A great Villa for a large family!! (Villa Manuela (Vale Carro, Portugal))

Member Name: stebiz

Product:	Villa Manuela (Vale Carro, Portugal)
Date:	21/08/09 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Spacious, Clean

Disadvantages: Situated on a sharp bend

Introduction

I first went to the Algarve back in 1993 on a 'Hoover' flights promotion. I paid for the accommodation and stayed in a lively town called Albufeira. This was to become the start of a love affair that myself and my wife-to-be, would have with the place, over the coming years. We have since been back on many occasions and now know the area very well. This review will look at our last visit in August 2009, particularly on the experience we had with Cosmos/Monarch Holidays, as this was the first time we had holidayed with them.

Arrival

After arriving at Faro Airport, we were advised that we would have a Monarch Holidays representative waiting for us, to give us our villa details and keys etc., which they did. The lady waiting for us was in the area agreed and was really friendly. This really started the holiday off well, and we were keen to get into our hired car and head to our Villa. We were staying with other family members, and we set off in convoy, with the directions given.

Directions

As I have already said, I know this area of the Algarve very well. I have stayed in many Villas, over the last 15 years, so did not expect too many problems. Within 20 minutes we were at our destination. Well nearly anyway. We were actually in the road of our Villa, but nobody knew were it was. I asked 5 different people but still no to avail. This we found extremely frustrating. Two hours later I gave up. I rang Monarch and they directed us down a small 'dusty' track to our Villa. It appears that the Villa has only been open about 2 months and there wasn't even a sign on the gate. Even the pottery shop in front of it, didn't even know were it was. Anyway moans over we were now here and happy to start the holiday.

First Impressions

As I've mentioned before, it isn't the first time I've stayed in a Villa, and had an idea what to expect. I was a little disappointed with the access, as it was on a sharp bend. However the Villa itself was far away from the road, down a long track. However I had found in the past that many of the larger Villas are located off the main road, in privacy. In this case it was in the centre of Orange orchards.

On entering the Villa through its own electronic gates there was adequate room for the three cars we had hired. Two of which could be parked in shelter. We then entered the Villa whilst the children ran around the back to see the Pool's. We were pleasantly surprised. It was nice and bright and spacious. Not the biggest we had stayed in, but it was big enough. Two bedrooms downstairs and Four further bedrooms on the first floor. In total Six bedrooms. There were also four Shower/WC Rooms with bidets and wash hand basins, all tiled and nice and clean.

On the first floor there were balcony's to both front and rear. The front looked out over the cars and Orange Groves. The rear looked out over the pool and also the vast amount of Orange Trees.

One point we were a little disappointed with was the size of the kitchen. Bearing it mind the Villa can sleep upto 14 (including Sofa Beds), the kitchen was on the smaller side. Don't get me wrong it wasn't tiny, but if you had more than 3/4 people in there at one time preparing meals, it wasn't big enough.

Another thing we missed from other Villas we had been to was a Pool Table, Table Tennis, Tennis Court and PS3, but we were aware of this before we booked.

Our First Visit

The owner of the Villa paid us a visit that evening asking for a breakage deposit of 250 Euros. We had been warned that there was a scam were individuals posed at owners and called on the days of arrival. Taking the deposits and never to be seen again. We had a visit scheduled from Monarch Holidays the next morning, so asked politely if we could give the deposit then. The owner was happy to do this, which was assuring. After she went, we all drove into town and bought ourselves some McDonalds and then headed back. We were all a bit tired and headed to bed.

My 'bedroom experience'

Well having been married for 15 years, and having 3 children, the heat in the bedroom is usually 'warm' rather than 'roasting hot'. But this wasn't to be the case on this holiday. The rooms did not have air conditioning, but I was aware of this when booking, however I didn't expect them to be so hot. For some reason, although it could be quite cool outside, the heat inside the Villa just seemed to get hotter during the night. Luckily I had made enquiries before flying out about the availability of a fan. I was told it would cost me upto 8 Euros a night for a fan, which I felt was excessive, so I took my own 9" fan. This was to help, but even this wasn't sufficient. We ended up locking the shutters, but keeping the inner doors open. Several nights my wife was lying in front of them on the floor. Other nights I'd be down eating Ice Cream and watching Sky on the large TV downstairs, often bumping into other members of the family, who were having the same problem sleeping.

The Reps Visit

As we were promised our Rep turned up as agreed on the morning following our arrival. She was really nice. She asked if we had any problems and we told her of our arrival difficulties which she said she would look into (we had since found a piece of paper in the Villa indicating the previous guests had experienced the same thing). She talked through a few places to visit and I was happy to book a trip through her, aware that many Reps get commision, to help them with their wages. Shortly afterwards she left and she was never to be seen again!! We then went out, and also missed the owner so no breakage deposit was paid either.

Location

The location is situated between Villamoura and Albufeira, and both areas offer lots of bars and entertainment. This ranges from viewing expensive yachts and visiting expensive restaurants in Villamoura to going to cheaper restaurants and bars in Albufeira. There were also other little villages nearby but in all honesty all were a little bit too far to walk. Especially in the souring heat of a Portugese summer.

Supermarkets

There were quite a few supermarkets to choose from. One was within a five minute drive of our Villa, which we went to quite often, but none of them were cheap. The Euro did not last long and at one stage I thought I'd need to 'tap in' to my reserve money. One place we did end up spending more time at was Lidl. This was about 20 minutes drive away.

Problems with the Villa

As with most properties, whether at home or abroad, you are going to experience faults from time to time. As this was a new Villa, it was also likely that 'snags' would come up. One problem we found was that a bathroom window on the ground floor would not close, and therefore was a real security risk. Each time we went out we needed to lock the bathroom door for added security. We also found that the drainage in the Villa 'blocked up' with relative ease and needed jetting. We therefore had to be extremely careful what we put down the toilet. But the owner was very courteous and came out quickly to sort these problems out.

The Patio and Pools

I found the pool was nice and warm and adequate in size. The Children loved it and spent most of their holidays in there. The splash pool was also great for my youngest. There were lots of sunbeds and chairs and the patio was in the sun most of the day.

If I had one slight 'nark' it was that the BBQ was too far away from the Villa. It meant us walking around to the side in order to get our food, and whoever was preparing it was, away from the 'crowd'.

Summary

Well would I go again? For sure yes! It was a great Villa. Nice Size. It also had lots to offer big families. I would however advise on bringing a fan, or more if you can. Also bring some other entertainment with you. We brought a PS2 with us and some DVD's. So for those of you looking for a nice Villa to stay at, this could be the one for you.

Summary: Recommended