Vila Gale Tavira Resort Hotel♡

Pleasant but Average

6.0

It is big, clean and comfortable, but uninspiring and a bit dated. Public areas are roomy and in hot weather probably cool but the resteraunt is hall like and impersonal. We only had breakfast and one buffet dinner which was certainly adequate with both hot and cold choices available, but the dinner choices in particular were average at best. A north African theme runs through the hotel which is quite appropriate given the Islamic associations of the area in the past. The theme is carried into the bedrooms but here it works less well as our room at least was quite dark, although overall comfortable. The housekeeping staff are excellent and our room was never less than spotless which is a big positive.

NICE PHOTOS BUT...

2.0

This hotel ruined my trip — absolutely NOT the place to stay. Overall Condition: The property is old, musty, and in serious need of renovation. No pool, despite the impression that there might be one. Room Issues: • Emails were never answered. • Only one luggage rack for two people. • Just four drawers for storage. • The room phone didn’t work. • Several lights didn’t work. • A thick, high‑pile rug was placed right by the bed — a tripping hazard. • No iron, no laundry bag, no tissues. Bathroom Problems: • Bidet towels were used as a bathmat because a real bathmat doesn’t fit when you open the bathroom door. • No washcloths, no tissues. • The shower pressure was a trickle — it took forever to shower. • The sink and toilet pressure were perfectly fine, and the shower had plenty of cold water, so this wasn’t “just Europe.” • When I went downstairs to complain (since the room phone didn’t work), the front desk shrugged and said, “Well, this is Europe.” What she didn’t know: ◦ My daughter’s shower in the same hotel worked perfectly. ◦ A cleaner let me check an empty room — that shower was also perfectly fine. Garage: • No security. • We could come and go freely except for one random time. • Poor lighting and terrible signage. Positives: • The beds are comfortable. • Breakfast is included and very good. • Some staff members were genuinely kind.

Exceptional Customer Care.

8.0

We stayed here for two nights while exploring Tavira. There were a few issues to deal with, we were facing the outdoor pool which was being rebuilt so there was some outdoor noise from that. They were considerate though and did not work really early or really late, or on Sunday so it was OK. Our first night was a bit of a disaster because we could hear everything in the room above, next to us and across the hall so we really didn't get much sleep. We were moved to the 3rd floor for the second night, which was an entirely different experience and very quiet on Sunday night. The breakfast, which was included, had both custom cooked and buffet styles and was well done. The front desk offered a huge variety of wines and ports available for purchase at amazingly inexpensive prices, and the level of customer service at the front desk was exceptional. Bruno and one of his colleagues made sure the room situation was corrected to change to the 3rd floor and they had such a high level of customer care and attention that it made the first night situation irrelevant. I would recommend this hotel, particularly if you have a family.

Okay stay

6.0

We were slightly underwhelmed with this hotel. Felt a bit like a cruise ship for elderly people. The amenities were sparse to say the least. The rooms felt outdated. The room was clean tho, the staff was pleasant and the breakfast was very good.

Short Break

8.0

Just back from a 5 night stay, so much better then we thought after reading the comments. Had a Junior suite which was very nice and clean, comfy bed but no gown or slippers which was disappointing, was quite dark but do not spend much time in the room so no problem. Lovely breakfast and on the last night a buffet in the evening which was very good, wish it had been available all the time. Hotel is very good for the river and shops. Had a problem with a transaction which was solved by Anna she was very helpful. Only down side was the outdoor pool out of action ( would of got 5 stars if open )but we did book the indoor pool. Would definitely recommend this Hotel.

Poor quality.

4.0

Stayed here over new year period. Hotel very dated in need of substantial renovation in many areas. Rooms very dark, I get the North African decor idea but if you can’t see what you are doing what’s the point. There was no tea or coffee making facilities in the room, a first anywhere I’ve stayed in portugal or other countries. Buffet breakfast was so cold I couldn’t eat it even though it was under cloches. All in all a poor experience.