Marco-PT-89
August 31, 2024
Domes Lake Resort - A Great Choice in Vilamoura Date of Stay: August 2024 Travelers: Myself, wife, and 4-year-old daughter, plus brother and wife (total of 5 people) Domes Lake Resort is a great choice overall, situated in a privileged spot in Vilamoura. With large pools, including a family pool and an adults-only pool on the other side of the lake, plus easy access to the beautiful Praia da Falesia beach, it’s well-situated for both relaxation and exploration. At night, you’re right next to the Marina, where you can stroll, visit shops, enjoy various dining options, grab an ice cream, or go to a bar. The ****** is nearby as well. Strongest Points, Besides the Perfect Location: - Exceptional Staff: The staff truly stand out. Despite the large size of the resort and the busy high-season, they go above and beyond with kindness and a smile. It was noticeable that managers were also helping out in the restaurant, showing a strong team spirit and dedication. - Impeccable Cleanliness: The hotel’s cleanliness is exceptional. The rooms are cleaned twice daily—once in the morning and again in the evening. It’s a wonderful feeling to return to a spotless room with fresh towels after a day at the beach and a pleasant dinner. - Outstanding Kids Club: The kids club is the best I’ve ever seen, offering very educational activities rather than just a place to occupy the children for a few hours. - Brilliant Food: The food is fantastic, with a very complete and fresh buffet for both breakfast and dinner. The pool bar also serves amazing food with minimal wait times. - Great Spa: The massage and spa team are excellent, providing a great relaxation experience. Areas for Improvement: - Gym Facilities: The gym is decent but it's small and becomes quite crowded given the number of guests. The same goes for the spa; both could benefit from additional space. - Bed Management at the pool: The management of sunbeds could be improved. During peak season, some guests reserve sunbeds early in the morning or leave towels on beds they don’t use, which makes it difficult for others to find available spots. It might be worth reconsidering the policy to ensure that sunbeds are freed up when not in use, or trying to create more space for more sunbeds. - Beach Bed Management: The issue is even more pronounced at the beach, where limited sunbeds are sometimes reserved by guests who never show up. A straightforward rule that prioritizes those who arrive first could help manage this situation better. Conclusion: I’m thrilled to see Domes Lake Resort improving year after year since the management change. It’s highly recommended for both families with kids and without. Keep in mind that, as a large hotel, it can get crowded during peak season, so patience and flexibility around the peak times of the day can help ensure a smooth stay. Will definitely come back next year.