I picked the Alvor Praiai wanting a nice quite holiday and got exactly what I was looking for. Pestana owning a number of hotels in the area and this one is geared towards the more discerning traveller and to buiness people with conference rooms available. As a result the hotel does not tend to attract too many familes with young children which tend to veer more towards the Pestana Dom João II next door. The facilities are excellent and service first rate. The hotel is located on top of a cliff but there is lift at poolside which will take you down to the beach and the sunbeds reserved for hotel guests only. As a resukt of this however sea view rooms do tend to only get a glimpse of the sea and I'm not sure whether paying extra for one would be justified.
My only negative comment was that I would rate this hotel more four star than five star compared to other hotels I have stayed at over the years. Facilities in the room itself could be improved on for example with tea/coffee making facilities.

I have stayed in many hotel's all over the world and this is a hidden gem. The guest here is treated so well and there is an old fashioned hospitality which speaks of a more gracious and gentler age, where service is always with a smile and every need is attended with an unasumming courtesy and style .This was my first stay and all the staff from Angela the Manageress to Louis at the Reception were exceptional and went way beyond their normal duties to make our stay memorable and made us feel special .

We have just returned from a lovely relaxing 5 day stay at this fab hotel. When we arrived there was a problem with the garden view room we had booked so we were put into a time share apartment for one night and the following morning we were upgraded on our original booking to a beautiful sea view room for the inconvience. We also received a gift of assorted fruit from the hotel which was an added gesture and very much appreciated. The ladies on the housekeeping staff were unbelieveable even turned our beds down at night and left chocolates too.Bathrobes and slippers provided in the bathroom. Sleeping at night was peaceful no noise in the corridors of the hotel. Antonio the bar manager was brilliant very welcoming for all of the nights we were there and he makes a top class club sandwich and is a professional at cocktails. Breakfast was to die for and all staff involved were lovely. The only small suggestion I would have is perhaps a kettle in the rooms would be nice for a late night cuppa. We will return for another holiday to this hotel without a doubt.

Just back from the Pentana Alvor Praia. First time in Alvor and I can't imagine staying in a better place. The Hotel is located on a cliff top with views all over the bay.
A beautiful hotel with great amenities and nice design.
The room was huge and spotless clean as was the entire hotel, yet I never hardly seen a cleaner.
The staff are the nicest most friendly I have encountered on any of my holiday almost anywhere.
Food is great too and the gentle piano playing in the evening and breakfast is just so relaxing.
The hotel is surrounded by nice restuarants too.
Its was my birthday while staying here and the manager sent up Champers and a full Birthday cake to my room on my Birthday!!
How often does that happen?
Don't book anywhere else this is the gem!
Gary & Ildi 6th to 13th Oct 11