Alvor Beach Club

The Pestana Alvor Beach Club is a smaller building adjacent to a larger hotel complex. Our 2 bedroom unit was fabulous and included a deck that overlooked the ocean and the famous Algarve rocks. The unit was meticulously clean, well furnished and had easy access to the beach and surrounding cliffs. This was a first class experience worthy of the RCI Gold Crown designation.

The adjacent hotel is more formal and has many of the timeshare's amenities including a restaurant, lounge, indoor swimming pool etc. It is 5 star quality and artistically and architechturally appealing. The front desk staff is helpful but a little stuffy and reserved. This, along with a bellman who "grabs" your bags when you arrive, is the only negative we experienced.

Pestana has several resorts in the area, and I think the Beach Club, while smaller and more "boutique" is the cream of the crop and the best of the bunch--especially when you can access and use the facilities at the other Pestanas next door or nearby.

While a car is very workable and convenient at Alvor, we traveled by bus to Portimao and then took a quick cab to the Beach Club (9 Euros) and walked the beaches and to Alvor for sightseeing/activities and were perfectly happy without a car. Once you are at this beach area, you won't be highly motivated to leave--the beach, the adjacent cliff walks and general ambience are so enjoyable and relaxing that you could stay put for 7 days! There are several nearby smaller markets which provide ample resources for food and beverage--but ask for directions as it takes a little sleuthing to find them.

On our 2 month Portugal venture, we stayed at 4 timeshares, hotels, furnished apartments, and pensaos. The Alvor Beach Club was one of our most memorable and enjoyable experiences. We would go back there in a heartbeat. :)