The site is set in its own grounds and made up of various blocks of apartments of different sizes, a reception/office building, a bar and restaurant area, children’s play area and two pools spread around well manicured grounds. Twice during our stay we had a meal in the restaurant (you need to book in advance) The food, drink and service on both occasions was excellent and the value for money very good. As you would expect you will pay more in the many restaurants situated around the marina. There is plenty of parking for those that choose to have a car as part of their holiday arrangements. We were there in early season so it was very quiet and getting a sun bed by the pool was not a problem; it may be more difficult in peak season. The walk into Vilamoura takes about 15 minutes where there are supermarkets, shops and many restaurants. We had an apartment for two people which was spacious and comfortable with a good size kitchen area, clean modern bathroom and the studio style sleeping/living area. All apartments on the ground floor have outside seating areas and on other floors balconies. Ours had a small table and 2 chairs and 2 sun beds.

The site ( indeed the whole of that area) has many fir trees which give shade and add to the charm of the area. However that type of tree have very shallow roots which when growing under paths or paved areas can cause the surface to become uneven so be careful. My wife had a fall in the car park near the main reception when she caught her foot on a stone block that was a good inch higher than the ones around it. Luckily she suffered nothing worse than bruising to her arm and thigh but it could have been much worse. It didn’t detract from our holiday but be careful.

The staff were very accommodating with our request for late check out. Our flight was slightly delayed, so we arrived late at night, but the night staff welcomed us and got us settled promptly. We asked Reception to organise a taxi for us on 1 occasion, and this was no difficulty for them. Taxi company that arrived through them was very good. We availed of breakfast on only 1 morning, but this was pleasant. The hotel resort, itself, is very nice with beautiful gardens and the 2 pool areas are lovely too. The pool areas offer plenty of shaded and fully-sunshine spaces. There is a great kiddies playground, which has a trampoline, climbing wall, swings, slide all in a beautifully shaded & enclosed space. My kids enjoyed the pool table and table tennis - again, in a nicely shaded space (& not in a bar). We had a "garden view" 1-bed apartment. We had a lovely terrace to sit out, lie out and relax & enjoy the stunning gardens from. We particularly liked that the property is spread out over a generous site, with a mix of bungalow, 2-storey, 3-storey and 4-storey buildings. It does not feel crowded by buildings, but I can see that they do have a large capacity in their property. The hotel resort is in a good location of 5 mins walk to shop (which has all one could need) and 12-15 mins walk to Marina area. All-in-all, Pinhal da Marina provided us with great accommodation for a wonderful holiday. I would certainly recommend to others and would stay here again ourselves.

The temp of the pools were "fresh" ;) We were here in the very start of May, so I do imagine that this is something that does not pose a difficulty as summer arrives and temperatures increase. While I do say that the water temp in the pools was cold, it didn't deter us from swimming everyday!!

The staff are super friendly and accommodating. We travelled with our 1yr old they are definitely used to kids being around. Love the location, a short walk to amenities and marina. I know some people mentioned the hill but it's really nothing and we did everyday with a buggy. Breakfast was grand, enough options. It has two beautifully kept pools one by the restaurant and one tucked away and quieter. The room and all areas are kept very clean. The restaurant menu is small but what we ordered was lovely. We would stay here again.

The beds are just ok, not the most comfortable. The pool isn't heated and is definitely cold. However there is a local indoor heated pool at the bottom of the hill and over in the left beside the football pitches. No gluten free bread at breakfast.

Checking in was excellent. Knowledgable and super friendly staff. Apartments are basic but very clean and spacious. Beds were so comfortable. Plenty of towels etc Quite a big complex. Situated a 10/15 min walk from the Marina. So far away enough that you’re not disturbed by noise. Local Spa supermarket is a 5 min walk away. Drinks at the restaurant/pool bar were pricey. Staff there not as friendly…not rude but we’re a bit difficult about us splitting a bill and insisted we couldn’t pay for one meal and drinks using each of our cards. Never been refused that anywhere before so found that strange. I have recommended to others already and I would definitely return. Such good value for money

Staff at the restaurant were bit difficult. And the prices were quite high. Food was good though

Lovely quiet relaxing location stayed in a spacious one bedroom self catering apartment with garden view which was cleaned daily. Good sized kitchen. Loved the smaller pool which was quieter and a lovely sun trap, the larger pool is next to the bar and a bit busier. Less than a 10 min walk to the Marina. Walking distance to the local Spa supermarket. Lots of fabulous restaurants around the Marina and surrounding area.

Found the bar quite expensive so avoided it after one drink on arrival while waiting for the room to be ready. Stocked up on food and bottles of wine in the local Spa.

Good size apartments which had comfortable beds. The pool, and facilities for my children were great (small play park, table tennis, pool etc) The food at the pool was very good. Staff so helpful and professional. Only ten minute walk to Vilamoura

The lady doing the kids club was great and kids liked her but we were given a timetable of activity at the beginning of the week and she did not do any of them. All she did was arts and crafts by the pool. This was fine for a bit but there were many kids who were keen to do more stuff and my kids were bored of that after a few hours. No pool towels provided. They had run out sof them so we had to go and buy some.

Pools were great, kids pool is perfect depth, larger one beside it was little chilly at times but enjoyable. No major hassle for beds etc, everyone seemed very easy going and relaxed vibes in the resort which was lovely and great for the kids. Apartment was well resourced in terms of dishwasher, hob, Delf etc, two single beds and cot were perfect and comfy for the kids. Resort is honestly very close to Marina/vilamoura roundabouts so we cycled/ran each day comfortably, although the hill back up as mentioned by many is a bit of a kicker! We will def look to stay here again although we will request a newer/modern apartment as we felt 2303 was dated and could do with some brightening up.

We pushed sofa together in living room to make double bed for ourselves, unfortunately it was quite a worn sofa so not very comfortable for sleeping on. Air con leaked all week, and although we alerted reception to it, and a young guy came over to literally take a look, he advised someone would come in following day…. That never happened. We didn’t pursue it either to be honest but we spent so little time there during day it wasn’t a big deal. Balcony had air con leaking onto it all week and quite a few ants so we didn’t let the kids out to play on grass area etc. ideally next time we’ll request a booking in newer block.

Everything!! We had booked in to stay at another hotel in vilamoura but it was the worst so we decided to leave and had to find somewhere quickly, I booked this place within 5 minutes not realising how beautiful it would be. The apartment we got was gorgeous. Facilities for cooking were good, the cleaning ladies came and cleaned the rooms often, the staff were nice, the apartment was cosy. Perfect

Absolutely nothing!!!! :)

Perfect location couldn’t fault the apartments at all. Pools were both lovely & the apartments were so comfortable. Also less than €4 to the marina in an Uber if needed. Staff were all lovely especially Manuel in the pool bar. He was so friendly & attentive couldn’t do enough for us. The food in the pool bar is also lovely. The apartments do offer transfer to & from Faro airport. We were picked up when we arrived the driver was very friendly however Ubers are half the price.

Nothing.

so peaceful you feel at the top of a mountain. the bird song is so enjoyable, we sat by the pool most of the day. the whole place is only accessible by key card at gates and is same for apartment doors. some of the woodwork in apartments is dated and layouts are unusual but still works. ours had a beautifully modern full kitchen (oven, dishwasher and fridge freezer) which we were super excited about. modern bathroom and lounge, free WiFi with personal room code found it easy to connect to WiFi in all areas we enjoyed. receptionist was super helpful, walked us to our rooms and directed us to nearest exit to street (more than one- locked at a certain time) as I have mobility issues we were kindly located in the easiest apartment for exit, pool ect (55-02) it was near the pool but for me the outside toilets near pool are not easily accessible so used apartment toilet. there are at least two types of apartments ours look the oldest but were suitable for us. I’d mention the mattress but generally in Portugal mattresses are firmer that Uk hotels. would definitely return as it’s beautifully peaceful location (mostly residential).

I felt taken advantage of at the bar with the older staff pretending to misunderstand my order for two large soft drinks and a cap of ice, the younger staff gestured to fill a smaller cup and pour into the large cups (2) full of ice and was hushed up. I was charged for 4 soft drinks and probably has less volume as 2 small, nearly €15 for those two drinks and an ice cream. after that we went to the local spar and avoided the bar altogether. a real shame as absolutely somewhere I’d return to. we had to post the room key cards through the reception glass door as I totally forgot to ask where to leave them if we leave before it opens.