Hotel berhampiran Reserva Natural de Costa da Fragata, Santa Maria

The official rating of this hotel is 4 stars, and with a bit of cosmetic upgrading and better staffing in the kitchen, I could see it reaching that level (it seems like it may have once been a real 4 star). As it was, the room quality itself was more 3 star, and the outside area was 4 stars. We had a 'deluxe sea view' with no terrace. There was lots of rough paintwork and lack of maintenance on the small details in the rooms, but overall it was fine, with a huge comfy bed and a nice shower and a lovely view out the window. Unfortunately the entry was at the street side of the hotel which was our smoking area, and that view was just the dirt road and some houses. Overall we would stay here again as the room was fine, the staff were great, the pool area was amazing, nobody had any screaming kids (very quiet and peaceful, great for couples) and while the beach required stepping over rocks, it also had the best snorkeling area with the most fish. Another sandy beach with less fish and two beach bars is a 3 minute walk away, and the main ***** with the main beach is a 10 minute walk (that one is useless for snorkeling but great for swimming). Besides snorkeling, it's also a preferred spot for wind surfing. We happened to try the hotel restaurant on a really bad night apparently, we waited an hour for our seafood paella which was average quality but double the price of the ***** restaurants. However, according to the other patrons who did all inclusive, the service was usually much faster. and the food usually much better. We did also have burgers for lunch one day, and those were expensive but very nice. Breakfast was included in our stay and it had an extensive and delicious continental selection, plus hot eggs and bacon on order, always very fast. The staff were super attentive and completely on their game, absolutely fantastic service. We got a great deal on a package holiday with LoveHolidays, so for the price we were very happy and would definitely stay again.

Super clean hotel with the most amazing staff. Breakfast didnt have a lot of vegetarian options but it was okay. The hotel is situated in a local area which was amazing. Thank you for making our stay amazing! Hope to see you again in the future! 3 girls from Holland :)

One of the best hotels we’ve stayed in. True family hotel with roots in the community stretching back generations. The restaurant was fantastic (breakfast did get busy) but the staff were brilliant. The beach bar was so chilled out. The live music was a real treat and each night was live and felt very special. But the setting….omg. I challenge anyone to sit in the bar / restaurant and look around you and not be in love with your surroundings….. There are some really Kak reviews on here about this place. If you like your big corporates with rows of deck chairs, expensive restaurants and looking down your nose then don’t bother. On the other hand, if your a lover of trying quality local food, kicking back with a view to die for and feeling the vibe of ‘no stress’ around the pools then try it….

Have stayed before and gave in 4* Was bit disappointed this time Paid extra for pool view as last time was kept awake by Pirate disco. Were initially shown to top floor room directly opposite disco. We asked to be moved and were given a room by the pool. This smelt of damp and there was a large patch of mould on the wall. The toilet leaked water from the back. There was not hot water for the full week. The sunbeds were all reserved by 8am-luckily few guests knew about the upstairs terrace which was great. Breakfast was very good but chaotic constantly running out of everything. The evening meal was ok but service was terribly slow-the poor water was rushed off his feet doing everything. We ate out the other nights and there are loads of good restaurants in 2 mins walk Its basically a decent value hotel with great staff and a fab location 3mins from pier and beach--would I go again ?? --probably. If you want 5* you can probably get in an AI out of town --but you will miss so much.

We stayed for 1 week end of August, beautiful hotel. Room had 2 double beds, large seating area and balcony, air con and 2 large water added daily. Bathroom was big and spacious, Toiletries offered are Crabtree and really lovely. We ate once in the buffet restaurant which was good but the best is the Bounty Beach Club, amazing food in a beautiful setting. Beautiful hotel with exceptional service.

Super Service, viel Sportangebot, toller Stand! Kann ich jedem nur empfehlen.

The complex are blocks of apartments that are mainly for self catering. It was quite a distance from airport costing 20 euros by taxi. Check in was a lengthy process with little info on the resort surrounding area, apart from shuttle bus time table. There was no local public bus information regarding destination and timetable, which would have helped us a lot. We were very impressed with the spacious suite of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and through lounge with large balcony to the rear, overlooking the pool and another large balcony to the front. Ironing board and iron, hairdryer, showers were effective with good temperature control, air conditioning units. Everything spotless, clean towels when needed, towels for pool supplied. Free shuttlebus service to town, capital city or the beach. There is a bank on site as well as a supermarket, coffee shop, restaurant and small bar. We were half board basis and were very disappointed with the choices of the buffet dinner each night plus the food was cold. We did report this after our first meal but nothing was done - still cold each night!. Breakfast had the same choices each morning but was ok. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout. Overall, our stay was enjoyable with impressive suite of rooms but was marred by the dining experience.

Here at present. Hotel is definitely not a 4* Tui or 5*Riu More like 3* old and in need of upgrade. Worn wooden furniture in rooms, holes in curtains, towels small and thin. Cracks in sink & shower base. Toilet flush iffy. Fire notice on reverse of door is glow in the dark so never fully dark bedroom. Toilet and shower have doors but wash area is open plan to the bedroom. Room has tape on smoke alarm for unknown reason. Maintenance informed but yet to visit. Wardrobe is rail behind dusty beaded curtain. Buffet restaurant - near reception is the better and more hygienic one with less flies hovering over open food. Very repetitive despite lots of choice. Pizza, pasta,burgers & hotdogs available lunch & dinner plus fresh cooked meats and fish. Very odd veg options but then as usual these become salad leftovers for next meal. Fill up at breakfast as lunch is a disappointment in my opinion. Bookable restaurants give a bit of respite from the monotony of sameness. Steak restaurant is the poolside restaurant for evening. After queuing for each sitting it's a set menu with entree choice. Starter and dessert are pre picked selection delivered to each table. Asian restaurant is self service buffet style - best thing is the hot tempura prawns although limited to batch cooking before they are swarmed upon by diners. Trying A La Carte this evening House keeping staff are very good albeit quite late in the day to our room. Bar staff friendly enough - more so if tipped. Catering staff helpful when asked. As the hotel is getting busier sunbed scramble has started in the mornings. Drinks are unbranded spirits and typical of 3*all inclusive. Very disappointed in the cocktails as they are all premade from dispensers. ”Mojito” is fresh but depending on bar tender either too sharp or too weak. House wine & draught lager on taps - not the best. Wine is better in themed restaurants. Coffee is best from machine rather than pot at breakfast - tip is to take in with you from reception. Pool is lovely and cool - cleaned regularly. Beach is short walk - white sand, crystal water, great waves but beware strength of tide pull. Beach bar is poor with no tables or chairs. Beer, water or soft drinks only. Weather is awesome for a November break 6hrs away - less hectic than Canaries but also less developed. Haven't ventured out on trips so can't comment on the island or safety. PS. bring your own books as no holiday left behind library. A couple of little boutique shops in hotel, souvenirs, flipflops, bags etc Crisps, snacks & toiletries. Couple of mozzie bites but nothing overwhelming. Other little insect nibbles which are annoying but don't last. Not too bad for a week in the sunshine with no expectations of luxury. Check round for bargain rates as too pricey for a 3* hotel value wise.