Please click on the links below for our reviews of these accommodations.

Vila Petra Aparthotel reviews I nearly went to this one due to the good reviews.

Club Alto Da Colina Reviews

Vilabranca Apartment Reviews

For the resort reviews please click below for:-

Albufeira

Lagos

If you are travelling on a DIY then Albufeira is closer to the airport - Lagos about 1hr from the airport.

Thanks for that...what are people's personal opinions on these ???

I can't give a personal opinion on the accommodations not having stayed in them. I really like Lagos as a resort, only thing is the old town is cobbled and I am not sure how a buggy would cope, which presumably is a big consideration for you, Everywhere seems child friendly. I went last summer with two youngish teens.

I stayed at the Marina Club apartments my second choice was Vilabranca. They get great reviews but are at the back of the resort in a residential area and quite a walk into the main town which also may be a problem for you.

As your little ones are so young you may be better off with Club Alto Da Colina, although I thought that had been renamed as the Algarve Holiday Village by First Choice ? I imagine it will have better kids facilities than Vilabranca as FC specialise in that kind of thing. It did have building work going on at one point so you may wish to check that out prior to booking. Vila Petra sounds nice too.

To be honest I don't think you can go wrong with the Algarve as a holiday destination with a young family.

Good Luck, Let us know what you decide?

Doe

The Vilabranca complex is probably just over a mile, partly uphill, out of Lagos centre, but they do have a complimentary minibus to take you to and from town.I've spoken to several people who have stayed there and no-one seems to have a bad word to say about them.Virtually opposite the main gate to the complex is a small but well-stocked supermarket, and a little(150yds)further on,in a residential area, is another one which, being mainly directed towards the local residents, is less expensive.
Less than half a mile down the road towards town is a selection of restaurants and another mini-market and the tourist road train stops near here, which gives another option re transport.A taxi from town to the Vilabranca will cost in the region of €4.
Hope this helps a little.

Doe I was going to change the name of the Club Alto to Holiday Village so went to check on FC website and they are still showing Club Alto da Colina in Balaia on their site.

Hi Glynis

I'm looking at a 2nd edition Eclipse Brochure for 2008 and it has a 4 page spread on The Holiday Village Algarve. They name the resort as Balaia.

The first two pages look like photos which I assume are 'Colina' but I think the second two pages are 'artists impressions'. What I can't tell from the brochure is if it's actually open yet and trading as a Holiday Village. Perhaps they are calling it Club Alto da Colina until the official opening date?

I might try a mock booking to see if it's open yet.

Confusing. Doe

Hi,

We stayed at the Vila Petra last June, my review is in the review section. Very well equipped apartments and complex, very close to the Strip and all the nightlife although dont know how busy it will be in april? Read the review and if you have any Q's please ask. Dont know about the other 2 places as never stayed there. I do fancy Lagos next time mind you for a change.

Lummie

There was still plenty building work going on around the Alto Da Colina and it looked like it was closed, while we were there Mid January. When are they expecting to open for tourists? Cheers Jayjan

Hi Jayjan

In my Eclipse brochure it is giving prices from 1st May 08 for The Holiday Village.

What I don't know is if they would consider putting folk in the part that is already built (Colina) whilst the work is still going on for the village part ?

I'll put a link to the video on the Eclipse site. It's odd because its still calling the vid Club Alto da Colina but my mock booking was definately for The Holiday Village.

Must say the place looks superb. If I had younger kids and the price was right I'd be tempted myself.

http://server3.exposure4.com/firstchoice/pop.php?movie=30&res=video2.php

Doe

Hi Doe. the sign "Alto Do Colina" is still up on the stone walls on the approach up to the hotel complex,maybe because the building work in process not yet finished & they wont change the name until the summer season starts, but looking at the site when we have passed Mid January, to me it doesn't look like anywhere near ready for 1st May, but the Portuguese may just get a spurt on and hey presto, complete for the new season. We use the road frequently the Alto is situated on as its a short cut to our house in Branqueira, so have been watching over the last 12/18 months the progress of building works on this complex.Just hope everyone who have booked here have a wonderful holiday.
Cheers jayjan