Tivoli Marinotel*****

The Marinotel dominates Vilamoura both physically and in terms of quality: a large hotel that has everything. The bedrooms are spacious and well equipped, all with balconies – either overlooking the marina or gazing out to sea.

There is a big garden, with direct access to the beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a first floor piano-bar with commanding views over the marina, two restaurants – the larger of which offers an extensive buffet each evening, the second fine dining in tranquil surroundings overlooking the harbour, there is even a row of shops on the ground floor. The place to stay in Vilamoura for five star comfort.

Quinta do Lago*****

At first sight a perplexing building, dazzlingly pink, close to the ocean on the South side of the Quinta do Lago resort area. Once inside the hotel the thought behind the design is evident as the crescent of balconies on the ocean side peer out across the Rio Formosa nature reserve to the hotel’s private beach beyond (complete with beach restaurant).

The pool at Quinta do Lago is on the first floor with plenty of space for sunbathing close to the poolside bar, there is also an indoor pool. The intimate gastronomic restaurant the “Ca d’Oro” is based primarily on Venetian cuisine (N.B. jacket and tie is required): the larger, main restaurant has a more relaxed atmosphere and features more regional dishes.

Standard bedrooms are very well sized, with balconies or patios on the ground floor, luxurious suites are also available.

Dom Pedro Marina****

In the centre of Vilamoura the Dom Pedro Marina has an almost family run feel. The standard rooms all have their own small balconies: in the Suites the balconies overlook the marina and are much larger with plenty of room to spread out and wicker sunshades to boot. Huge Presidential Suites are also available.

The garden bar and pool in front of the hotel, though compact, is the ideal spot for post match therapy, with live musical accompaniment as evening draws on. The restaurant serves predominantly Italian cuisine, and the marina is only yards away with a full range of other dining options.

Dom Pedro Golf****

The very first hotel built in Vilamoura and designed from the ground up with golfing groups in mind. A vast reception lobby adjoins the reception and bar and is a lively scene each evening with numerous golfing autopsies carried out to the tune of the band. Outside, the expansive garden has a large pool, three tennis courts and ample space for sunbathing, downstairs there is also a sauna. During the height of the summer, aperitifs, breakfast and dinner can all be taken al fresco. There are two formulas for dinner: a great value three-course buffet or the à la carte menu. Are prices are based on standard rooms – Club rooms give you a few added extras.

Le Meridien Dona Filipa*****

Closer to Faro, the Dona Filipa is part of the history of golf in Portugal. Now owned by the Le Meridien chain, who also own the San Lorenzo Golf Course (and Penina to the West), you need to stay here in order to play at San Lorenzo. Although, in something of a geographic pun, the hotel borders the 15th hole of the Vale do Lobo Royal course.

The bedrooms all have balconies and by retaining their original dark wood furnishings and highly polished tiled floors they have a classical feel. Contrastingly, the rest of the hotel is decorated in pastel shades engendering a light and airy ambience.

The main restaurant opens out onto the sun terrace and swimming pool from where you can wander down to the beach. Upstairs there is a second, smaller, gastronomic restaurant. The hotel also has seven very spacious modern suites available.

Formosa Park****

A superbly designed apartment style hotel where the rooms come complete with kitchenettes and dining rooms, grouped around a south facing sun garden, large pool, bar and restaurant.

Built only a year ago, the standard rooms offer total flexibility during your stay, there are also larger suites with two twin rooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, and larger dining/sitting room – just perfect for two couples or groups of four.

The Formosa Park is on the edge of the Ria Formosa and a path from the garden meanders across this nature reserve and out to the Atlantic beaches.

Pinus Ria***

More a motel than a hotel, the very competitively priced Pinus Ria is one of the latest additions to the array of hotels in Quinta do Lago. Sited just off the main road that links all the golf courses in Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, it is just 500yards from the Buganvilla Shopping centre – essentially the hub of Quinta do Lago with its bars and restaurants, plus a host of shops and even a night club.

The bedrooms, although not as large as some, have all the necessities, including bathrobes and soft mini-bars. In the reception area you will find the bar, a good restaurant and pool. The Pinus Ria represents very good value – especially if you would prefer single rooms for your party.

Hotel Eva****

If you would like to stay closer to reality in the old Algarve, then the town of Faro is an intriguing spot. It also opens up the new cluster of courses to the East and even into Spain... The Hotel Eva sits in the centre of the old town beside the pleasure port and the pedestrianised shopping streets around Faro’s churches. Although a little austere from the outside, the Hotel Eva’s freshly redecorated interior, friendly staff, well-appointed rooms (with balconies), good restaurant and lounge bar make it the place to stay in town.

The real surprise is the roof-top swimming pool and bar from where you can look out over the city and enjoy a sundowner or two as the sun sinks into the Ria Formosa. One thing you won’t find in Faro is fluent English and menus in seven languages, so you will have to throw yourself into the local culture and have a go - unless that is, you are fluent in Portugese!