Really depends on what you're looking for in a resort. Lagos has plenty to offer in the way of bars, restaurants, beaches and scenery and there's plenty to do there and nearby. However, if you're looking for nightclubs/ discos etc., you'd probably be better off considering Albufeira.
Have a look at < http://www.simplylagos.com > - this should give you an idea of the resort.If you do decide on Lagos, the Iberlagos apartments are directly above the Praia Dona Ana beach which you'll see on the website;they are a 10 minute downhill walk to the town centre and slightly longer on the way back ( partly due to the hill and partly to the gorgeous food you'll find on offer in the town.) If you decide that Lagos is for you and want further recommendations for bars/restaurants, just ask.

I stayed in the Iberlagos seven years ago when they were pretty new, and thought that they were excellent (although the large block at the rear of the complex looked a bit grim). Recent reviews however, have been a bit hit and miss.
If you are going diy, there are some great looking apartments down by the impressive marina, which is handy for just about everything Lagos has to offer. Considered them myself this year, but have ended up arranging a few days in Tavira instead.

We liked the look of Lagos because of the history and there is plenty to do there. We are going with Direct holidays and there isnt much choice hotel wise, they only have the marina park apts or the one i mentioned before. We also thought of Praia da luz as it doesnt look too far from Lagos stayin in the Oasis beach apts. Or we could go Praia da vau? What do you recommend?

They weren't built when i was there, but look pretty impresive judging by their website, http://www.marinapark.net
Click on English at the top of their home page.

queentutti,
Have you booked yet and do you have a budget airline from your local airport to Faro? If the answer to the first question is "no " and to the second question is "yes ", it's simplicity itself to put the holiday together yourself and save yourselves a lot of money.

We have booked with direct to another destination but we want to swap to the algarve.

The Marina Park complex is further out of town on the East as the Iberlagos is on the West.The final phase was being built when we were in Lagos in September. The Iberlagos looked o.k. from the outside in Sept but I too have read a few "iffy" reviews; the Marina Park, on the other hand are new apartments and, hopefully, by next September, any teething troubles should have been ironed out.
All I can say is that both places are comfortably walkable to and from town and both are fairly close to good beaches and, from what you say, I'm sure you'd love the town. Good luck!!

Thanks for that. If we go lagos then i think we will stay there. As I said we just gotta decide between lagos or praia da luz.

Praia da Luz is nice, but there's not as much going on as there is in Lagos and, unless you've got your own transport, you'd be struggling to get back there after a late night in Lagos. Whichever you choose, you're going to have some great coastal scenery and brilliant beaches. Enjoy!!

I stayed there last August (Iberlagos) and it was great (the room we had was amazing.)

What about Albuferia? Or Alvor?
Direct Hols dont have much choice when it comes to hotels so we looked at other places. Are these places similar to Lagos? eg bars, things to do of a day etc

Both much livelier than Lagos, but not so much to offer with regard to history. Albufeira is much more central and is an ideal base for exploring the Algarve. No doubt "roseweb" will give you more information in due course.

don't you just hate decidin where to go on your hols

Not a problem !! We go to Lagos every year.

My first time was this past summer and I think we're going there every summer too. Its Paradise!

Anybody know anything about these apartments Cerro Malpique 1 Apt in Albufeira?

Hi Queentutti,

They say a picture says a thousand words, so I'll give you just a taste of Albufeira.

I think the best part is the Old Town and here are some streets and alleyways to wander round and explore.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/IMG_0449.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/IMG_0437.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/IMG_0441.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/IMG_0458.jpg

and of course there are lots of bars and restaurants - these have sea views right over the bay.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/IMG_0453.jpg

This is a general view of the Old Town and its beaches.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/IMG_0459.jpg

Another of Albufeira's beaches, Praia da Oura.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/0f26767f.jpg

There are lots of coves just to the west, which are our favourites
Arrifes http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/Arrifes.jpg
Sao Rafael http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/9b25a47a.jpg
Coelha http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/9b6ad01f.jpg
The last two were taken in Winter!

There's also the new Marina - the architecture is not to everyone's taste, but quite a lot of cafes and restaurants are now open and you can take boat trips from there, including on speed boats!
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/IMG_0087.jpg

September would be a great time to go as the beaches will not be crowded and everywhere will still be open.

There are also lots of lovely villages a little way inland. This is Alte.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/7a8b94a1.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b19/roseweb2/63b98328.jpg

Regarding history and culture, here's a link which shows that Albufeira is more than just hotels and The Strip! It's the Town Hall website and has lots of interesting information.
http://www.cm-albufeira.pt/uk/content/uk_monuments_albufeira.php

Hope I haven't made your decision even harder! I'm sure wherever you go you'll have a fantastic holiday in Portugal.

queentutti,
What did I tell you.......... ..... nice one, roseweb !!!

Gorgeous photos! Driving distance, how far is Albufeira to Lagos, and then how far is Carvoeiro?