Vila Gale Tavira Resort Hotel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great location for central Tavira, friendly helpful staff in a lovely hotel. Good spacious rooms with huge bed, and nice balcony overlooking pool. Bathroom was fine and plenty of clothes storage space. Only had breakfast here but perfectly adequate for us. Would recommend and wouldstayhereagain, but slightly disappointed the steam room wasn't working during our 6 night stay.

We stayed for 10 nights over xmas and new year on a b&b board. We arrived early and after a slowish check in our room was ready. The room had 2 single beds pushed together which were comfy along with the pillows. We asked for a kettle at check in and it was taken to our room, it only had a short lead which meant you had to use it on the floor. There is a lack of storage in the room, one wardrobe which also contained the safe and fridge and 3 drawers. This meant there were no room to hang dresses. The bathroom had a shower in the bath which also had some soaps and shampoo. The balcony was a decent size overlooking part of the river and unfortunately the busy main road which can be heard from inside the room, also the balcony was not private, you can see all the balconies along the block. Breakfast choice was good especially the continental part, the fresh fruit and juice were really tasty. The cooked food was cold although you can have fried eggs and omlettes made to order. The only issue was that the breakfast was basically the same everyday. The staff in the reasturant were slow at clearing plates away and did not want to talk and looked like they would rather be anywhere but there. The hotel bar is big and comfortable and some drinks were cheap for a hotel. The lady behind the bar was friendly probably the only one in the hotel. The corridors to the rooms had badly stained carpets and the rugs in the reception area were threadbare and torn. The decor of the hotel is on the gloomy side, it really does need to be brightened up. Overall the hotel was clean and near the centre of town, but the staff were not really friendly and because of this and the decor and busy road we will not return.

Pro's: The hotel is very centrally located within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and Tavira's highlights. It's very clean throughout. Lovely pool with loungers & chairs. Helpful staff. Comfortable bed. Good walk-in shower. Tea/coffee-making tray available on request. Con's: Sun only shines on one side of the pool (and balconies on that side). Very little storage in rooms with only 3 drawers in the wardrobe - console table and bedside tables have no storage/drawers. To use the indoor pool ypu need to book in advance - this seemed completely unnecessary as we were the only ones there on both occasions. No access to Netflix/Prime etc even though these buttons are on remote control. Also can't disable subtitles on screen. TV accessibility seems very restrictive with many features blocked. Breakfast is basic buffet and can become boring over the space of a week. We had breakfast included but went out for breakfast a few times for something fresh and different. Overall, this hotel is clean, comfortable and functional but falls short in some areas.

Hotel room was very clean and cleaned daily with fresh towels. Could do with some work as there were a few water marks on the ceilings. Breakfast was great. Pool area was clean and very spacious. Bar and staff were all very friendly. Indoor pool and hot tub were a great extra. Great location to explore Tavira. Would definitely stay again.