Yummy.. it dose hold an official 4 star rating

wiz

Oh does it? That's great

I'm having a look at transfers from the airport and Travel republic are charging 11pounds return per person.

Having looked at getting the bus, it seems too much of a hassle so might just go with shared shuttle with TR.

Suggestion - Travel Republic often use big coaches and it is physically impossible for them to get within 300 yards or so of the Sol E Mar, so you have to walk the last bit. They may also be dropping off a lot of people before you, so it might take a long time.

If you are not happy about that prospect, try one of the private transfer companies eg

http://www.yellowfishtransfers.com
http://www.bravotur.com
http://www.algarve-365.com
http://www.dailytours.com

They use minibuses, will be door to door and cost only about 4 Euros per head more. Average travel time 40 minutes.

As for restaurants, this is quite hard to recommend as a lot of places close down for the winter after this month.

Just down the steps from Sol e Mar is Casa da Fonte, which gets good comments. Not far away along the clifftop road near the new beach lift is O Penedo, a bit pricey but a nice view over the bay. If it's open that is. A bit further down that same road is A Tasquinha do Rossio a small mainly locals place that has been getting extremely good reviews elsewhere from the ex-pats and regular visitors.

You will spot several others close to Sol E Mar, but it is a question of who will be open. Probably best to have a nose around on your first night.

Down in the old town square, 3 minutes walk, there are always a couple of the steakhouse type places that stay open all year round.

I hope that helps.

just back from the sol e mar,no complaints whatsoever.
We go every year in september and although the food isn't the best we have tasted its enough.
The view from the rooms are unbeatable, overlooking the beach and the sunsets are awesome.
The rooms are comfortable with a fridge and they will give you a kettle if asked.
The staff are lovely and I am sure you will have a fantastic time.
Jeanie

Thank you to you both, you've been a big help

Yummy,
Sounds like you have a similar deal booked to us, we have 5 nights at the Brisa Sol in November booked through Travel Republic. On the subject of transfers Cubsur offers some excellent advice as always but we opted for the Travel Republic transfers, ours are costing £10pp return. Price is obviously excellent and in the past we have used these with no issues (I can't remember the actual supplier) and never experienced the long waits, large amount of time spent on coach etc so I was happy to go with it again. To be honest the coach transfer is part of my holiday if it takes 30 mins or an hour it's all part of the fun. Nothing will ever touch 2.5hr transfer both ways in Corfu.

It is my birthday on the 16th which is the main reason we are travelling so hoping there are enough bars and restaurants open to have some fun. I have already had a lot of information from Cubsur and others on other forums so it looks promising.

Roll on 12th to Stansted and then 13th for our 4th trip to Albufeira.

Ju