Accomodation was very basic, but fairly clean.

Staff quite friendly but don't bother to eat in restaurant as it reminded us of a canteen.

Found the courtesy bus very useful.

Beach fantastic.

Would definitely return to Alvor, but not this accomodation!!!!!!

Beware, a taxi from Faro airport to this accommodation costs 70 euros!!!!!

Our apartment was spacious and perfectly adequate, meeting our expectations in terms of cleanliness and furnishings. The apartment consisted of a large lounge area with sofa, comfy chair, TV and dining table, a large kitchen area, a good sized bedroom with 2 single beds, dressing table and wardrobe, and a bathroom with bath/shower, sink, toilet and bidet. The sofa in the lounge was used for one of the beds and it had a 'drawer' that pulled out from beneath, revealing the 4th bed. Not the most comfortable of sleeping arrangements, but then nothing is as comfortable as your own bed! The view from our apartment was of other apartment blocks within the Quinta Nova complex, although there was no feeling of over-crowding as there was plenty of green grass, cobbled paving and blue sky. We had hoped for a pool view but there were no apartments with such a view.

For the first time ever, I did not suffer from an ear infection and I would credit this to the cleanliness of the pools.

The location of the Quinta Nova (QN) apartments was not ideally suited to us, because, as a family with young children, it did mean that we had to use a taxi whenever we wanted to visit the beach/harbour/town. This was an inconvenience, as with self-catering holidays, we always prefer to be within short walking distance of all local amenities and restaurants.

Staff at QN were always very helpful and courteous. The maids provided a regular and efficient cleaning service and there always seemed to be ground staff, feeding and watering the grassy areas. On the one occasion that we needed to ask for a bulb to be changed on our balcony, the task was completed almost as soon as we had requested it.

Entertainment was fine, although repetitive after the first week. We tended to eat out, (no reflection upon the QN catering, just our preference) and then come back to the complex at about 9:30 in the evening. The children thoroughly enjoyed the mini-disco's and we have some great video memories.

We wouldn't visit QN again, only because it was just too far away from the town of Alvor itself. That, of course, may make it the perfect location for some.

We have just returned from a thouroughly enjoyable holiday, staying at Quinta Nova. The apartment was basic, but fine for our needs. It was very clean, and without fail, it was cleaned regularly by friendly maids who were always smiling and were very efficient. They never touched our stuff, but alwys cleaned the floors, bathroom and stove, took out rubbish, and provided us with clean towells nearly every day.

The cmplex seemed uncrowded most of the time, I never saw one scrap of litter, and the pools were sparklingly clean. The restaurant was a little dissappointing because it was inconsistent. The buffet was very good the first time we had it, so we went again. They were running out of food. They ran out of chicken while we were having the soup. The other alternatives were fish or pork ribs. The fish was very dry and overcooked. They ran out of pork ribs and we waited for them to bring more. When they arrived, they were undercooked and inedible. I complained to the chef who was very offhand and just told me it wasn't his fault if they ran out of food. We paid 11 euros each, but didn't leave a tip.

The gym was not much good. You couldn't really call it a gym because all the equipment was broken and unsafe. However, you could play squash, table tennis, tennis and football. My son Andrew played in tornaments practically every day with other holidaymakers which they organised themselves.

The entertainment was quite good, although I only gave it three stars because it was mainly for kids, not our age group. But my kids would have loved it if thet were the right ages. The kareoke was good apart from some annoying kids who couldn't sing but thought they could! But I suppose that happens everywhere!

All in all, a grear holiday, we got out a lot, travelled around. By the way the cheapest deals for trips are found at John's Tourist Shop in Alvor. Substantially cheaper than you get from your holiday rep or from reception. I would srongly recommend the jeep safari, it was brilliant, ask John to book you with Stephan. He was fantastic, funny and knowledgable. We only did the one trip because we hired a car for most of the time. Go to the market at Quarteira on a Wednesday. It closes at two.

There is a brilliant restaurant in Montes d'Alvor called St Antonio. Much cheaper and far better than the tourist traps in Alvor. We walked out of one in Alvor because they were charging 40 euros for a bottle of wine which we only paid 12 euros for in the St Antonio. Also I got a huge bream all to myself for 8 euros. The previous day in Silves, I paid 27 euros for a similar sized fish which was split between two of us.

Nothing more to say really, but I would deinitely go to the Quinta Nova again, but I would probably try and book direct and get our own flights because I think that would be cheaper. This was an expensive holiday. We paid 535 pounds a head, but more, of caourse for food.

Kathy, Niall, Andrew and Sarah

Booked a late holiday the day before and arrived at Quintas Nova's not really sue what to expect. The Rooms are basic but roomy. The complex is a little like Butlins/Pontins not much privacy. Our week coincided with the Portugese holidays so there were loads of youths hanging about particulary in evenings. We only went to the Pool twice. There are plenty of beds but these are towelled up very early by people who don't seem to ever come to the pool, loads of beds with towells but few people. There are two pools but one of them was a nightmare with young children and teenages diving, bombing and generally pushing and splashing each other impossible to have a nice relaxing swim or even a quite read. We went to the beach most days. Beach is beautiful. We got the Courtesy bus one day (going) but it was so full that the driver refused to drive off until people got off. He then promised to come back for them. We walked after that, a nice downhill stroll through the town and a stop for breakfast was very theraputic. We got the bus back though at 4.45pm every evening - prompt and not too busy. Did not eat in the complex as people were saying the restuarant was not good. We walked into town again - a nice stroll on a cool eveing. The staff at the complex were very very helpful. The cleaning maids always pleasent and changed towells and linen nearly every day.

Went to Portugal as it was a welcome break after a very lengthy divorce. I went alone with my 3 daughters and we had a fabulous time, although I could have done without the head waiter from the restaurant asking me out, the rest of the staff were wonderful. The beds around the pool are towelled up early often by people who go away from the complex for the morning and return after dinner. The excursions from the hotel are varied and we went on five all were good value and well worth the trip. Evening entertainment was very good both for children and adults. Fridays barbecue was excellent. The location was lovely with a fabulous beach. The Cosmos rep was never there, but all the other reps were very helpful and pleasant. The one time in two weeks I did see a Cosmos rep I found him to be rude and not so pleasant. Would go here again but not with Cosmos.

On arriving at the Quinta Nova, opened the door to our apartment and the smell near knocked us out. On investigation it was found to come from the open fridge and the toilet, smell in toilet lasted whole holiday, absolutely vile first thing in the morning, no amount of toilet blocks or air freshners could mask it.

Rooms are quite basic, but roomy, and with the heat we experienced, air conditioning would be a big plus for this complex. You can hire fans from reception, but get your name down early, as it took us until the second week to obtain one.

Our apartment was facing the two bars and diner and was quite noisy until the early hours, not the fault of the Quinta Nova I might add, but other holidaymakers leaving the bars with absolutely no consideration for others. The pools were excellent and both my children enjoyed them especially the one beside the 5 a side football pitch and tennis courts, they were occupied most of the day.

Portugese staff run the childrens entertainment and could not be faulted. Where they got the energy from I dont know.

The complex is set out of Alvor itself but it is not to far that you cant walk, it is a pleasant stroll, a taxi will cost you 5 euros. All in all I can say I enjoyed my stay and would return but not for a few years, hopefully they will have air conditioning in the rooms, but I doubt it.

A small note about the on-site supermarket. Its worth a visit if only to meet the most ignorant and grumpiest women in the Algarve. To them its a major crime if you do not have the correct money, and I had many a chuckle winding them up with a 50 euro note for a small bottle of water.

We had a 4 day break, just as the start of the season,
it was clean and tidy, although our room could have been better with a lick of paint.

Its a massive complex and further building works are being under taken near both of the swimming pools, most of which I suppose will be complete by the start of the main season...........we arrived at midday and our room was not ready for the planned 2pm...more like 4pm.

Would not rule out a return but we seldom do so even if we enjoy things.theres too many places to travel to in our minds