Mar e Sol Hotel Spa

Hotel is okay, nothing special but not bad either. Reception staff were terrible ! Our room was not ready at the agreed check in time - they were still cleaning and said they would need an hour. That's a little annoying but not a massive problem. But no apology from the staff, just a lazy and disinterested attitude. We were waiting in the lobby for ages and eventually i went to reception and asked is our room ready and the guy at reception said yes, it had been ready for a while. They hadn't even bothered to come and tell us and just left us sitting there. I actually complained to the hotel via email about the staff and I was told I'd been emailed to say the room would not be ready at the agreed check in time. I didn't get any email. Really poor.

The hotel was built in the Sixties and therefore is and always will be a concrete eyesore at one of the most beautiful beaches of Portugal. Still, it could be a hidden gem inside. Could, for obviously the owners miss the eye, will, know-how or love to cut this rough diamond into something better than the parody of 4 star hotel with many of the promised amenities being out of order (the jacuzzi pool or the rooftop bar), tattery (the ever squeaking toaster at the breakfast buffet is loudly praying for redemption) or in a state of coma (the spa, the gym). While we met some friendly faces amongst the staff, most of the employees seem to be as unhappy as the guests, probably for other reasons though. The worst experience we had during our stay was with the reception staff. Sadly (and as almost everywhere in Portugal), pets are not welcome in the hotel. So a local visitor left his dog attached in the plain sun for almost an hour and went in for a coffee. I asked the staff at the reception desk three times to bring the poor animal at least a bowl of water. I even would have paid and carried it myself, but my request was ignored and I was told that this dog is very happy instead (with a spiteful undertone of "mind your own business"). This insensitivity does show a lack of empathy as well as of hospitality. So while I would give 5 stars to the location, the Hotel Mar & Sol gets maximum 2 and the friendly advice to overthink their concept and values. In the meantime, I'll prefer to stay in the Joy Beach House instead and you maybe should do so too.

Overpriced and not worthy of 4 stars in our opinion. The only good thing is the location, that's it. We booked a Junior Suite and got a double room instead. We agreed on getting a phone call once our room is done, which we did not get. For our kid an extra bed was provided, which was broken and our daughter fell on the floor and hurt herself. Last but not least there was no service at breakfast whatsoever. We traveled all over Portugal and unfortunately this hotel was the poorest one of all. We will not come back again.

It's position is wonderful but it doesn't justify the cost. The rooms are clean but small, expecially the bathroom. Breakfast is ok for business.

What a dump . Everything here is bargain basement to spend as little money as possible .||Summed up by reception saying we get a free welcome drink of beer , wine or soft drinks and when you go to the bar and wait for 20 minutes it’s a small beer or soft drinks .||We opted for a gin and tonic and paid for it - branded gins on the bar shelf but girl disappeared out the back to prepare drinks . Came back and on her knees behind the bar doing ice . |Drink was grim and|No doubt cheap unbranded gin.|We went to the much promoted “sky bar” or should be called rooftop rubbish tip as you can see from photos .|Just avoid

very good hotel great and helpful staff great view from the rooms

Stayed here one night on a cycle tour and found it quiet and very comfortable, other than an unfortunate issue with the aircon not working - apparently this is being fixed. Situated right on the seafront, our room was spacious and comfortable. There’s a very nice rooftop bar and breakfast was excellent. Staff all lovely.

Really great hotel, recently refurbished & in an excellent location. Happy, helpful & attentive staff, a well stocked bar & terrific breakfast. Recommended...