Do you definitely only want a T/O as opposed to DIY as alpharooms etc are taking bookings?

better with a tour operator, they had a kids club last time.
checked on alpharooms but didint come up with the vilanova.

Wonder if they're full when you want to go as they are definitely there http://www.alpharooms.com/vilanova_in_albufeira.aspx

Also hotel club http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Vilanova_Resort_Albufeira.htm

Or try direct http://www.vilanovaresort.com/en/local_information/albufeira.php

Might be worth checking out DIY if you can't book via a T/O

Yup, didnt have the dates I need(first 2 weeks in July)
Other 2 sites are very expensive! I got the full package from Thomson including fights 2 years ago,for less than what they want for an apartment alone!

Travel Republic are showing availability for early July prices from £420 for the two weeks 2 adults and 2 children, if that's any help to you.

andy

monarch website is also showing availability for first 2 weeks in July, but showing for 6 persons and not 5 in a 2 bed apartment or a villa, could there be a supplement for under occupancy, it doesnt say so though? When I checked the website I put in for 5 people and the above is what it came back with on availability.

Thompson ran the kids club. No Thompson = No kids club anymore.

That's right.

Some one complained last year (I am sure it was on this forum) that there was no childrens clubs
anymore - the main reason they had booked the VillaNova.

(May be best to check before you book or you could have some very disappointed children.... )

A friend works with the tour company that now deals with Vilanova, he had many (totally unjustified) complaints last year about the kids club. It was never mentioned in their brochure or at any point to any customer, people just assumed that it would be there without bothering to read what was available.

hi cheapest one we found was (on the beach .com)children go for free on all there hotels.booked to months ago but places going fast now.first time there,so hope you find what your ooking for.

As Addick sez, the big problem is NO KIDS CLUB (Which was run exclusive with thomsons) folks still think there is one & then they are disappointed when they get there.
I have heard on the grapevine last week from a resident(how true it is I dont know) that the owners of Vilanova are regretting what they did and have been back in touch with Thomsons asking them to come back, Thomsons have said ok we will think about it, but it has to be on their terms and prices, so we will see. Also noticed they are building new apartments/accommodation on the back half of Vilanova complex (where the old shanty used to be), some people we met said they had bought an apartment in the new area on there and were still on builders/contractors electricity (Obviously sold some of the land off). The access to it is on the road by the market (near the bull ring) just past the clock tower.Seems when the old man died who owned Vilanova, his wife took bad advice from his family & now they are realising that only the Brits bring the money in. .

jayjan wrote:

Seems when the old man died who owned Vilanova, his wife took bad advice from his family & now they are realising that only the Brits bring the money in. .

It is amazing how long it has taken for this particular penny to drop with some of the natives - roughly 40 years - now if only the stupid council would realise the same...

In fairness, the people of the Emerald Isle are also generous visitors.

Yes Addick, sorry forgot about the Irish contingency, I would say the Brits and Irish are the biggest majority of tourists arriving on the Algarve.

We would definately go back if thomsons or some other big tour operator got back on board.
It had everything we needed for a young family and perfect location. The pool and diving boards were great as well!
Here's hoping.

Heard a rumour Thompson might be getting it back, so keep your ears to the ground just in case it's true.

Don't suppose anything will happen for this season, but if you hear anything let me know please.
Leaving till last minute this year so keeping our options open.
On an other note, wonder where Dan, the head of the kids club went after vilanova stopped using thomsons?. He was worth his weight in gold

Dan is on Majorca this season at the Playa Mar hotel....Top Bloke

Unfortunately they dont seem to have 2 bed apartments there
Hopefully heading back to Albufeira this July anyway, problem is trying to find somewhere with a big pool like vilanova's. Priority is keeping the kids happy = no nipping our heads with " i'm bored" comments

Robo what about vila petra 4* just off the top half of the strip acroos the road from the big dirt carpark down a small lane http://www.vilapetra.com I dont know how big the pool or pools are there but my daughter in law has stayed there and said it is lovely.