You'll all think I'm mad with what I'm going to ask but here goes

[Saltire]

Am looking at holidays in Spain/Portugal for next year. Looking online at Thompson etc.
But (don't laugh) I don't know where to start.
I want a hotel with a room for 4.
Either half board or self catering (half board is preferred option)
Wihin reasonable distance of beach.
Not too bothered about fab nightlife
where do is start?

Plaza real apartments praia de rocha portugal. Not everyones cup of tea but not big and chavvy. We really enjoyed ourselves there in May. On the pther hand, have just got back from the Estrela do Vau hotel in Alvor, just down the road and weren't overly impressed, bigger, more 'nightlife' and slghtly further away from the sea! Plaza is all sc but estrela has a hb option.

Oh if you go for Plaza, get a 2 bed apt. they are magnificant - 2 storeys, two bathrooms, gorgeous!

if you book online it's pretty simple.

Do a search on here and find out what places people recommend, or take a look at the reviews page. I can never make a decision based on a tiny little brouchure picture and a list of amenities.

Also go onto tripadisor and look for the -ahem- more intelligent reviews

Trip advisor

Yes, read lots of reviews. If you book with Thomsons at one of their shops they will often price match their website holidays.

Ok thanks. The last time we had an overseas holiday was in 1993!

Look online first then go into the shop armed with prices and details etc.

Just a thought, but if you are going half board you may as well go all inclusive as drinks and snacks can be expensive.

We just got back from Menorca and had a fabulous time but am glad we went all inclusive.