Pedras Da Rainha

Lovely grounds with oleander, bougainvillea and hibiscus bushes. Studio apartment was fairly spacious if a little dark inside. It slept 2 adults in twin or double + 1 small single bed. Kitchenette had a 2 ring induction hob, microwave, sink and kettle. Bathroom looked fairly recently refitted, with double size rainfall shower cubicle. Mattress was very firm. We stayed in a first floor studio which had around 16 steps up to it so make sure to ask for ground floor if steps are an issue for you. The way our apartment was positioned meant it caught the full afternoon sun on its black front door and that became very hot indeed - something to bear in mind if you have a small child as it was hot enough to burn tender skin. The pool area was lovely and kept very clean. The pool is unheated. No difficulty in finding free sunbeds at this time of year. Breakfast was a buffet (hot and cold) and the choice was good. Evening meals for half board were a 3 course set menu served at your table. Starters limited to 2 choices (soup or salad) but there were 4 or 5 different meat and fish dishes, along with a few vegetarian options as mains. Dessert was fruit salad, ice cream or a dessert of the day (usually crepe with ice cream, brownie or strawberry cheesecake). Strangely, the main courses were often served with chips and rice - carb overload! The evening meals were unfortunately a little patchy and sometimes a bit cold so we ate out a couple of times. The staff at the bar, restaurant and reception were very friendly and helpful. We could not rent a wi-fi router as they were all in use, so bear in mind that at busy times you may not be able to have one. We rented a safety deposit box which were located beside reception but you have the key to it and can access it at any time. The onsite supermarket closed for siesta between 1.30 and 3.30 pm but the Spar supermarket just beside the hotel (by the exit that leads to the lagoon) was always open and is much bigger. There is a pharmacy and small gift shop on site. We used the hotel's boat to cross the lagoon to the lovely beach. It leaves from the first jetty as you turn left along the lagoon. The beach bar/restaurant as you get off the boat was very good and we had lunch there a few times. The salads were particularly good. We recommend The Jolly Sailor for evening meals with live music - turn left out of the hotel, cross the main road and walk a hundred yards or so. Turn right at the Jolly Sailor sign. Main courses were around 14-16 Euros (average). There is a cocktail bar nearby and also a traditional Portuguese restaurant right next to it. We took the train to Tavira City as it is cheaper and quicker than the bus - it was 2.90 Euros each way for 2 adults and an 8 minute journey. Tavira is pretty and quaint and well worth a visit. You can also go to Vila Real de San Antonio in the opposite direction. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here - in particular the well-kept grounds and the lovely pool.

What fabulous holiday we had through EasyJet holidays, we hired a car so made are own way to the hotel. Arrived about 8.30pm with a walk welcome from the restaurant team had an evening meal then checked in! We went to the apartment that was ideal for us, the grounds are lovely they have a lovely large pool we had half board which was very nice for the week. I have to thank all the staff that made our holiday great.

I love the landscaped layout of this Hotel. Its so spacious and green, probably because it is an older development. We were on the perimeter of the hotel but that suited us fine as it was quiet and we got the morning sun. Our apartment had been updated with a walk in shower. The whole set up is very civilised as a lot of Portugese families book in when the weather is hot. There is a free boat to the beach just for us and our apartment was near the little gate to town and a convenient Spar with normal prices. Great restaurants and bars in Cabanas. Prices quite reasonable compared to uk. The Cabanas beach is reached by the free sedate boat and its quicker to walk to the jetty than take the dotto train! The beach is a nature reserve. Apparently you used to be able to walk or wade across but now the lagoon is deeper. This does mean no dogs and no rubbish as everything is controlled and kept clean. Recycling of rubbish is encouraged so less tourist plastic in the landfill. We used the local overland train to get from Faro Town to the hotel and to also take a trip to the lovely historic Tavira. The train is cheap and easy. In September it's also not too hot. There is a butcher in a Cabanas side street and a fishmongers in an indoor market which also sells veg and herbs to make the meal complete. Cabanas is a real small coastal town with many real shops not just tourist tat. Pedras da Rainha has quite a few pots pans and utensils in the studios. Enough to prep dinner. We would book again. Angello on the desk was very welcoming and friendly.

We had a great time here. The pool snack bar isn’t badly priced at all. My children enjoyed a large plate of fries that were 3 euros after swimming. There isn’t major wars on loungers either, we used to get there about ten am, and there was loads and there was quite a few shaded areas under trees. Our apartment was quite small, kitchen was very small but to be honest it was ok. The shop on site is really reasonable and has fresh bread and tarts (yummy)! There’s also a small pharmacy and a little paper shop with cute little gifts. The little town is a 5 min walk but you can catch the train to get down. There’s reasonably priced places to eat and a few shops. The boat ride to the beach is brilliant, we loved it - last boat back is 8pm. We got Ubers to tavira as the trains and bus don’t come back too late. Think it was about 5 euros each way. Tavira is stunning, not too commercialised and unspoilt. You can hire a router from the reception for a twenty euro deposit and one euro a day which was great. There is free wifi round the pool though. All in all we really enjoyed our holiday. Kids enjoyed it immensely in the pool and I would definitely go back but perhaps would pay more for a bigger appt.

Spotlessly clean, everything you need in house. Lovely pool, near to everything - bars, restaurants, bus stop, train, boat to beach - and supermarket on site. What more could you ask for. We have been to Pedras a numerous of times and it never fails to deliver