Quite location at the back of the resort but within an easy walk of beach and large supermarket. Rooms basis but clean, although electrics are very temperamental and electrics trip on a regular basis. Bathroom very large but in need of some tender loving care. The holiday rep was fantastic.

Last week we returned from a last-minute cheap week away in the Algarve, staying at the Plaza Real apartments.

We hired a car from Faro airport, and stopped on our way to shop for essentials at the local, massive, Continente supermarket (open 'till 11pm on a Sunday!), so that we could unpack and settle in immediately, without having to unpack then go out to buy water, milk etc.

Each of the main accommodation blocks has two lifts, so no problem getting up and down stairs. The one bedroom apartment was bigger in size than our two bedroom flat in England. We had a large kitchen, big bathroom, good sized lounge/diner (all the main UK & Portuguese TV channels) & double balcony, along with a nice twin bedroom with plenty of storage space for clothes.

The apartment could not be described as high-tech or modern, but it was certainly adequate for a week or two in the sun. Maybe €30 or €40 spent by the owners updating the antique kettle, toaster & toilet seat would be a good investment - but everything else was fine.

Location-wise, we were glad we hired a car. It's about a 20/30 minute walk into Praia Da Rocha itself, but we preferred nearby Alvor as the beach was more accessible, and the 'town' had a more traditional feel.

There are a few bars/cafes/restaurants within 5 to 15mins walk of the apartments - all very friendly, and some open quite late. The Continente shopping plaza nearby also has a small food court with various eateries including Pizza Hut.

The resort itself is quite built up, but was fairly quiet at night as it was late in the season. If you don't want to walk, a taxi costs around €4.50 each way - they're all metered & with very friendly drivers.

The complex itself has its own bar & cafe on-site which, although never very busy, has all the essentials on the menu if you did not want to venture far during the day or night.

Overall, we would recommend the Plaza Real as a good base to say if you want a nice, simple holiday in Portugal, in a fairly quiet location with good amenities on hand if you need them. Car rental is quite good value on the Algarve, and there is free parking on-site, so if you fancy getting around and exploring further afield, this would be a good choice.

Just had a 5 day break at these appartments.The rooms are very large and well appointed. Good cleanliness, friendly staff, immaculate pool area. Large shopping centre & McDonalds10 minutes away.
The only drawbacks is that it is quite a long walk to the Beach and seafront.
Would definately recommend it.

We have not long since that we have got home from Plaza Real we stayed from ( 11 septa to 25 Sept 2011 ) And we had a brilliant time sun was out for the full time we were there, The apartment is very spacious and very clean, bed comfy , balcony overview is on to the pools the small one is ideal for the kids. there is a floating barrier in the big pool this is in the shape of the no 8. the staff are really friendly and all give you a smile and will pass the time of day with you. They do have a fun bingo night this only lasted for one game and this is FREE, yes i did say FREE. and you win a free drink, also they have a karaoke night. the beach is about 10-20 Min's walk this depends on how fast you walk. Beaches are fantastic sea is so clean that you can walk out at lest 22 yards and still see the sea bed. the sea is warm. there is a nice little bar around the corner . The best shop is call the continente this is a go long wark but it is worth it, as the orange shop that is just across the road is to expencive (ie 1 hot dog bun cost 1 euro so dont go ) There are lots of chep and cherfull eaterys on the strip and lots of good bars .Claire the rep freindly had very helpfull at all times. We had a brilliant holiday and was sorry that we had to come home will defnetly come again but this time not bring kids . 5 *****s all round .