lots of people have praised the location, we found it very difficult because of our daughter in her pushchair, there is only 2 ways into the apartment complex; up 20 steep steps or half a mile walk up a fairly steep hill - if you have a pushchair then dont stay here! Pool area was nice and food nice for a lunchtime, i wouldnt eat int he complex of an evening though, Apartment was big but basic, the cleaners used to come every evening, a very strange time to come and we could never quite figure out what they had done! the towels werent changed nd neither was the bedding in the week we were there. we also didnt like the resort, it was like a smaller version of magaluf or benidorm - not what we expected at all!

Went to Vila Rosa for my birthday 25th September, for a week, with a good expectation, having read reviews on here. I wasn't disappointed. We got a budget holiday deal which can sometimes lead to less than perfect accomodation and service. However, Vila Rosa is very well presented, clean, well kept, regularly serviced by keen staff, good service at the bar and reception and everything well maintained ( I won't mention the keyboard for the PAYG PC in reception). Very pretty main pool but our room was by the smaller pool, which was quiet and clean (although could have benefitted from daily skimming). We were in "B" block, in a room which had recently been converted from an office into a self catering appartment. I have to say that the appartment is the smallest I have ever stayed in, so small in fact that the front door hit the breakfast bar when it was opened, which would fail building inspection in the UK. Also we could here the people above using their toilet (Not Nice at breakfast time) and some of the neighbours were very noisy. Nevertheless the appartment was spotless and everything worked fine. For future reference, let the hot water run for as long as it takes to warm up. First morning took 15 minutes to warm up, all taps on but when it came through it was lovely and hot.
On site prices, as you would expect, are quite expensive but not excessively so. Portimau is just over the hill and a large Pingo Doce supermarket is about 15-20 minute walk. We only discovered this late in the holiday as we were following the free tourist map, which suggested the only supermarkets were Lidl and Continentale which are too far to walk. However, if you walk up the hill, turn right past the school, then left towards Portimau the supermarket is in walking distance. I have no idea why the receptionist didn't point this out.
The sea front is breathtaking. Huge golden sand beaches, picturesque rock formation and bars/restaurants on the beach. The local authorities obviously invest a lot in keeping the place very clean. Restaurants and bars were mostly very good along the main street, which was only a 10 minute walk from the appartment. I would recommend a visit to Vinhos & Comidas, very good food, good service and great atmosphere.
If I was to be picky I would say that Praia da Rocha is full of high rise blocks in various states of construction, repair and dereliction. Many of the bars felt the need to play sports on massive TV's and several of the restaurants had people on the street hustling for business, all things I dislike but these were minor things and easily ignored.
I read one review where a chap said he had been ripped off by a couple of shady characters in dark suits wearing hats. We saw these guys and they do indeed look very shady. Dark suits, beards, flat hats. If you are stupid enough to engage in business with these types, bigger fool you.
Take a walk east to the marina, its well worth a visit, as is Portimau.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Vila Rosa

This was our second visit to VilaRosa and again did not dissapoint even though we had asked on booking for a pool facing room but did not get one. The room we got was in block 4 facing the residential flats where there one large dog which was occasionally noisy.Our room did not have aircon but this did not present a problem. This year we hired a car at Faro airport, this meant we could go to far more places around Portimao. Also the journey is very simple by road. We were dissapointed this year that the small pool was much noisier this year as a result of small children and their inflatables, when we went to the main pool, they were there also! I don't think we will go back to Praia da Rocha, mainly because we have explored the immediate areas, alhough the Vila Rosa still tempts us.

this was are first visit to portugal and it was lovely. great location and lovely staff, apartments are clean and have everything you need. there are some realy nice pubs and restaurants and the beach was brilliant.
we also had two days in lisbon at the house, this was brilliant modern and clean with lovely staff, lisbon was very busy for end of september.