expect external noise from bars / revellers - but not when it’s literally outside your door ALL NIGHT. 
I am absolutely not a boring complainer (I stayed at a property in Oura only three weeks ago on a drinking holiday with friends!) but I chose to come back to old town thinking the hotels would be slightly more laid back / upmarket.

In summary book here for a location that can’t be beaten, but be prepared for loud, obnoxious and ignorant groups. I want to say this isn’t the hotels fault but there are plenty properties who refuse same sex groups and I would strongly suggest this little gem follows suit. I’d be able to sell this on the daily if it didn’t!

Little Gem but clientele let’s it down

loved this place great location clean rooms every day workers are all freindly and isobel at reception was great  we chilled out all day just went cross the road for good food 2 min to the beach couldnt ask for anything more devo be back next year

great hotel

Excellent location, basic rooms but have everything you need. Reception very helpful. Eddy's bar and Merlins bar a 30 second walk just over the road. A little noisy but if you're staying in the middle of the old town it's part and parcel. Will definitely be coming back to Albufeira and will look to stay in this hotel again purely because of how close it is to everything. An excellent stay during an excellent holiday.

Vila Recifyay

Fairly basic hotel located near the busy lively areas in old town in Albufeira.  Nice staff and very friendly. Basic breakfast and hardly worth the price.  Rooms could do with been upgraded as it is an old building.  Staff said it was an old mansion in years gone by. 

Good location 

First of all we had an amazing two week stay at this Hotel and the staff are amazing everyone of them ....
The location and the style of the hotel is also amazing an old fashion town hotel not like the new bigger hotels that are about now
People have and will pick holes in the hotel ....the rooms just ok....the varenda is small and some not to nice.... pool area not bad.....the breakfast is just about ok .... but forgot all that, and enjoy the hotel for what it is ....a great place to stay
The rooms do now need walk in showers in all rooms though just a thought 
Bars to visit ....Merrinlings a great pub and barmaid, Eddie's loads of TV and fast food, Blue Bell lovely old character pub, an finally Stepps great staff

Great time in old fashioned Town hotel

This hotel is centrally located just few steps from the famous beautiful beach of Albufeira. Ideally located among main attractions of the city, guests can explore the surrounding areas on foot. The lively centre of the popular holiday resort with its large variety of restaurants, bars, pubs, shops is within a short stroll. Several excellent golf courses are within easy reach. Faro Airport is about 40-minute drive away. The hotel offers relax stay in the Center of the Town but remains quiet and peaceful. The hotel features rooms with bright colours, equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-fridge, multi-line phone, safe box, minibar and balcony with views. Guests can enjoy the sun bathing at the terraces, relax in the swimming pool or have nice drinks in the green garden areas.

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Vila Recife Hotel