Sol e Mar is in a wonderful position in the old town of Albufeira. It is under the tunnel and on the prom - I think all rooms have a sea view.
You can walk out of Reception and you are in one of the main streets which leads to many lanes full of great restaurants/bars etc so
I would recommend just booking bed and breakfast.
No buses, cabs, aching feet etc to worry about - just where your next drink stop will be!

Forte do Vale apartments are midway between the old town and strip, about 3/4 mile from either and there's a bus along the road every half hour if you need.

It gets good reviews and I have been speaking with people this week who are enjoying a long stay there.

Only slight drawback is the distance (1/2 mile or so) to the beach and the fact that it is steep hill to walk back up.