The Marina Club in Lagos is very nice for families. There are loads of restaurants within walking distance and easy access to beaches. I did a review which is under the name of Chris in the review part of this website.

I booked flights with Easyjet and the Marina Club with wintersunshineholidays and hired a car at the airport to drive us to Lagos, but if you dont intend having a car for the duration of the holiday, there is info on HT about who to book transfers with.

I guess the other alternative would be Albuferia, We went there for the day when we were in Lagos, and the Brisas Sol looked like a good apartment block for families, right near the beach and seemed to be between the old and new towns. That is probably where I would stay if I was going to Albuferia. Brisas Sol seems to be sold through most TO's or if you are a DIYer they are on lots of the accomm only sites.

Doe

Thanks Doe. Am trying to piece it together myself, but cant get any prices for next summer, maybe Im planning a bit too far ahead

Have a look here; http://www.clubepraiadaoura.com/cpo/index_cpo.htm

Right on the beach.

Robby

Hi noods

You might be a bit early for accomm only sites for 2009. They are probably still trying to off load this summers allocations of rooms.

I didn't book the Marina Club until the March and I was travelling in the July. There was still loads of accommodation on all the sites.

I think the important thing is to get good priced flights. Algarve is brilliant for DIY.

Doe

We stayed at The Vila Petra last year just off the strip so very good for being near bars etc. Its very good for families. About a 15 min walk to the beach though.

Lummie

Im just worried that if i do get my flights sorted that I wont be able to get accomodation to suit flight dates. I want to get my flights as early and as cheap as possible!

You will always be able to find the accommodation, getting flights at the cheapest price is by far the biggest problem.

Robby

Definately flights first, there is no problem getting accomodation. Done DIY hols lots of times and always getting cheap flights is the big thing, accomodation never a problem.

Lummie

I second that info......no probs getting accomodation and I've been doing DIY hols for years!!!
Get your flights first!!!
Pat

I would recommend Santa Eulalia in Albufeira.

There's lots of good quality, reasonably priced bars and restaurants, it's a 10 minute walk to the Strip in Albufeira new town, the beach is pretty much on your doorstep, and Albufeira Old Town is also easily accessible from there.

My family and I think it's ideal - we love it!

As I said above ^^^ you have the beach, great amenities to hand, a ten minute walk to the Strip, or buses / taxi's to take you to the Old Town (5 minutes in a cab) and farther afield.

Robbie

I priced up that hotel at £1600 for a week self catering, a bit too expensive really. Was hoping to include flights in that price really. Did Majorca last yr, flights and a 2 bed apartment for just over a grand for the 5 of us.

Milly Molly, who do you book with???

noods x

Hi Noods!

We book direct with the owners via holiday-rentals.co.uk but it's only a one bedroomed apartment -
otherwise I would send you the details for you to have a look and maybe book
(Not enough room in it for 5).

Have a look on that site though because I think there are some 2 bedroomed ones advertised there.
(I might have some saved in my favourites on this pc - if I do, I'll send you the links via a private message)

There is also owners direct.co.uk and plenty more (that I can't remember off the top of my head, sorry.)

If you google for holiday rentals I am sure you will get loads of sites up for you to have a look.

Alternatively, have a look on Trip Advisor.co.uk
There is links there for you to compare prices to book via expedia/alpharooms etc.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Noods, you have a private message.

Try http://www.chooseportugal.com
http://www.holidaylets.net
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk
http://www.algarve4me.com
they all do bookings direct with the owners, lots of choice on these websites. Cheers Jayjan

Thanks Jayjan, my mind is just a blank at the moment
(I'm trying not to care about the football match that's on in the next room to me )

Hi Noods

If you book with some of the accommodation only suppliers they can have different terms and conditions. if you check their sites some may let you make alterations up till quite close to travel, only take a 10% deposit and balance due only 4 weeks before travel, whereas some may want full payment upfront. You need to do a bit of legwork to get something that suits you. Try the following :-

http://www.wshtravel.com
http://www.hotelopia.co.uk
http://www.findmeaccom.co.uk
http://www.travelrepublic.co.uk

http://www.travelsupermarket.com is a comparison site for various travel elements, but they dont search all other websites so aren't conclusive in getting the best deal, but can be useful to look at to get a view on a few prices at the same time.

For flights I would also check direct with the companys ie http://www.easyjet.co.uk , http://www.thomascook.co.uk/flights/ and any others you fancy as they can have sales, offers etc.
and their direct sell prices might be better than those on a search site.

Good Luck.

Doe

Hi, There is a bar on the Montechoro side of the strip called Absol Bar, Paulo and his wife Gry who run this bar also hire out villas and apartments that are scattered around the strip the web page is http://WWW.algareverentahouse.com
We used to go to the Thomson Superfamily Vilanova Villas and apartments which ain't too far from this bar but the Hotel now has new owners and Thomson or any other tour operator does not have this hotel availiable anymore but you could book direct http://www.vilanovaresort.com
hope this helps

Alexfan, could you check the info for the link re rentals please...It doesn't work for me.

Thanks