The ampalius, vilamoura

flew into faro extremely late and seriously tired, on opening the door of our room at one in the morning we were delighted by what we saw. slept well in comfortable beds, waking to the most beautiful views across the beach, outer harbour, and a peek at the marina. got the setting sun each evening after wonderful springlike days in jan! the room had pretty much everything, very spacious, well furnished, tv (sky, bbc etc) seating area with great views, large balcony. you might take a travel kettle though, strange that.

the breakfast buffet was spectacular. hard to imagine the hot or cold range of foods on offer would not please all. staff were all friendly, very efficient. all areas of the hotel were clean and tidy, decor fine. most facilities are extra, the gym needs more kit. forget it, walk across the front to quartiera, or down around the marina, huge choice of restaurants, variable, but as you might expect.

vilamoura is BIG on golf, and boats!

the ampalius was excellent, fabulous position, the best of locations. will be going again for sure.

AMPALIUS HOTEL REVIEW - SEPT/OCT 2004

The hotel enjoys a wonderful location, and I would recommend taking a room with a sea view. Breakfast is buffet style, and is a bit of a scrummage with people almost fighting over the fried eggs. The hotel coffee shop sells good food, but it is more expensive then the over 100 restaurants that are in the main area of Vilamoura (around the Marina).

The pool is kept very clean and the pool area is always kept tidy by Gil the pool attendant. Take your own beach towel to avoid the 1.5euro per day towel hire charge.

The hotal does have a helth spa but they do charge for absolutely everything including the jacuzzi at 7.5 euros a session, and they charge 10 euros to play putting on their putting green.

The bell boys were conspicuous by their absence and we had to cart our own bags up to and down from the room. Also there are no tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms despite it being a 4 star (allegedly) hotel.

Good hotel, good location, lots to eat for breakfast

Hotel is right next to the beach, has a good pool area and lots of sunbeds (we were there in September though) Rooms were nice, reasonably spacious, clean, good TV(BBC1 ann BBC2) and air con and generally the hotel was a good standard. Breakfast is very varied and there was lots to eat, all a good standard we thought and even enough to take a couple of rolls for lunch!!

Quick walk to the marina which is lovely, some nice restauratns (Old Navy/Bella Italia) and fab at night to sit and people watch.

On the downside, lifts are a bit manky and small and you do ahve to pay to use the gym, tennis courts and sauna which is a bit annoying.

All in all nice area, great beaches and evening entertainment

Great location

Visited Vilamoura for our 2nd time on 10th July 04 for one week. We love this resort. First time at the Ampalius - the hotel is in a great location, only a few steps from the beach and only 2 mins from the fab Marina. Hotel was immaculate, our sea view room was large, clean & modern (definitely worth the little extra money). Staff friendly and helpful. Indoor pool/gym both very small, but we didn't use them as the weather was scorching, so spent most of the time on the beach or around the pool. (Be aware beds on beach cost 7-8 Euro per day). I would strongly recommend the Bello Italian on the Marina, we ate there 4 nights out of 7! - great food/value/service. We would recommend this hotel - mainly for its great location.

Very good all round

Was a bit wary after reading some of the reviews, but found the hotel every bit as good as i expected a 4* should be. They had all new sunbeds and lots of them delivered whilst we were there. Hotel very clean, breakfast excellent choices. Beautiful room overlooking the sea with settee. Also no noise at night!

Great hotel.

This hotel is brilliant. Sun Terrace, Pool, views of the sea. The entertainment in the bar is very civilised and relaxing. The breakfast sets you up for a good days golf. Can't wait to go back.

Hated it!

thought the hotel was terrible. Staff were very unfriendly, not impolite but very abrupt. and unhelpful. Have no idea how the hotel gains its 4 star - it was hideously out of date decor-wise, dirty and really not very plesent at all. You could not use any of the facilitises unless you paid. Pools you had to buy a swimming hat for and rent a towel. The Spa & sauna was 7.50 euros a go. No porter to be seen. Lift had a emergency phone in it - which was disconnected with the wires hanging out. I would advise you stay in bed and miss breakfast - awful!

Vila Gale Ampalius

Spent Christmas and New Year at the Ampalius. Fantastic hotel and a lovely room on the second floor and when we opened the balacony curtains there was a fantastic view of the beach and sea ony about 100 yards away. There was not a great deal to do in Vilamoura, mostly everything happens around the marina. Beibg Christmas the public transport was worse thatn a Sunday service at home. Although it was a lot cheaper than going on the organised visit to the local shopping centre in Faro, plus the fact we made it into Faro itself. The area is very popular for storks and their nest were all over the place. We went on an organised trip of the Western Algave and really enjoyed it. Our guide was very informative. New Years Eve we were invited to a 5 course meal dinner at the hotel for FREE followed by fireworks to see the New Year in. Excellent restauarants in the Marina, best meal and service was at the "Tai Tai" Chinese. Hotel staff very efficient and welcoming. Entertainment every night in the hotel. Overall impression was the Vilamoura is too quiet. Great place for golfers as some of the courses looked fantastic. Unfortunately we were non golfers.

Excellent hotel

Having visited Portugal on six occasions, during which time I have stayed at the Atlantis Hotel, Vilamoura, and the Hotel Delfim in Alvor both of which are very good hotels I have no hesitation in recommending the Ampalius Hotel in Vilamoura to anyone.The Rooms, restaraunt and bar areas are brilliant. All the staff were smartly dressed and the service was excellent. My visit was my autumn holday so I did not take advantage of the excellent pool and sports facilities. I had a sea view room, which had the best sea view I have enjoyed in my 15years of continental travel. This gave me the opportunity of witnessing the Atlantic Ocean in Autumn mood. The proximity of the Hotel to Vilamoura Marina is excellent, the terrain is flat and suitable for any age group. This is the first time I have felt that I should comment on any accomodation I have visited. I will be returning to the Ampalius Hotel in the future. To all of the Staff at The Ampalius Hotel thank you for a perfect holiday, Merry Christmas

Fantastic Holiday

Hotel was lovely in a great position on the beach and really close to the marina, only 5 mins to the restuarants/ bars. Rooms were fine, get a room overlooking the marina, you'll also get a view of the beach thrown in! Definately go back to resort and hotel. Book your golf through the hotel it is a lot cheaper.