Falesia Hotel

The Falesia is a Thomson Gold hotel. It has evening entertainment but if you are looking for a lively destination this would not be for you. We went for peace, quiet and good quality accommodation and food. We had a superior room (no standard ones were available when we booked) which gives you a safe free of charge plus a regular supply of bottled water sent to the room. Also a complimentary small bottle of wine on arrival. The fridge, however, is charged for whether a superior or standard room.

Reception service first class. Food plentiful and excellent quality (buffet style with good waiter service for your drinks in the evenings).

Location - not the best if you want a beach handy nearby. Nearest beach front is a slightly challenging 15/20 minutes' walk via the grounds of the Sheraton Pine Cliffs complex a short distance along the road. If you are less than 100% mobile do not attempt the walk. It involves a long boarded walkway with many steps. Also a lift which was fine except when it broke down and we had to climb a steep winding stairway. The hotel do lay on a courtesy bus to Praia da Falesia but with limited seats and journeys.

We used the local buses extensively, fares are very reasonable. Two routes call at Albufeira, one goes to Vilamoura. If you fancy a trip farther afield, go to the bus station at Albufeira where there are excellent links to Praia da Rocha, Lagos, Portimao, etc. Fare from Albufeira to Portimao was 8.20 Euros return per person, journey time approx. 45 minutes.

There is a taxi rank just a short distance from the hotel, which we used occasionally. Charges again are reasonable - approx 10 Euros each way to Vilamoura.

The local shopping centre is Acoteias, situated nearby. It is a fairly anonymous collection of shops/bars/restaurants. Albufeira would be your best bet for the larger stores, etc.

There is no "promenade" along the beach front as the cliffs come down quite close to the water's edge. During the day, however, you can walk along the sand in either direction from Praia da Falesia which is very pleasant.

Thomsons will charge 5 Euros for a street map of Albufeira or Vilamoura. Suggest you run one off the Internet before travelling. Use of the hotel Internet is 3 Euros per 15 minutes. They do supply a local bus timetable without charge.

All in all, excellent but with the small adverse factors outlined above.