Heaven in the Algarve -- Pine Cliffs, thoroughly recommend

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Hi,
Just wanted to share that we spent the last week (i.e. Oct 19-26) in the Sheraton Pine Cliffs in the Albufeira in Portugal. It was absolute heaven - from the weather, to the service, to the beach, to the spa, and the tennis (not for me, but for husband), it was really great -- absolute enjoyment for children and parents. A number of my colleagues have been there before and also love it. I must say, given how hot it was last week, i probably wouldn't go there in July/August, but i expect we would probably go every Oct half term from now on!
Don't know if a thread was started already on this but thought i would put the word out!
They had a hotel so if you like staying in hotel rooms that's certainly an option, but they also had townhouses (but with room service and daily cleaning!) which we tend to prefer.

We were there half term October last year, the weather was fantastic and the hotel was fantastic, if we go back, we would stay in a townhouse.

My boys loved the activities, the beach, the pool everything - as did DH and I.

I have plugged this a few times on here.

The maid came every evening to turn down our beds and put chocs on the pillows - always giving extra to the boys.

my DH and I actually wrote to the manager to give our thank you - and we never do that!
I had a pedicure in the spa and my daughter (nearly 5 yrs old) picked me up - and said she wanted one too. So they put her in one fo the treatment rooms, gave her a mini pedicure, complete with purple toes (her choice clearly) at no charge.
the people were sooo nice, pleasant, etc.
will definitely go back, i suspect - again and again!

I recommend the buffet breakfast too - I had bucks fizz every morning

Would it be suitable for me to go by myself with 2 ds aged 10 and 5. How did you get from the airport to hotel, is it easy to get around.Did you eat in the hotel all the time is it very expensive for extras. I have fancied going for some time now but had thought Oct would be too cold.

Its always nice to hear recommendations.

I am

They could not accommodate 3 of us in a townhouse and we did not want a hotel room so we stayed somewhere else. Just the week before actually! Must have another LO just so we can stay

That was excellent as well (Alfagar Apartments). Albuferia is the best "resort" town we have been to. Not too much tatt and the people are genuinely lovely. I lost count of the people who stopped us to chat to DD and stoke her hair (she is a red head).

bellavita, is the sea warm in October? Was it generally warm in half term?

Bellavita or Page 62 - I am looking at this resort for May/June next year. Who did you book through to get an apartment/townhouse? I have found lots of companies for booking the hotel but we are really after a 2 or 3 bed townhouse/apartment.

Thanks in advance

Fiona