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Vale do Lobo

Tourist attraction Resort hotel Sports complex Golf course Real estate consultant

One of the Best Places To Visits in Almancil


Address

Vale do Lobo, Resort Turístico de Luxo, S.A, 8135-864 Faro, Portugal

Website

www.valedolobo.com

Contact

+351 289 353 000

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.2K reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: golf (30) resort (25) service (15) staff (15) stay (14) courses (12) good (11) beach (11) play (11) great (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Jeremy F. 1 year ago on Google
    Do not stay here unless you go in with very low expectations. While the grounds are nice, the service and facilities make for a terrible experience. The main pool is accessible to people who are not guests of the resort (if they pay) and so it is overrun. As a result, you will find it difficult to get a chair/bed by the pool when you go. The pool is also advertised as an "adult pool" on their website but had many children every day that we went. The shuttle service that takes you around the resort is very inconsistent - there were multiple times where no one answered the phone call to request the shuttle, and so we had to walk 30-40 mins after waiting about 15 minutes for the phone line in vain. The shuttle drivers often did not slow down over speed bumps, which made for a chaotic and unpleasant ride that could easily have caused passengers an injury. Also, most of the shuttle drivers were unfriendly (e.g., not saying hello or goodbye or communicating in any way really) and did not open/close doors or attempt to help us with our luggage when checking in. We also had an unpleasant experience at the tennis club. When we were abruptly told to switch courts, we checked in with a staff member at the tennis club reception named Nicolo, who told us guests can only use courts for an hour. When we told him this was frustrating to hear now as he had not explained this previously, he laughed at us. We were surprised how rude he was to us. It was a very strange interaction all around. Most of the services advertised on their website are contracted out to other vendors. That includes the pool, tennis club, shuttle service, etc. Therefore, when we brought our concerns to the resort reception, they said there was nothing they could do because our complaints were with the other vendors. This seems like an unfair catch 22 - they advertise these services and facilities on their website (misleadingly so) to entice you to stay there but then wash their hands of any complaints about them. On top of that, the director who was supposed to respond to our concerns (Suzanna Gaspar) has not followed up with us at all after several days. I'd rather stay at a similarly priced hotel nearby and pay to use this resort's pool, or pay a bit more to stay at a better run resort, than stay at Vale do Lobo again. Definitely skip this one if you want to have a relaxing vacation. (​I have never complained about a resort/hotel stay before; but, this was such a unpleasant experience, with misleading advertising, that I had to share so others are aware). EDIT: To respond to the owner's message below: we stayed at your resort for three days and expressed our concerns to the front desk on the second day. I think it's reasonable to wait a day or two to see if things will improve. I'm not sure why you found it necessary to argue this point, especially when you did not address the substance of our concerns during or after our stay, or even in your response to my review. It suggests to me that you are not interested in being responsive to, or making changes based on, guest concerns.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Stuart S. 2 years ago on Google
    We played as a group of 8, we were treated poorly by the staff starting at check in and finishing at beers after the round. It pitches itself as premium experience. Could not get a beer on the course despite being told to call for the buggy (we phoned twice). Need to sharpen their customer service, not worth €150 with buggies.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vio L. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the most clean and absolut beautiful places for a vacation in Portugal. We loved it so, so much!!! You feel like you are in a private rich area and it feels good to be there. Absolutely recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olga A. 11 months ago on Google
    One of my favourite places in Algarve, especially beach. Great restaurants, live music, fantastic sandy beach, beautiful grounds and golf courses, fabulous villas! Just drive around and enjoy scenery! I love to go to the beach there!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shane J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great golf course (Royal) and facilities. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to play the Ocean course. Practice facilities are good too and the staff are helpful too. Drinks buggy offers a good range of drinks, offered food too but not sure what as we did not eat. Really enjoyed the Royal course, greens were true and the course played well (I didn't 😅)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tom B. 10 months ago on Google
    Played a round of golf and every staff member we came across was extremely rude and unhelpful. I get the impression that if you’re not a member, but a paying guest - they’ll treat you like dirt. At one point one of the cart people called Bruno wouldn’t give us any ice, once we got our own he started shouting at us! There are plenty of great courses to go to in the area, I strongly recommend avoiding this club. Don’t know about the hotel, but if the staff are similar it’s worth avoiding My dad also became ill so told the club he was unable to play. They have not refunded him despite providing a signed doctors note.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter S. 2 years ago on Google
    We played at Ocean golf course Vale Do Lobo. Not only was the golf course in superb condition the views while we were playing where spectacular. My playing partners got a bit annoyed as I kept taking photographs. We were keeping up with the golfers in front so I was not to worried. We are booking another golf holiday to Portugal next year and this golf course is definitely on the list.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 murray k. 1 year ago on Google
    Stayed on the estate a few times but never the hotel decided to try it this year, really nice, staff very pleasant and helpful breakfast was excellent something for everyone, dining in the restaurant in the evening was also a joy, pool was enjoyed by many and an excellent size for the morning keep fit swimmers, plenty sunbeds for the sun worshiping, has a tennis court though I never saw it in use maybe to early in the season. Had a golf course viewing room so sun in the morning shade in the evening classic room, so not one of the refurbished rooms but fine for me, overall I enjoyed my stay and would hope to return in the future as the location is excellent . 😎
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David N. 1 year ago on Google
    World Cup to the right. World Class View to the left. (See pictures from our table). Sushi excellent as was the service. Family and Friendly ambiance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jessie J. 1 year ago on Google
    Just returned from my two week vacation in Portugal and this is the only resort that didn’t impress me with its hospitality. After a long drive in the rain from Sintra, we arrived at the hotel around 2:15pm. We were looking forward to a warm bath but were told our apartment is not ready. Our request for an upgrade was also coldly rejected (and we somehow didn’t believe that there were no more vacancies during this slow season). No attempts were made to give us any help. They insisted that check-in is 5pm though my membership status allowed me for early check-in. And an email notification of the readiness of the room never came… At the end, we had to change our plans and checked in at almost 11pm. Definitely not 5-star service!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 dave h. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a Golf and hotel resort with 2 stunning courses: The Ocean and The Royal. The whole golf operation is extremely professional including: buggy hire, tee time bookings, practice facilities, and bar and restaurant area. We did not stay at the hotel.

  • 5/5 Dillydear B. 6 months ago on Google
    Wow, what a place to stay. Secure, luxurious and in November it's warm and sunny.

  • 5/5 Gerrit S. 2 years ago on Google
    An outstanding place to play golf. On the ocean view course I'd recommend an orientation pole on the top of the hills on the second 9. A good helpful tool for newcomers and improves safety in regards to straying balls. Highly recommended 🙋‍♂️🇳🇱🏌️‍♂️🇩🇪

  • 1/5 Ben C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very poor customer service. Emailed the course prior to coming on a stay and play trip to confirm that they had Left Handed stiff golf clubs as included in the deal. Received confirmation that the clubs would be there for me. When I arrived I was given a set of high handicap clubs with regular shafts, the cart boys said we don’t do stiff shafts in LH, so went to speak with reception and their response was “oh well that’s all we have I can put you in touch with a rental company of you want to hire some”. Explained that it was confirmed but they didn’t care. Also the deal was “unlimited golf”, however all our tee times were 1:30pm and they wouldn’t change any to enable us to play more. When we finish in good time and wanted to go out for a few more holes. When asking reception we were made to feel like the biggest pain in their as$ for asking, lady even rolled her eyes at me. Clearly they don’t care if you actually enjoy your stay when they already have their money. Very much the impression they get enough business that it doesn’t matter about making customers want to visit again. Very disappointing as I’d always wanted to play Vale do Lobo, and had planned to buy some merchandise from the shop to remember the trip before going out, decided not to as I wouldn’t want to put any more money their way and give them free advertising. If you’re reading this looking for a golf trip I’d think about one of the other options.

  • 5/5 Gina B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a lovely resort, located in Vale De Lobo, open to those who want to be a part of the luxurious community. They have a beautiful golf course, you can rent clubs and they have golf carts "buggies" available. The ambiance is lovely. They have hookahs available, a full bar, food and drinks. I tried the hot chocolate with almond milk, which tasted good but needed more chocolate. The wait staff was attentive and friendly. The bar was relatively busy at the time.

  • 5/5 Sean 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent service and well-priced. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the Algarve to the full. There's lots to do, including golf, tennis and even an excellent grand piano in the spikes lounge (for those who enjoy playing). I will be sure to stay here again when I’m next in the Algarve.

  • 5/5 Gordon R. 1 year ago on Google
    My review is if the golf course / club, not of any associated accommodation. Recently back from a trip to Portugal where I played numerous courses between Faro and Lagos. Last minute decision to play the Royal Course at VdL and it was the best of a great bunch. Things I thought were great about it: 1. The staff in the bar and restaurant, the ‘Spike Bar’ were so happy, friendly and helpful. 2. The course is insanely good. I’ve played quality golf courses across the continents, and this was genuinely one of my favourites. So many great holes, including the 16th which is in the top 5 holes I’ve ever played. 3. Incredible value at €60 for a ‘sunset’ round including buggy. Which did mean that we played 17 and 18 in the dark, but who cares! We got to play 1-16 in the light for an obscenely small amount of money. 4. Bang for buck, the food was the best we had, having had 7 lunches at 7 courses. I loved this place so much, that I genuinely considered whether I should move my Mediterranean base there. Had a look at property prices when I got back to the clubhouse though, and realised that the sale of my vast frontline 5 bed / 5 bath on one of Southern Spain’s best courses, would allow me to buy a 3 bed fixer upper apartment on VdL. So I’m not moving there! But I’ll be back to play the Ocean, and the Royal with my kids soon. Well done to the management, for providing a great golf and F&B experience 👍😘🇵🇹

  • 5/5 The r. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience, highly recommended! Shuttle in the resort 24/7, very secure and quiet, tennis, golf, restaurants and parking. The beach was around 15-20 mins walking, 5 mins driving.

  • 5/5 Mike 1 year ago on Google
    Played both the Ocean and Royal courses as a guest. Absolutely fantastic both courses with great restaurant ..shop..bar..and other facilities.

  • 5/5 Gary B. 1 year ago on Google
    When we turned up at reception we were informed the villa we booked had a broken toilet and they were upgrading us to another villa. The villa we stayed in was brilliant. A 5 minute walk to the beach. There are a wide variety of bars and restaurants in the resort. All of which are on the expensive side, but what you'd expect on a resort like this, if you'd prefer some better quality food at a more reasonable price I'd recommend an uber to Quarteria or Almancil where there are some lovely restaurants (Morufo 1 or Pizzeria Casavostra). The resort is immaculate and the golf courses the best I've played. There's a free minibus which will take you anywhere on resort which is really useful. I'd recommend getting it to Julia's where there are some brilliant beach bars and restaurants a lot cheaper and better then on resort with access straight onto the beach.

  • 2/5 Dav g. 10 months ago on Google
    Not good value for money and beware, check in is at 5 pm but check out by 11am. Resort is very big and to move around you need a shuttle bus or drive.

  • 1/5 Sonya C. 1 year ago on Google
    My review is based solely on the restaurant after a round of golf. Absolutely awful service. The lady in charge could not have been more useless and indifferent if she tried. Fine with select customers of which we weren’t one of them. Would not recommend unless you are the chosen ones

  • 2/5 Stephani S. 9 months ago on Google
    I hadn't seen to Vale do Lobo since they enlarged Sandbanks and replaced the wonderful Papagallo with a very odd restaurant called "Well". A Caesar salad was €28. No more gazpacho. Mostly sushi. They have also removed the best newsagent I often frequented. Sandbanks did offer a Caesar with chicken (and ham) for €16 but it was mostly arugula. I didn't finish it. The service was wonderful and efficient considering the masses of tourists they have to put up with. It has the feeling of being on a giant cruise ship.

  • 2/5 King H. 6 months ago on Google
    Staff thought I lost the 2nd key. I told them I only got 1 key. The man was rude and made me go back to my villa so I wasn’t able to warm up for golf like I arrived 45 minutes early to do. They found the key and weren’t even that sorry. Golf course pics are way better than the actual course. The greens were in poor condition and you never got to see the cliff you see online. It’s a nice course but I will go somewhere else next time.

  • 5/5 Harry B. 2 years ago on Google
    Brilliant golf course with some exceptional views on the back 9. Technically very challenging in places! I would advice considering hiring a buggy or trolley as there was a lot of walking between holes. Feedback to the course would be to improve the signposting between some of the holes, as there were a few where the direction of the next hole was not obvious having not played there before. Otherwise thoroughly enjoyed myself.

  • 5/5 gary s. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice people great place to relax 2 fabulous golf courses

  • 5/5 Brian H. 2 years ago on Google
    We love all the algarve. We normally stay in the Falesia hotel at Acoutia, but the virus has stopped that for the last two years. Due to the uncertainty of covid there, we shared a fantastic villa with our son and his family and had a great time. The portugese people are so nice and friendly and they take lots of precautions against the virus. We would love to go again soon but the trouble getting all the paperwork sorted was horrendous. We are both in our 80s and without our grandchildrens help, we would never have made it. Oh for boarding pass and passport only hols, please come back soon. B.

  • 4/5 Richard B. 2 years ago on Google
    The negative is a shelving beach, otherwise a really pleasant resort.

  • 5/5 Nigel O. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely course (Royal). Good pace of play (3:45) on twilight green fee. Helpful and friendly staff too

  • 4/5 geoff K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great holiday course, v tight fairways and a lot of walking between holes. Worth playing just for the iconic16th par 3, in fact all the par 3s are classic golf holes.

  • 5/5 Andy B. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place, great Golf, scenery and facilities. Some of the houses are out of this world

  • 5/5 Scott P. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly accommodating staff course in lovely condition

  • 5/5 Bruce G. 2 years ago on Google
    Totally unique experience. Never fails

  • 5/5 Christina M. 2 years ago on Google
    Have stayed in VDL 4 times and found all the amenities first class, would highly recommend to friend and friends, we hope to gong again next year.

  • 4/5 Laurie A. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an excellent organisation but if there is a criticism of the place it maybe that it is too popular and I found the course rather care worn. Many pitch marks unrepairable as an example not what you would expect from a top class course.

  • 1/5 George B. 2 years ago on Google
    Staff appalling attitude problem. Poor customer service . Golf centre staff. Highly recommend all other resorts in the region Except this one!!! Palmaraes great. Espiche great. Faldo brilliant. Everywhere apart from here.

  • 5/5 Malcolm M. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent resort we stayed in a private villa and had a fantastic time. Not too sure about all the choices of live bands at the praca

  • 5/5 Prateek M. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely resort with amazing facilities and restaurant options. The apartment we got was thought out to the smallest detail, we received a basket with essentials. The apartment, resort and beach were very clean and the staff was always accommodating and helpful. The free shuttle bus service that ran throughout the resort 24/7 made it easy to get around the resort, from the beach and restaurants. Would definitely come here again, but would book the apartment with a jacuzzi as it was too cold to use the private pool in November.

  • 5/5 Ken W. 2 years ago on Google
    Whether you are looking for a vacation, staycation or a new home in the Algarve you should consider Vale do Lobo. We lived here for almost two years and loved it. The community is ideal for families and groups of all sizes. It is safe, quiet, and dog friendly. There are loads of activities to do as well. The beaches are amazing and the 36 hole golf course is pristine. There are also restaurants, bars, mini golf, walking/jogging trails, a spa, a pharmacy, and much more. There is also a grocery store located just outside the grounds. We will certainly return.

  • 3/5 Paul K. 2 years ago on Google
    I played the Ocean course and was a little disappointed. The greens just didn't seem to roll well and a lot of the holes seemed to be slotted in amongst real estate. Some really good views on those holes running down to and along the sea though.

  • 1/5 Jane R. 2 years ago on Google
    The service at Spikes has really gone down hill since our last visit before lockdown, and the staff at the proprietor's club are not helpful for villa owners and rude on social media. They were no help at all during lockdown when UK owners couldn't visit their homes. A lot of the best restaurants have gone out of business or left. Ken Lo's Memories of China, La Place to mention a few. Barringtons has been left to rot and makes the neighbourhood look very shabby. The service has declined rapidly over the last twenty years. They are still using noisy quad bikes for security when Quinta do Lago have very sensibly moved on to electric cars. Vale do Lobo need to up their game or more people will sell up. It isn't the luxury resort it used to be!

  • 4/5 Roelof V. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful golf course. Lots of challenges, but not too difficult. Driving range was a bit disappointing (up to iron 9, no more). Nice views from the restaurant terrace.

  • 1/5 Tiphaine L. 2 years ago on Google
    Worst customer experience ever: we cannot pay online because their website encounter countless errors. Once arrived on site we have to wait in a queue for 35 mins, the girl at the counter makes you pay for a buggy even though you didn’t ask for it. Then I cannot accompany the player because I don’t wear a poloshirt, this is written in a little sentence on the website so if you don’t read every little sentence then you cannot play / walk on the course. Don’t go there, there are plenty of golf courses with way better customer experience than these jokes.

  • 4/5 Caique B. 1 year ago on Google
    We rented a house for 1 week at the Vale do Lobo resort. The house was nice, clean and spacious but the beds were not so good. We also requested a double bed but got 2 single beds instead. The staff was friendly and there is a shuttle service 24h to help you move around inside the resort. The beach of the resort was beautiful and not crowded, perfect spot for watching the sunset. There is also a supermarket with ATM in the area, what is really handy. The location is also good if you are by car (15min from Vilamoura).

  • 5/5 peter k. 1 year ago on Google
    The place is nice, super apartments and very helpful staff. My son really loved the pool and the poolside restaurant named “Well” was fantastic and had an out-of-this-world DJ + indigenious percussionist performing every afternoon 🥳

  • 5/5 Ninos M. 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautiful place. We had some drinks / cocktails and smoked a water pipe at this restaurant/cafe/bar. The trees are looking amazing at night with the lights. See fotos.


Call +351 289 353 000 Open on Google Maps

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