Unwinding in Style: Our Escape to the Conrad Algarve (Review)
The Conrad Algarve (external link), the only Conrad hotel in Europe at the time of its opening, celebrated its tenth anniversary in September 2022. We had the chance to visit the hotel in the spring of 2022 and were thoroughly impressed. Even to this day, it lives up to its name and is undoubtedly one of the top luxury hotels in Europe.
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LOCATION
For a resort hotel, the Conrad Algarve is ideally located. Just a 20-minute drive separates Faro International Airport (external link) from the hotel's lobby. With good Uber availability throughout the Algarve, visiting without a rental car is absolutely possible and there's no need to miss out on exploring restaurants and other attractions in the area.
ARRIVAL, LOBBY & CHECK-IN
Since we had spent the nights before in a rather simple hotel, we arrived due to the anticipation once again much too early at the Conrad Algarve. Already at shortly after 10 o'clock the cab dropped us off in front of the entrance. We were greeted outside by a friendly hotel employee, who immediately took our luggage and showed us the way to the reception.
The hotel lobby is impressive upon entering, with a central atrium that allows a view of all floors of the hotel. Both floor and walls are made of marble, but due to its size the entrance area makes a light and free impression. In the center, stairs lead to the lower floor and thus to the main restaurant with pool terrace. There was some comfortable seating around the stair area.
The check-in area is on the left side, several friendly staff members were already waiting for us. We were seated on comfortable chairs at the check-in desk and the staff member proceeded to check us in.
Our room was obviously not ready yet, however we were already promised a massive upgrade. Instead of the standard room we had booked, we were to wait for a suite.
We were also given a detailed explanation of the huge facility with all its special features. To shorten the waiting time, we were invited to the breakfast buffet, which we gladly used to enjoy a capuccino at the poolside and toast our stay with a glass of champagne.
Needless to say, our room was still available well before the official check-in time.
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ROOM
Our upgrade from the standard room was a King Grand Deluxe Suite with Pool View. The suite had separate living room and bedroom, a long hallway with closets that could be used as a dressing room at the same time, as well as a guest toilet and a large bathroom right next to the bedroom. The large bathroom had a shower in addition to a bathtub with its own TV, a special experience! Another highlight of the suite were the two huge balconies in both rooms. These were also equipped with seating and tables, so you could also enjoy the view outdoors well with a group there.
In the living room, we found a small dining table with two chairs, as well as a couch with two armchairs that provided a comfortable place to sit. Of course, there was a separate television in the living room.
The bedroom had a couple of sitting areas in addition to the large and comfortable king bed. Here we could find the third TV of the suite.
HOUSEKEEPING
The room was immaculately clean and perfect when we moved in and also after every cleaning in between. We even took the liberty on the second evening to order an additional room cleaning via chat, which was done promptly and complimentary without any objections. Our room was like new twice that day.
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BREAKFAST
Breakfast is another highlight of the stay at the Conrad Algarve. The restaurant offers a spacious area with modern furniture inside and an excellent outdoor terrace next to the main pool of the hotel. You can sit there in the early morning, enjoy the first rays of sunshine of the day and indulge yourself.
The buffet offers everything you could wish for. There are various hot dishes in self-service, in addition, of course, various sausages, ham and cheese to choose from. There are assorted yogurts, juices, smoothies, jams, fruits, vegetables and a complex selection of bread & rolls. Various sweet pastries, a cereal buffet and small snacks complete the offer. Sparkling wine is also available for self-service at the buffet, so you can also enjoy a small glass or a few mimosas with breakfast.
In addition to the extensive buffet, there are a variety of a la carte options. In addition to all the hot drinks, various fresh smoothies, you can also find all kinds of egg dishes (including Eggs Benedict) and other things on the menu that are gladly brought by the staff.
Requested items not found at the buffet were made possible upon request, for example, we asked for a fresh avocado, which was served to us a few minutes later.
Those who order a coffee with milk foam receive it printed with friendly messages. Whether the solid foam is to everyone's liking remains to be seen, but the texts certainly cheer things up.
LOUNGE
The only thing missing for a perfect resort hotel would be a lounge. Unfortunately, the Conrad does not currently have a lounge. However, there were a few extra benefits instead, check Status Recognition for details.
DINNER OPTIONS
GUSTO BY HEINZ BECK & GUSTO BAR
This is a Michelin-starred restaurant by renowned chef Heinz Beck, serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Gusto Bar is an adjacent bar with a relaxed atmosphere and an extensive selection of drinks.
LOURO RESTAURANT
This is the hotel's main restaurant, serving an array of international dishes with a focus on Portuguese and Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant has a modern and elegant design and offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.
LAGO LOUNGE
This is a stylish lounge area with a terrace overlooking the hotel's infinity pool and gardens. The lounge offers a selection of light bites, sandwiches, and pastries, as well as a range of cocktails and drinks.
DADO POOL BAR & RESTAURANT
This is a casual restaurant and bar located by the hotel's Dado pool, serving a range of light bites, salads, sandwiches, and grilled dishes. The bar offers a selection of refreshing cocktails and drinks.
SERENO POOL BAR
This is a smaller pool bar located by the hotel's main pool, offering a selection of drinks, cocktails, and light bites.
Overall, the Conrad Algarve offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences, from fine dining at Gusto by Heinz Beck to casual poolside dining at Dado Pool Bar & Restaurant.
ROOM SERVICE
In addition, there is of course the possibility to order room service to the room 24h a day. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to order a meal in the room during this visit. Especially with the large balconies, it is certainly a perfect opportunity to dine in the comfort of your own home, and we can recommend this experience to everyone. Our nearly routine test order (a bucket of ice and two champagne glasses) was fulfilled in a few minutes, complimentary.
GYM
The fitness area at the Conrad Algarve is unparalleled in the European hotel landscape. Aside from spectacular views from the hotel's top floor, the gym is unsurpassed in size and equipment variety. In addition to the expansive space with various workout equipment, weights and even TRX bands, there is an equally large terrace that can and should be used for fitness activities.
Contrary to what the Conrad's website suggests, it offers the latest equipment from Technogym. I can't put it any other way, but this gym is really a pleasure to work out in. The gym is open 24 hours a day.
SPA
The in-house 1800 sqm (19375 sqft) spa area (external link) is located directly below the gym. Besides another indoor and outdoor pool with various hydro massage options and many treatment rooms, there is access to Sauna, Steam Room, Sensory Showers and Ice Fountain.
The spa area costs 15 € per person per day extra, this is included free of charge for Gold and Diamond members. We also found the additional pool to be very pleasant, as it was naturally not as busy and thus offered a very relaxing experience.
POOL
In addition to the spa area, there are three public pool areas at the Conrad Algarve.
SERENO INFINITY POOL
This is the main pool of the hotel. It is the large outdoor pool in the middle of the main building. The special feature of this pool is that it is heated, rather a rarity in Portugal. Weather permitting, it is open all year round. The infinity pool overlooks the rest of the hotel and the countryside, a very relaxing view. It is very large and offers several swimmers the opportunity to swim a few sporty laps.
DADO POOL
This is a spacious, but unheated, outdoor pool of just under 500 sqm (5382 sqft), open seasonally. Its proximity to the children's pool tends to invite families to linger there. A separate restaurant completes this, providing a nice unit to savor your stay at the Conrad Algarve all the more as a family.
INDOOR POOL
For the cold days there is a small (75 sqm/807 sqft) heated indoor pool in the East Wing of the hotel, which also has a sauna.
BEACH
While we visited, this option was unfortunately not available, but during the main season the hotel actually offers access to a private beach at Vale do Lobo Beach, although the hotel is not necessarily on the coast. This is made possible via a free shuttle bus that will take you directly there. Of course, the hotel also offers a few snacks & drinks for sale there.
OVERALL SERVICE
From beginning to end we experienced only friendly and courteous staff. Every wish was taken from our lips and nothing seemed to be a problem. When it came up at check-in that we were celebrating a minor event in our lives during this visit, an additional gift was arranged for us immediately. In addition to the welcome gift, we received a bottle of sparkling wine with sweet pastries the next day to celebrate our occasion.
One little thing we found pleasant: when a small item in our suite needed to be fixed while we were away, we found a brief note upon our return that someone had entered our room and the task had been completed. Very well done!
It should also be noted that the Hilton app was excellently integrated into the stay, throughout the stay we were able to communicate with the hotel 24/7 via the chat function and express our wishes, the response was always prompt. Very helpful!
At all times the staff beat us to it, whether in the various restaurants or on our way through the door, assistance was always offered and we were met with friendly smiles. I can't repeat it enough, but we argue that this is the single most important factor that makes a travel experience a positive one: the spirit and dedication of the team. At least that is the case with us.
And at the Conrad Algarve, we experienced exactly why this is the case.
STAY DETAILS
We stayed at the Conrad Algarve in early April 2022, the nightly rate was around 300€ per night. The hotel fluctuates between 200 and 600€ over the year if you book in advance and there are no special events.
STATUS RECOGNITION
We have the highest status (Diamond) with the Hilton group, to which the Conrad belongs. The status recognition was very high.
Apart from the obvious benefits such as free breakfast, water in the room or a free late check-out and early check-in, we received a massive room upgrade to a large suite during our stay.
Additionally, a welcome gift was already waiting in our room upon arrival (a bottle of red wine and three pastel de nata).
As mentioned, spa access was free for us for the entire stay. For the missing lounge, there was a voucher for a complimentary Tea Ceremony or Signature Cocktail at the hotel bar for both guests.
There was also a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner at Louro or Lago Restaurant.
We have rarely experienced better appreciation.
SUMMARY
Conrad Algarve, located in the southern region of Portugal, offers exactly what you would expect: a luxurious stay in a relaxed environment with amazing rooms that provide the ultimate comfort and relaxation. The hotel has a dedicated team that anticipates every little need of its guests. With a heated outdoor pool that's open year-round, an impressive gym, and a massive spa area, the hotel offers a complete experience that elevates it to the top of the rankings. We highly recommend a stay at Conrad Algarve for anyone looking for an exceptional vacation.
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