Maria Nova Lounge Hotel

Arrived 13-30 9th June, told room ready 14-00, offered glass of wine whilst waiting. Room ready 14-00, 1st floor, room 130, pool view as requested. Twin beds pushed together, large mattress, hanging space, shelves, no drawers, free safe, small fridge not efficient (leave cupboard door to fridge open to cool), bathroom small, shower tray extremely slippy, needed shower mat to stop slipping but used small towel to stand on. Towels hard and thin although changed daily, cleaning hit and miss, bedding changed every 2/3 days, balcony small. Free Wi-Fi. Used restaurant 1st evening, very disappointing, salad, cheese, meats, but "cooked food " pork, fish, vegetables were cold/luke warm, appeared overcooked and dry, maybe because left standing to long. Priced at €29 euros each and €18 euros bottle of wine, €76 euros extremely pricey. Buffet breakfast, "full English/cooked food " only luke warm, again left standing became dry and cold. Cereals, yoghurt, cheeses, hams, fruits, toast, juice, coffee/tea. Pool area needs urgent attention. Some sunbeds have been replaced but many others need replacing, flags/walking area is very uneven, flags either broken or lifting and "weeds " growth between each flag, Major problem with pigeons, flying down to drink, pigeon poo side of pool and dropping into the pool. Pool bar for drinks and food, drinks expensive, food priced similar to UK prices. Roof top bar has views over Tavira but again price of drinks high. Also a private function one weekend closed it down to clients (although pool bar remained open) Weekend's the hotel gets very busy with locals staying. Hotel based at top of a hill, walk down into town for lovely choice of restaurants, reasonably priced but can get extremely busy and some require booking. Walk over bridge for small stalls and mobile food stations. Hill is steep and could be difficult walking back from restaurants. No local shops, supermarket close to hotel. Ferry to beach €2.70 each return, 15 minutes, much preferred to hotel pool area. Summary - Hotel given 4* by Portuguese tourist board and Jet2, but really 3* rating more accurate. Hotel appears "tired " and in need of upgrading in many area's. Loved Tavira and will return but will choose another hotel

We arrived from the airport mid morning, and after checking in we had a very welcome chilled wine from reception. We were asked if we wanted to register a credit card and then sign for purchases at the pool bar and presumably in the upstairs restaurant. As we planned to eat out in the town or elsewhere we declined. There appeared to be an issue with cash not being accepted a the pool bar which we were not aware of. We then were able to change in the cloakrooms near reception and sit by the pool until our room was ready. There are numerous sun loungers with umbrellas, in sun and in shade. We relaxed and then had a very tasty lunch before going up to our room. We had requested a pool view and this is recommended. The room was a good size, as was the bathroom and the balcony which had a fold out washing rack - most useful. Very little noise from other occupants except when entering late or leaving early as people tended to let the doors slam.

The bathroom had soap/shower gel and body/hand lotion available and the shower cubicle was large although with a slight leak. Towels were of a good quality and replenished when requested - as we were staying 10 nights we usually do this halfway through the holiday. There is a large counter top for toiletries as well as a full length shelf under. In the bedroom we were dismayed to find the small fridge did not have a freezer compartment so alas our G&Ts had no ice. Room enough to chill water and tonic. As the fridge was in a cupboard/wardrobe below the safe, items stored here became warm - not a problem but to be aware of if purchasing food. The hanging space in the wardrobe was not long enough for even day dresses so had to be hung over a coat hanger (preferred) or folded over at the bottom. Also no shelves but large cupboards so one tended to place items in and it was difficult to find things (resulting in the purchase of two t-towels as I couldn't see I had already bought one!). Good supply of coat hangers although we always bring folding ones. Electric kettle with limited tea/coffee but no milk.

Breakfast was superb - astonished to find sparkling wine available every day so Bucks Fizz every morning! Great selection of fruit, yoghurt, cereals, cold meats, salad, cooked savoury and sweet items, bread and pastries. Excellent coffee from the machines and the orange juice was great too. Staff very helpful, friendly and efficient.

The hotel is about 10 mins walk to the bars/restaurants where there is a wide choice and variety of food - plus more over the bridge into the centre of Tavira. Also about 10 mins up the hill (right from the hotel) to the nearest train station of Porto Nova - east to the end of the line and small ferry to Spain or west to Faro - half price for pensioners on production of driving licence or other document with a photo.