Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection

Nice hotel with an amazing spa, comfortable rooms and great breakfast. I satisfied

Our 3rd visit, did not disappoint. Rooms are good, not particularly spacious, but well appointed. Staff throughout were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was plentiful, with many choices. Lunch on the lake was good, service friendly. Choice of food was fairly good and well presented. Since our last visit an adults only area has been added, which is a bonus. However the pool is a little strange. I heard it variously described as a large fish pond and large paddling pool by other guests. My favourite is a large fish pond. I’m sure whoever designed it thought it was brilliant but I beg to differ. It has a strange undulating design and during our stay I witnessed guests of all ages struggle to enter the pool safely and gracefully. The steps designated as the entrance have no safety rail and are not designed for easy entry. The “Food Wagon” serves only Suchi & salad bowls in addition to drinks. A very limited choice in my opinion. As it’s an adults only area why not sign post accordingly, which might stop children using the pool! Rant over, we still love this hotel and intend to be back.

This was our 8th stay at Lake Resort - i think that says it all- the best holidays ever - friendly staff - exceptionally clean - breakfast and buffet are delicious - the grounds are immaculate and only a short walk to marina or beach- well be back

I had the privilege of staying at three different properties (2 Marriott, 1 Hilton) in the Algarve during June 2024 which is one of the peak season months with 97%+ occupancy rates. I would rank my stay at the Domes Lake Algarve at the bottom of my list for various reasons. At a high level my rating of 3 is due to the following reasons: - Lack of complimentary upgrades as a Marriott Platinum member. The room you book is the room you will get so don't expect to receive any complimentary upgrade especially during peak season which was 97%+ occupancy rate at the Domes Lake Algarve - No late checkout. I tried many times to secure a late checkout of 2pm but it was denied (normal checkout is 12pm) - Guests smoking on the room balcony. I did not realize that guests could smoke at the hotel when there were many signs that stated no smoking. I raised the issue with the front desk but nothing was done to accommodate me into a new room. - Water leaking from my bathroom sink which was fixed within 1 hour. - The free kids playground needs a bit of renovation as its kept in an area of the hotel that is not welcoming for any kid unless you want to pay for the kids club. - Sun beds taken by the same guests all day even when not occupied. I chose not to rate the Domes Algarve Lake lower than a 3 for the following reasons: - As a Marriott Platinum member we were given free daily breakfast and they had many hot and cold dishes. The egg station prepares any omelets of your choice of toppings. You will always leave the breakfast buffet fully satisfied. - Love the natural sand pool if you want to stay at the hotel property without having to walk to the beach with peak temperatures at 27-29 degrees celsius. - Large property grounds to walk around lake and easy access to the near by ocean/beach. - Very nice and welcoming staff. Although the property is large and beautiful, the various problems I had during my stay I would rank the Domes Lake Algarve at the bottom of my ranking. I rank other properties in the Algarve such as the Pine Cliffs and Conrad higher during peak season.

We stayed here for a few nights at the start of our trip round parts of Portugal. What we should have done is stay here last as it was the best experience of the 13 nights. Check in was straightforward, no issues with parking the car. The room was fine, plenty big enough and the bed was comfortable - good blackout blinds too. Breakfast was one of the nicest ones we’ve had in this sort of hotel, The pool areas were all well looked after and no one bagging loungers at silly hours. I did like the ‘fake beach’ pool area, never seen that before. Staff were all helpful, the only ‘issue’ we had was on checkout, but that was due to a large group of golfers all turning up at the same time but all wanting to check in/save credit cards separately. Definitely recommended, and would come back.

If you are like me and considering this property due to its links with Marriott Bonvoy and are ready to sacrifice the quality of accomodation for the upsides of elite status, then read this review carefully. There are significant shortcomings at this hotel that make staying at more well appointed properties for the same price worthy of sacrificing your Bonvoy benefits: 1. Early Charge of Deposit: Despite the hotel's policy of free cancellation up to a week before my stay, the full room rate amount was charged to my card over a month before my stay. This is unconventional and something to be aware of as this is an attempt to dissuade you from realising the flexibility in your rate. 2. Lack of Recognition for Bonvoy Titanium Status: Upon arrival, there was no mention of tiered status or associated benefits. There was no room upgrade offered or mention of welcome gift points. It was noted that lower/non tiered members were being taken to a separate lounge like area to check in with beverages offered. None of this was forthcoming for a Titanium member. 3. Dishonourable room categories: I used nightly award upgrades to secure a room with a king bed, however we were given a fake king room where a twin room had been converted by pushing two single beds together rendering the usage of the award upgrades useless - it’s now a multi week process with Marriott to get these re-credited. 4. Compensation Issue: When I raised the above issue with the room, the compensation offered was a free meal which was appreciated. However, when redeeming this meal the staff at the restaurant challenged what was included and had to debate whether the dishes ordered were included or not. Completely unnecessary. 5. Late Check-Out Difficulty: Requesting a late check-out was incredibly difficult and required multiple conversations, as a Titanium member this was incredibly disappointing and frustrating. Late checkout was eventually granted after conversations with management - completely unnecessary experience for an elite member. 6. Rude security staff: The experience was further marred by an incredibly rude security agent in the car park. Due to very poor car park directions, we drove the wrong way in an empty car park. The security agent proceeded to lecture us and warn us from doing it again - safe to say, that won’t be necessary… Overall, there are significant issues in the delivery of Marriott Bonvoy at this property - we also noted management drinking at the main pool bar during the day which isn’t a good look. Something is not right at this property and I would recommend any elite member to seriously consider the trade offs involved

We have just returned from a week at this hotel with our 13 month old daughter. The grounds are beautiful, so much nature, and well maintained. We ate in all of the restaurants and the food and service are to a high standard. It is in a great location being only a few minutes walk from the marina but still quiet and away from the hustle and bustle. We enjoyed having the choice of chlorine and salt water pool. Nadia (director of guest relations) and her team work hard to ensure guests enjoy their stay and leave feeling satisfied. All of the staff are pleasant and attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and already can’t wait to return! Thank you Domes Lake for lovely family memories.