Villa Lourenco

The bed was super comfy, there is a small supermarket close by and you have all the kitchen utensils you need to cook anything. The sunset view's are just absolutely stunning. You even get a discount code in the apartment to do a boat's trip along the coast line.

That my stay couldn't be longer.

We really wanted to like Villa Lourenço, and had great expectations based on glitzy photos of the Deluxe Apartment, the wider complex and it's location next to a stunning beach. So much so that we were prepared to ignore less favourable reviews. We booked two nights - with fingers crossed. It turns out it IS in a great location and, undoubtedly, the complex would've been quite something in its time. We were keen to be next to the beach to be able to swim readily, but the waves were enormous from a storm. Instead we did a beautiful coastal walk to Benagil and back.

Two nights were two too many. We should have heeded previous less favourable reviews. The complex is beyond tired - common areas are in a state of gradual decay - cracks galore, decorative stone circles around dead plant stumps at front entrance - previously loved and cared for, but now just a little sad. Inside, dimly lit (odd smelling) corridors to access apartments are akin to an apocalyptic thriller - we thought slightly fun, in twisted kind of way. The actual 'reveal' of the two bedroom 'Deluxe Apartment' did not compare to the bright and breezy, modern interiors that allured us in online photos. The smell was an overwhelming mix of mustiness and bathroom odour - maybe hypersensitive but sinuses triggered quickly. We researched that baking soda and cut onion are home remedies to combat odour. With blind hope, we bought and distributed these for our stay, and left behind an autodispensing deodoriser spray setting off a puff of masking mist every 10mins or so. We didn't use the towels, the smell was through those too and didn't want it to transfer to skin. We slept with the sliding doors open for fresh air. It wasn't great. There was no oven in the apartment, instead a small charcoal bbq is on the balcony for grilling (charcoal supplied by renter) - we thought an unsafe cooking method for such a large accommodation complex. We didn't bother checking the pool as other reviewers covered that in detail. The saving grace was the large balcony. We spent most time out there, making the most of the sideways seaview to pounding waves - quite spectacular. The man at reception seemed friendly (our lack of Portuguese was a communication barrier tho) - I was a bit unsure if he actually worked there or was resident so had to ask. We like camping and are somewhat resourceful, so decided to make the best of things until our departure - camping would've been better.

location

the person to contact for daily issues was a bit rude

Great location and sea view

The disused swimming pool and surrounds also in the view

The location was stunning. A beach restaurant, local shop, and other restaurants. Two stunning cliff top walks. Room was clean and the bed comfortable.

Building was in a poor state, lights damaged and hanging off. Dark corridors, generally poor state of repair. We were put at the rear of the building, so no sea view.