Wine & Books by the Sea, Algarve Resort

Hotels
8.3 (2250 reviews)
Herdade Dos Salgados, Rua Boca da Alagoa, Lote 1 - Fase 2 , Albufeira , pt

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Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Clubhouse
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful grounds
Friendly staff
Spacious rooms
Cons:
Poor food quality
Uncomfortable mattress
Service inconsistencies

Categories

Cleanliness
8.13
Exceptionally clean hotel but some areas in need of maintenance.
Service
8.6
Staff were friendly and helpful, but there were issues with service quality.
Location
8.64
Great location for relaxation, though a bit isolated.
Room Quality
8.09
Spacious room, but issues with the mattress comfort.
Amenities
8.62
Good amenities overall, though some aspects could be enhanced.
Value for Money
8.08
Decent value, but food quality did not meet 5-star expectations.
Food and Beverage
7.63
Variety available, but food quality needs improvement.
Overall Experience
8.6
Overall enjoyable stay, with potential for improvement.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-06 11:40

Property Description

Beachfront Luxury at VidaMar Algarve

Contemporary Elegance: Enjoy modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in rain showers, providing a luxurious stay experience.

Culinary Delights: Indulge in a variety of cuisines at the Ocean restaurant and savor take-away meals from the Primadonna restaurant for a convenient dining experience.

Leisure and Relaxation: Unwind by the swimming pools, explore lush green gardens, or let your children have a blast at the Vida Club while you enjoy a drink at the Mar Club bar.

Experience the epitome of luxury and relaxation at VidaMar Algarve. Book now for an unforgettable beachfront getaway.

Important information:

Please note that the hotel's restaurants and bars may not be available at all time. Availability and opening times are subject to seasonal demands and weather conditions.

Please note that in compliance with the Portuguese Law, it is absolutely necessary the presentation of an official identification document (Passport, Identification Card) of each and every person (adults, children, babies) at check-in. Failing to do so, the check-in won’t be able to follow through and the cancelation policy will apply.

Should the credit card be different than the one used in the reservation, a new payment is required, and any previous payment will be canceled.

According to the Portuguese law, cash transactions are limited to a maximum of €3000 or its equivalent in foreign currency. When payment is done by individuals not residents in Portugal and not acting as entrepreneurs or merchants, the limit is €10 000. For IRC taxpayers, as well as IRS taxpayers who have or must have organized accounting, payments of an amount equal to or greater than €1000, or its equivalent in foreign currency, must be made through a means of payment that allow the identification of the respective recipient. Cash payment of taxes exceeding €500 is not allowed.

Please note that for group reservations with 3 or more rooms, special conditions and additional charges may apply.When booking half board, note that drinks are not included.
If you require an invoice when booking a prepaid rate, write this and your company details in the Special Requests box.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Spa/wellness center is closed from 2026-02-28 until 2026-01-05
Swimming pool: Closed from Thu, Jan 8, 2026 until Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Swimming pool: Closed from Thu, Jan 8, 2026 until Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Swimming pool: Closed from Thu, Jan 8, 2026 until Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Swimming pool: Closed from Thu, Jan 8, 2026 until Sat, Feb 28, 2026

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

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 10 per day.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 2250 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.13
Service: 8.6
Location: 8.64
Room Quality: 8.09
Amenities: 8.62
Value for Money: 8.08
Food and Beverage: 7.63
Overall Experience: 8.6
M
Michał • family_with_children • pl
10
Na pewno wrócę do tego hotelu szczególnie ze względu na pyszne jedzenie w opcji HB
Pros:

Hotel jest ogólnie świetny. Lokalizacją idealna dla osób które lubią spokój. Jedzenie na bardzo wysokim poziomie. Takie szczegóły jak kilka rodzajów ryb wędzonych na śniadanie, z 12 rodzajów serów, kapary oliwki cebulą i przede wszystkim nielimitowany sok wyciskamy z pomarańczy. Zero kolejek na śniadanie czy kolacje. Zero walki o leżaki na basenie - sam basen top!!! Ogromny. Bardzo uprzejma obsługa recepcji czy restauracji. Duży darmowy parking zamykany na szlaban. Plaża 4 min na piechotę a samą drogą na plażę drewnianym pomostem. Plaża piękna. Spędziliśmy tam wspaniały tydzień wakacji.

Cons:

Nie mogę powiedzieć aby mi się coś nie podobało jednak widać że hotel najlepsze lata jeśli chodzi o wykończenie na już za sobą. Jednak jest czysto i bardzo przestronnie. Co wieczór różnego rodzaju spektakle, pokazy magii i koncerty na żywo do kolacji czy w lobby.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Machado • family_with_children • pt
8
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Meghan • couple • ca
5
Pros:

The resort itself is great and very close to the beach. The pool and wet bar staff were lovely and very helpful, and really made our stay enjoyable.

Cons:

It’s a fine resort but I wouldn’t consider it a 5 star resort at all. I had an allergic reaction due to mislabelled food (I carry an EpiPen for a peanut allergy but can eat other nuts) and the hotel restaurant staff were unbelievably unhelpful considering how serious this was. No one could tell us what was actually in my meal beyond “mixed nuts”, even though the allergen label for the food made it seem that it wasn’t a possibility that peanuts could be in the food. We did previously mention to staff about my allergy, but when we told them that I was having a reaction no one seemed to appreciate how dangerous this was. I can appreciate that there’s probably a bit of a language barrier, and understand that there’s never a guarantee that food is allergen free, but the hotel’s lack of a response to a medical emergency was really surprising.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
R
Rui • couple • pt
9
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
H
Hugo • family_with_children • pt
8
2026-01-18 • via Nuitee
M
mario • couple • fr
10
2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
H
Heinz • couple • de
9
2026-01-14 • via Nuitee
H
Helder • family_with_children • pt
7
Pros:

Gostei do conforto, dos funcionários principalmente quando tomamos o pequeno almoço, sempre muito acessíveis.

Cons:

Não gostei de quando fui para a piscina interior e estava um grupo de pessoas a fazer uma algazarra de todo o tamanho e a "nadadora salvadora" nada fez, muito passiva. Aquele posto de trabalho bem podia ser extinto, pois para enfeitar já está lá outra a dar as toalhas.

2026-01-08 • via Nuitee
L
LUISA • solo_traveller • pt
7
Pros:

O quarto está espaçoso e o kids club era fantástico. A localização é literalmente na praia dos salgados

Cons:

Como fomos em dezembro com meia pensão, só havia um restaurante italiano disponível. Tínhamos sempre de ir pelo exterior para o restaurante e a carta era muito pequena pelo que acabamos por ter de repetir as refeições.

2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • family_with_children • fr
9
2026-01-01 • via Nuitee
C
Carolina • extended_group • br
9
Excelente
Pros:

Gostamos de tudo! O hotel é lindo, quartos amplos e confortáveis. O café da manhã é excelente com bastante opções! Os funcionários são solícitos e muito gentis.

Cons:

O único ponto foi que o chuveiro não esquentava tanto! Mas não vejo problema nisso

2025-12-30 • via Nuitee
M
Maria João • family_with_children • pt
8
Pros:

Excelente localização.
Pequeno almoço muito bom.
Funcionários muito simpáticos.
Quarto muito agradável. Cama grande e muito confortável.

Cons:

O quarto precisava de uma temperatura um pouco mais alta. Não estava confortável.

2025-12-29 • via Nuitee
N
Nicoletta • family_with_children • it
9
2025-12-28 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • family_with_children • de
6
Pros:

Grosses Zimmer

Cons:

Zurückgesetzte Lage zum Meer.Strandliegen extra berechnet weil extern.
Ohne Halbpension sehr teures Abendessen und sehr einsam wegen wenigen Gäste die daran teilnahmen .Denke Oktober ist noch gute Reisezeit

2025-12-28 • via Nuitee
H
HELENE • family_with_children • fr
9
Séjour parfait
Pros:

Hôtel très agréable, reposant, qui propose des services de qualité et un restaurant excellent, digne d'un 5 étoiles.

Cons:

Aucun reproche

2025-12-20 • via Nuitee
C
Caitlín • couple • ie
10
2025-12-18 • via Nuitee
C
Chioma • solo_traveller • gb
8
2025-12-15 • via Nuitee
V
Vera • solo_traveller • pt
10
Excelente estádio
Pros:

A cama era enorme, como eu gosto.

2025-12-11 • via Nuitee
A
Ana • family_with_children • es
9
Repetiré
Pros:

La habitación es fantástica, la ducha una pasada y la cama muy cómoda. Muchas almohadas y sábanas muy suaves. El desayuno muy bueno

2025-12-10 • via Nuitee
J
Joao • family_with_children • pt
1
Foi a pior experiência que tive em unidades hoteleiras em Portugal.
Pros:

Os quartos são espaçosos e limpos, a piscina interior e o SPA estavam a funcionar.

Cons:

Efetuei a minha reserva tendo por base que a refeição de meia pensão ao jantar era em regime de buffet, está foi a quarta vez que fui a está unidade hoteleira, chegado ao hotel sou confrontado com o buffet encerrado, alegando que o hotel está vazio e por isso encerraram o buffet há vários dias.
O hotel deu como alternativa um pequeno restaurante no exterior do hotel ainda que dentro do complexo, para o qual necessitamos realizar reserva prévia, a situação escalou na segunda noite, pois apercebemo-nos que mesmo no restaurante a ementa que estava para nós disponível não era a do restaurante, mas uma ementa reduzida, e onde não era possível repetir pratos, refira-se que o restaurante era temático “italiano” e para quem não aprecia este tipo de comida não tinha alternativa, pois como disse a ementa estava fechada. Para não falar do incomodo de termos de sair para o exterior do hotel a noite percorrer 100m ao frio em dezembro até chegar ao restaurante,
Mas tudo assume outra dimensão quando de manhã chegamos ao pequeno-almoço, que foi servido numa sala de reuniões, onde não estavam disponíveis pratos e bebidas quentes, sendo nos dito que estes eram servidos “a la Carte”, estamos a falar de um grupo de 11 adultos, que teve de esperar pelo café quente, leite quente, chá quente, ovos mexidos e panquecas, café, etc… onde tudo chegava a conta gotas.
O “buffet” de frios que estava disponível era o que tenho encontrado em unidades de 2*, mas para uma unidade de 5* é simplesmente vergonhoso, foi a pior experiência que tive em unidades hoteleiras em Portugal.
Ao balcão do hotel chamei o apoio ao cliente que me disse que nada podia fazer para entrar em contacto com a booking o que fiz e aguardo respostas.
Deveria ter sido previamente informado desta alteração e deveria ter me sido dada a hipótese de manter a reserva ou escolher outra unidade hoteleira, não foi está a experiência que eu comprei, nem é este o comportamento que se espera de um alojamento de 5*, sinto me enganado p

2025-12-09 • via Nuitee