Apartamentos Balaia Atlantico, Algarve

Apartment - this was a good size and reasonably clean and had a good decor, but there was no double bed - we booked a double but found out that there were only 5 double beds in the whole hotel, we thought about pushing the two singles in the bedroom together, but then we would have not been able to sit up late in the evening without disturbing the children (as they would have been sleeping in the living areas), we tried pushing the two single sofa beds together - but they were too heavy. So we made do with sleeping separately. Entertainment - the bar area was in the main reception and it seemed to be in the thoroughfare or people gathering to get the coach out for the evening - I thought it was a strange setting for the bar. The evening entertainment was a bit lame - one evening there was a horrid bird show (the objective of this was to take photos with the parrots on people's shoulders and the bird trainer charge for them) one bird had half a beak and it was very upsetting. Another evening there was a piano player and on another evening a singer (low quality acts). Staff - they were not particularly helpful or friendly definitely not 4 staff service. It seemed their key word was 'no'. They did not go out of their way to do anything to assist and spent as much time as possible chatting to their colleagues and appeared irritated by any interruption from a guest. Restaurant - This was very expensive 18.50 for adults and 9.00 for children. I like healthy eating and all I had was a Harvester style salad bar with cold meat selection (3 types) that we had to ask for because no one had bothered to put the meats out. Instead of the bottle of red wine that we ordered, we were given a jug of Sangria, they did change it but by then we had practically finished the meal. Gym & indoor pool - the gym cost 25.00 Euros for the week - I was not previously aware that I would have to pay - but was told this was under separate management from the hotel. The indoor pool was free to use but you had to wear a swim hat which we had to buy from the shop. Pool Bar - 2 x hot dogs, 1 x burger, 1 x mini side salad & drinks came to 40.00 Euros. All Inclusive - We later found out that some people at the hotel were 'all inclusive' so they did not have to pay for their drinks and food, however, I observed many people complaining about the quality of the food and were disapointed. This has to be balanced with the price we paid £275 for a week for four, which was very good value for money. Out and about - Fiesta is great, sand scuptures that are a wow. General comment - This is our 4th visit to Portugal and we love the sun, the sea and the people - this is the only time we have had cause to complain - we have already booked our next trip back to Portugal in October - but we wont be staying at his hotel, and we will look at the details and small print more carefully next time.