Turim Estrela do Vau Hotel

After several phone calls and emails requesting a refund of $73.10 - We are taking this matter up with Visa and government agencies. We did not stay one evening in this hotel. Unpleasant experience - walked into a filthy uninhabitable room, walked out. As of Dec 2024, this hotel has told us we would be taken care of. They have not refunded this fraudulent charge to our Visa. E-mail correspondence will be posted in photographs. Do not stay in this hotel.

Me and my mother had a fantastic time here! Reuben, who did so many activities really made the holiday great! He was so Funny, full of energy and so kind! We aren’t the type to go on tours or stay in the hotel at times, but his energy was so fun that we did multiple times! His tour of the beach was so fun and interesting, and his quiz nights were so fun! Such a great guy, we’re honestly thinking of coming back next year cos of Reuben!

So had a family holiday in the Algarve staying at this hotel. First impressions were good even though the building is dated. We couldn't check in until 3pm which is normal but at 3pm we were told it would be another hour for us to wait.. We did try and get a freebie out of things, a drink or something but it didn't work 😁. They then found a suitable room so things were good. The rooms have a kitchen in, so basically an apartment type room. The rooms are basic but clean and really comfy beds. They also have balconies you can sit on. So after two nights we had to ask to be moved because of the consistent noise from the rooms above late into the night. The staff moved us with no issues at all which was great because paying a lot of money for a holiday and being kept up most of the night is not what anyone wants. The second room was so much better, UNTIL we got new neighbours who were on the lash until 3am . It only took me banging on their door to shut them up . The other annoying thing about the hotel is they insist on playing crap music by the pool all afternoon.. So if you want to be guaranteed a quite family holiday this might not be the place. The food is rubbish also with buffet style eating at 25 euros a head for dinner is expensive. The staff are fantastic though.. Hope this helps you with your decision.

Large aparthotel, bit dated in appearance, tiles on walls chipped. Lift to apartments was tiny and barely enough time to get in before doors closed. We stayed in a private apartment so can’t comment on room cleaning but the complex itself is clean. Pool area is nice, music plays from. 12pm - can be a bit loud. No shop nearby and its a 20 min walk to the supermarket. We used Uber every evening to get to Alvor and Praia da Rocha. The beaches are fabulous in this part of the Algarve. The local beach is a 10-15 min walk depending on what way you go. Pool bar food is nice, sandwiches, breakfast, crepes but the staff could be a bit happier. Didn’t eat in the restaurant or bar as heard it wasn’t great. Would recommend a car if you stay here. Overall a lovely holiday but definitely wouldn’t stay again due to distance from civilisation. :)

Stayed in these apartments as a group of six. Things we noticed: Guests provided with separate pool towels every two days. Good entertainment for children with play club in afternoon and during evening with short shows such as magic shoes,bingo. Entertainment staff let people know entertainment options every day. Very friendly. 10 mins walk from the beach. A curtesy bus would have helped especially with children. Pool was lovely. Beds generally available but not with shade. These were taken by early risers. Need more beds/ shade. No life guards but pool attendants who might help you get a bed. Small onsite shop selling crisps, water, chocolate, pool toys and tourist souvenirs. Not bread, milk etc No inflatables in pool which is safer. Aerobics/ zumba in pool each morning. Apartments were large and clean. Hand towels/ tea towels/ bins changed every day. Sheets/ bath towels once a week. Positives Family atmosphere Large apartment Close to Alvor/ Praia de Roche Children’s entertainment Nice pool. Negative Not in walking distance to a shop but a large supermarket nearby by taxi. Need taxi to get to restaurants. We had cockroaches in our apartment. Only moved on third complaint and no support from hotel. Pool restaurant was poor/ dull. Overall, I would recommend for families especially with younger children.

This was my 4th time to visit Portugal, I've always enjoyed it , but sadly I was disappointed with this hotel. Transfer to hotel never picked us up after a Two hour delay in Faro airport Passport. 100e fee from Faro for a Taxi to this hotel. At reception you will be charged ,a non refundable Government Tax per person charge on check in and requested to pay 100 deposit . Deposit was not reimbursed as promised by midnight on the day of check out. Still waiting. Dark corridors lead to self catering apartments which are clean large and basic with 2 Balconies one furnished. Kitchen facilities ,a fridge microwave and toaster. No entertainment at the pool. The only interaction by pool staff is if you leave your place. Staff then proceed to take people's towels. Many families end up sitting on the floor. It was very sad to watch. A Manager was called in after many complained during our stay. Manager apologised on check out. Stating there are not enough beds. No floats were allowed for children. Same playlist of music occasionally plays . Pool closed at 5.30. Bar had a magic show for young children and a local folk band played songs in Portuguese. Teenage girls danced one night . Very little atmosphere entertainment wise, Hotel Buffet 25e per head, our food was of a very disappointing quality and cold. Shell Cafe at the pool food much nicer. Cleaning Staff work really hard they keep the place spotless. We hired a car enjoyed Playa da Rocha, visited Alvor, and Portimau. Beautiful beaches and restaurants. I will never return to this hotel and would not recommend it, for above reasons. I did enjoy the aqua Aerobics at 10.30 three mornings . Lovely Sunshine, beaches, food and culture of Portugal it is a lovely country. Thank you .