hi lynn welcome to HT.. have you checked out the hotelreviews forum yet?? you will find this one in the Algarve section

wizard

Have booked to stay at this hotel for xmas and we have just returned from Albufeira where we went and had a look at them. They are in a quiet spot with only a couple of pubs nearby(Floyd's Bar is about 10mins away) between the old town (about 15 mins walk downhill) and the strip but less than a 5mins walk to the tourist train and taxi rank which can take you to both for a couple of euros. Mcdonalds and KFC are also 5mins away.
As reports say, they are rated a 4 star but they are probaby only a good 3 star but they do look good and are in a nice central spot.
We booked this hotel for the new year period through http://www.freedomdirect.co.uk for a total of £63 for 4 of us in a 1 bed apartment so could be worth looking at the website.

Thanks for that. Can anyone recommend some accommodation a little more central with plenty going on especially on a night time.

Not looking for night clubs but pubs/restaurants within easy reach of accommodation.

The Ouratlantico apartments at the bottom of the strip are in a quiet spot but only 2 mins walk to the strip & 5 mins to the beach and were very spacious and clean. Booked thro First Choice but also available on any accommadation only website.

I have stayed at the perola I found them ok but definately not a four star hotel. Bit of a smelly area with loads of bins around but quite good location near to old town and the strip. They have a small bar with shows and karoke etc everynight. If you get it cheap id go for it but we paid £1000 for 2 which is way too much. I love Albuferia though!