NAU Sao Rafael Suites – All Inclusive

Hotels
Highgate Independent
8.4 (189 reviews)
Sesmarias 8200-613, Albufeira, 8200-613 , Albufeira , PT

Pets allowed

Facilities

Full-service spa
Parasailing nearby
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Sauna
Concierge service
Outdoor furniture
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Attentive and helpful staff
Variety and quality of food
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Poor room comfort and service delays

Categories

Cleanliness
5.65
Guest reported mould in bathrooms and crumbling balconies, indicating poor cleanliness standards.
Service
9.65
Overall positive experiences with staff being attentive and helpful, but specific service issues were noted.
Location
9.05
Location not specifically mentioned; assumed to meet expectations.
Room Quality
6.65
Issues with cold rooms and damaged furniture impacting overall room quality.
Amenities
9.15
Standard amenities expected for the hotel tier, no specific issues mentioned.
Value for Money
9.05
Mixed reviews; some found value in food and service while others questioned the hotel rating.
Food and Beverage
9.65
Highly praised variety and quality of food during the stay.
Overall Experience
8.35
Overall mixed feelings; positive moments overshadowed by significant issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 02:17

Property Description

Escape to a luxurious haven at NAU Sao Rafael Suites – All Inclusive, where relaxation meets adventure.

Indulge in Spa Serenity
Rejuvenate your senses at our exquisite spa, offering an array of massages, body treatments, and facials that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Unmatched Recreational Offerings
Dive into fun with both indoor and outdoor pools, or perfect your swing on our outdoor tennis court. Whether you’re looking to lounge or engage in activities, we have it all.

Gourmet Dining Experience
Savor delightful meals at our two on-site restaurants or enjoy 24-hour room service. With all-inclusive dining, unwind with a drink at our bar or by the poolside bar, making every sip a moment to remember.

Elevate your getaway experience—book your stay at NAU Sao Rafael Suites today!

Important information:

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section).

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: FAO

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Only dogs and cats are allowed

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Pets

    Pet max weight (per pet) in kg is 10

  • Pets

    Pets cannot be left unattended

  • Pets

    Pets allowed

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 189 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.65
Service: 9.65
Location: 9.05
Room Quality: 6.65
Amenities: 9.15
Value for Money: 9.05
Food and Beverage: 9.65
Overall Experience: 8.35
P
P1401UDmichellem Couples
6
Poor stay
Pros:

We staying here at moment, arrive 2 march. To be told are wasn’t ready, which wasn’t a problem. The problem was we was able to go in for food. We had to decide did we want food on first day or last day. Even when we were all inclusive, we wasn’t even able to get a drink. We arrived at 2:30 and was told to come back between and four we got there for 4 to be told our room wasn’t ready. The lady at reception went to speak to the manager and came back and told us we've been upgraded. In the room there was coffee pods, but no milk. The spa you have to pay 20 euros to use the heated swimming pool. I’ve never been to a spa where there is kids throughout the day in the spa because of the weather we decided to book a trip to Seville for the day we was being picked up at seven in the morning, But breakfast doesn’t start till seven I went down and asked. Is there anywhere you can get a coffee? The reply was no. Wouldn’t say this is a 5 star or 4 to be fair. I know it’s out of season but that’s no reason to be lacking . Pool and bar need to be looked at. A lot broken floor tiles around that area. Gym very small . The restaurant comes at an extra cost even if you’re all inclusive.

2026-03-06 via Tripadvisor
W
W395XPaimeem Family
6
Short stay
Pros:

Just done a short stay for 3 nights, I have to say I would not consider this to be a 5* hotel. The location was okay there’s not much around and a supermarket is quite a walk away however was cheap and easy to get Ubers to get around.

The atmosphere in the hotel was alright any staff we spoke to were friendly.

The room we stayed in was lovely and we had no complaints everything was topped up daily and towels were changed daily. Have no complaints and the bed was very comfortable.

The all inclusive food was not great, I think for a 5* hotel the food choices was absolutely minimum we decided to eat out a lot as there was not a lot we liked. Not saying the food was not up to standard but the minimum selection of choice made it difficult for us all to be able to have a full meal. If you’re taking children who may be fussy then I definitely don’t think the food choices are ideal. There’s pizza at lunch and dinner but other than that there was chicken nuggets one night so if going with children be prepared the options are not great.

A football team arrived to stay in the hotel on our last night, it did seem they were very well taken care of compared to everyone else but wasn’t the end of the world.

2026-03-05 via Tripadvisor
D
dees923 Family
10
Best hotel in albufeira 100/10
Pros:

Wow! The best hotel we have ever stayed at. We went with my dad as he has terminal cancer, we wanted to go to fatima to pray and wanted to stay somewhere lovely, the suite was out of this world, the staff were so friendly and caring especially towards my dad and the all inclusive hotel food was so delicious, everything was 100/10. 40 mins from faro airport, close to beaches. Everything is not far and can get uber and taxi, Highly recommend staying here. Hope to go back again soon.

2026-03-04 via Tripadvisor
S
sabinam1 Family
4
Not 5* at all
Pros:

This is NOT a 5* resort. Of If I was being very generous. Perhaps 3*

Staff are friendly enough but you have to ask for everything. Toilet rolls to be replenished, for the all inclusive coffee machines to be actually turned on. All the food was tepid at best.

Had to ask for tea pots and tea cups nearly everyday at breakfast. Bar on the evening is awful. Depending on who serves you, you can barely get an alcoholic drink.

Rooms were not clean, mould on the inside of the curtain in our room. A health hazard in very real terms.

Portugal was gorgeous but this venue is not for the faint of heart.

2026-03-02 via Tripadvisor
L
landstoo Couples Braunton, Devon, England
6
Not a 5 star hotel (yet!)
Pros:

Positives are the amazing reception area, you get the wow factor on arrival, the dining room and bar decor, the lovely outdoor seating area around the restaurant and games room, comfy beds, superb and friendly staff everywhere, menu changes every day so you get a variety of food.

Negatives were our room was very tired, (but we were told these were due refurbishment soon), we were down a corridor which the lights did not work in and being on the lower ground floor we felt we were in a dark basement area.

Our wardrobe door was hanging off but after reporting this it was fixed, housekeeping should have seen this and got it fixed, but we have a feeling the room we had was one of the last to be sold, this was probably our fault as we booked last minute but we still felt a little disappointed.

The outdoor pools were dirty so it didn’t feel safe to swim in them (however one of these were being thoroughly cleaned on our last day), the restaurant food was not very hot and the table drinks service was hit and miss, you are better going to the bar and taking your drink in with you. The bar is slow service and on the last morning we had breakfast at 7.15 before heading to the airport and were surprised to see all the dirty glasses were everywhere from the night before.

The spa said on the website while staying at the hotel you get unlimited access, we thought this meant you could use it at any time, what it actually means is if you pay 20 euros as a non-resident you get 3 hours but if you pay 20 euros as a hotel guest you get unlimited access on that day, so after booking a hotel with indoor and outdoor pools we didn’t actually swim at all due to the cleanliness and the additional costs.

All in all we had a nice time, but it could have been better, I would recommend the hotel but not during the low season, if we had been a week later I think we would have noticed a difference as just the pools being cleaned gave you a better feel for the place.

Once the rooms are refurbished to the same standard as the public areas I’m sure it will deserve it’s 5 star rating, but maybe rethink the charging hotel guests to use the indoor pool during low season, if the outdoor pools are not being maintained.

2026-02-28 via Tripadvisor
S
sooss82 Friends getaway
10
Nice trip
Pros:

It was so nice and i really enjoyed my stay

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
C
Climber11632803764 Friends getaway
10
Top
Pros:

Wow so super alles gut und sauber

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
V
vantony23 Couples
10
Sao Rafael
Pros:

Schöne Location. Nettes Personal und toller Spa.

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
F
fabiorA6437AM Friends getaway
10
Trainingslager
Pros:

It was very good
Personal was very nice

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
L
Ljubav1220 Friends getaway Dijon, Cote d'Or, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
8
A nice hotel.
Pros:

Had a good stay with my team. Its a calm and quiet hotel. The food was also good. It’s tidy and comfortable.

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
T
Tourist26871231179 Business
10
Love it
Pros:

Location, atmosphere, rooms

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
S
Sunshine16070122817 Business
10
Friendly staff
Pros:

Friendly staff, we had a great stay, thank you very much.

2026-02-25 via Tripadvisor
R
rayner2026 Friends getaway
10
Best girls holiday ever
Pros:

Just came back from this hotel on Friday, we wasn’t expecting much as we didn’t pay a really expensive price but wow, appartment was amazing! Big and clean, 2 bathrooms with made the girls trip very easy lol. The bar staff were lovely, and the restaurant food was really good. Massive hotel, and it always smelt amazing in there, I can still smell it now. Staff were very friendly and helped with everything, rooms cleaned daily. We had the best time, we’ll 100% be back.

2026-02-24 via Tripadvisor
M
manuellW7300LL Business
10
Amazing hotel
Pros:

Good hotel and personal and I love the hotel

2026-02-18 via Tripadvisor
S
sofiarC3634EP Friends getaway
10
Sehr gut, unsere Mannschaft war sehr zufireden
Pros:

Really good, it was the first time in Portugal. I will definetly come back!

2026-02-18 via Tripadvisor
H
holidaysonline Family
10
Just wonderful !
Pros:

We have just returned today from the hotel today after a 3 night stay. The hotel is gorgeous! It's clean, welcoming and the food was great, breakfast was our favourite. The staff are phenomenal.... they could not have done any more for us. Every single member of the team made us fell welcome.
We were there for my brother in laws 70th birthday and whilst we had not told the hotel that it was a special occasion, once they found out, they made everything perfect. Decorated a private area of the dining area, arranged champagne and cake and they made him feel special every single day. The guest services manager is just wonderful and we can't thank her and the staff for making this such a special occasion. We will absolutely return. Thanks again
The hotel is in a quiet location but only around 10 mins to Albuferia by local bus or a taxi can quickly be arranged.

2026-02-08 via Tripadvisor
W
WillMcCarthyFoodTrav Family Dublin, County Dublin
10
Good Hotel
Pros:

If you like sea food you'll really enjoy this hotel. Rooms are very spacious, the food and service is good and the cocktails are excellent.

2026-02-08 via Tripadvisor
J
jennlX8316ZJ Couples
4
Very disappointing 😞
Pros:

Came for our anniversary for 10 nights all inclusive in a 5 star!! Well its definitely not a 5 star. The staff are very slow and miserable. Food is ok nothing special and limited availability. Rooms ok bed comfortable. SPA is 20 euro per person per day extra and is very basic and full of kids all the time. Reception staff are the worst no one can smile and this rubs off on the bar staff. Noisy when ppl are walking around. Not very clean in all areas. Atmosphere is not inviting at all. Would only rate a 2 star at most.

2026-02-02 via Tripadvisor
S
shirleynetsaik Couples
10
Lovely stay
Pros:

excellent customer service we got complementary upgrade, spacious room, delicious breakfast, and charming well lit building.

2026-02-01 via Tripadvisor
M
M964KOruthh Couples
10
Great hotel and staff
Pros:

Quiet location near Sao Rafael beach,a short walk away.
Amazing staff on reception desk and in restaurant. Always smiling and professional the staff are so welcoming.
The food in restaurant for every meal is varied and plentiful. Always something to suit everyone's tastes. We especially enjoyed the seafood meals.
We enjoyed the walk into Albufeira and marina on the sunny days. When we had a wet day the hotels game room was a great asset. A game of pool was thoroughly enjoyed.
Well done to everyone and thank you 😊

2026-01-24 via Tripadvisor