Cheap and Cheerful (Hotels in Praia da Rocha)

Member Name: Phil12

Product:	Hotels in Praia da Rocha
Date:	10/01/01 (498 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, comfortable and clean

Disadvantages: None really.

Praira Da Rocha

Hotel Praia Da Rocha (2 hours by coach from Faro airport)
Rooms 800+

In January of last year, my partner and I booked a last minute holiday to the Algarve. We had intended staying for 5 weeks, so accommodation was a major consideration in terms of our finances. We managed to get a 3*, room in an 'aparthotel' for £250 each, including flight and transfers.

We were satisfied with the room: it being basic but comfortable: kitchen/diner/lounge, with separate bathroom and a double bedroom. Ideal for 2 people on a budget. It didn't exactly contain all the mod cons, but there was a cooker, oven and cutlery/crockery was provided. As we were on the 14th floor, our balcony, while not being sea-view, was still pleasant. A maid service was included each day.

A T.V in the room would cost an extra £3.00 per day, and you can have this for as many days as you like. A refundable deposit of £15 was required, but this was currently under review when we left. A safe-deposit box, held at reception, works out at £0.50 per day and a refundable deposit of £5 is required.

The hotel had all the usual touristy goings on, such as karaoke and the like. Entertainment is provided in the lounge bar each evening, but this usually comprised entertainment by other guests rather than professional entertainers. Prices for drinks were fair, averaging at £1.40 per half pint of local lager. Local spirits were also comparatively cheap. Foreign drinks were usually more than we pay in England.

The hotel had 2 swimming pools, children's game room, 3 dining rooms, and 4 bars. There was limited area for sunbathing (yep, you can sunbathe in January, well, sometimes), and this appeared to be full up every time we tried to get somewhere to bathe. Having a mini supermarket inside the hotel is quite handy, but the prices reflect the convenience.

The hotel's staff were friendly and knowledgeable and always willin
g to help with directions and local places of interest.

Being a home from home for many English people over the winter period, due to the fact that at these prices it is cheaper to holiday for the winter rather than live back home. One couple we spoke to paid the same amount for their 5 week stay as us but their's was on a half-board basis. Not bad is it? The clientele were predominately older English people, but there was quite an influx of young families during our stay.

The hotel is situated within a 5 minute walk of the long beaches, via the shopping area. The 'area' has all that one needs, including a mini supermarket (the main one being a 5 minute taxi ride away, Modelo), souvenir and the like. Several good restaurants are also located within this area as are the pubs and clubs.

There really aren't any negative aspects to the hotel. It is a 3* and has no pretensions of being anything else. It is comfortable, clean and accessible to local amenities. If you are travelling on a budget, you could do much worse than making this your home from home.

Summary: