- Algarve Holidays
- Albufeira
- Kimpton Atlantico Algarve
This hotel boasts a stunning setting in Albufeira, overlooking the Atlantic Sea. Only 30 kilometers away by car is Faro Airport. The hotel boasts direct access to Sao Rafael Beach, lying just a short driving distance away from Albufeira Centre. A wealth of attractions, shopping opportunities, dining options and entertainment venues can be found nearby. The hotel features a state-of-the-art Spa, where guests can enjoy the ultimate relaxation and invigoration. The interior of the hotel enjoys a contemporary design, featuring space and light throughout. The guest rooms boasts elegant designs, featuring large balconies which command stunning views over the sea and gardens.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 3 outdoor swimming pools, a sauna and a 24-hour fitness centre. This Art Deco hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services and wedding services.
Before writing this review, I gave the hotel an opportunity to address my concerns privately. I emailed them after our stay and explained in detail what happened, hoping they would acknowledge the issues and make some effort to make things right. Unfortunately, I left that exchange feeling that there was very little genuine concern for our experience.
One of the biggest issues was the hotel's pet-friendly policy. I have significant cat/pet allergies, and I was not aware when booking that all of the rooms at this property are pet-friendly. During our stay, I developed severe allergy symptoms and subsequently became ill enough to require urgent care. I understand that Kimpton is a pet-friendly brand, and I have no issue with a hotel welcoming pets. My concern is that this was not something I was aware of when choosing the property, and it had a significant impact on my stay.
There were also several other disappointments. There was a noticeable mildew/musty odor throughout the hotel. Check-in was rushed, understandably given that we arrived around midnight, but we weren't properly informed about the pool-card procedure and ended up having to walk back to reception to obtain a card before we could get a towel. I also used the advertised Kimpton "secret phrase" and was simply told there was nothing associated with it.
Our room key repeatedly stopped working, resulting in multiple trips back to reception. Unfortunately, the interaction with one particular member of staff made an already frustrating situation worse. Rather than feeling welcomed or assisted, I felt as though my repeated requests for a working key were an inconvenience. The customer service from this staff member was, in my experience, particularly unwelcoming.
We had also contacted the hotel months before our stay to let them know we were celebrating a milestone anniversary, and this was acknowledged. We weren't expecting anything extravagant or entitled to anything complimentary, but some simple acknowledgment or gesture of hospitality would have been appreciated. After seeing how other guests have been welcomed for special occasions, it was especially disappointing to feel that ours went completely unnoticed.
As an IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite member, I also expected a stronger level of hospitality from a property carrying both the Kimpton and IHG names. Even something as simple as being able to obtain a basic coffee early in the morning was inconvenient, and breakfast was not included.
Most importantly, though, it was the hotel's response afterward that really cemented my disappointment. I specifically contacted them before leaving a public review and gave them an opportunity to address the situation. Their response largely consisted of explaining that Kimpton is pet-friendly and suggesting that I should have raised the issues during my stay. While I understand that perspective, it did not acknowledge the overall experience or offer any meaningful goodwill gesture.
I had hoped that, given the circumstances, the hotel might offer to refund the IHG points used for the stay or provide an equivalent goodwill credit. Instead, I was essentially invited to return in the future.
Unfortunately, an invitation to come back does not address a disappointing stay that has already happened.
Hotels cannot always prevent every problem, but how they respond to a guest's concerns matters enormously. I gave Kimpton Atlântico Algarve the opportunity to demonstrate that they cared about making things right, and I did not feel that they took that opportunity.
Beautiful surroundings and a nice property can only go so far. For us, the lack of communication, attention to detail, and genuine customer service made this a disappointing first experience with Kimpton, and one that has unfortunately left me questioning whether I would choose the brand again.
Had a wonderful evening at Kimpton Atlântico with my uncle. We started with drinks at the rooftop bar great atmosphere, attentive service, and lovely views to unwind with. Then we headed to Sombra for dinner, and it didn't disappoint. The shrimp curry was absolutely amazing full of flavour and beautifully cooked, a real highlight of the meal. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the whole setting had a relaxed, elegant feel. A perfect spot for a special evening out. Highly recommend both the rooftop and Sombra we'll definitely be back. Best location
Stayed at the Kimpton in July with my wife, and the ambience is truly amazing the lobby is beautifully crafted and thoughtfully done. I've stayed at many Kimptons, but this one really stands out on design.
We paid for a sea-view upgrade and it was absolutely worth it enjoying a cigar and a glass of wine looking out over the Atlantic is a mesmerising scene. The breakfast area is impressively large, and they offer à la carte alongside the buffet, so everything comes freshly made and tastes far better than your standard spread. The highlight is their speciality restaurant, Sombra do try it, I won't spoil it for you.
My wife is a gym enthusiast and she loved the wellness centre. We paid for the spa pool and the yoga session, both of which we loved. There are three large pools and a lush garden it feels like you're resting under calm, green palm trees.
What an experience. We can't wait to book again.
The best swimming pool I've experienced and, more importantly, the place has a fantastic rooftop bar. It even has special seating that looks out over the beautiful Atlantic, so do try to grab a spot there. The gym is fully equipped too.
Kimpton has the potential to feel like a proper 5* hotel but currently it is slightly underwhelming. Pool was great but it felt like they were lacking in sun loungers. Hotel is dog friendly and there were regularly dogs barking around the pool and in the restaurants. Spa facility was lovely and massages were great but shower facilities felt a bit dated. Staff were nice but it did not feel like 5* service, they weren’t overly welcoming or accommodating, especially at the rooftop bar where we felt we were interrupting their conversation to ask for a drink twice. We ate at the Sombra restaurant on our first night and the food was good but staff were pretty slow and it lacked ambience so we ended up eating out on our second night. Hotel is nicely located a stone’s throw from the beach and there is a fabulous beachfront restaurant nearby for lunch.
