NAU Sao Rafael Suites

access to spa was great great bar across the road free shuttle bus to town is ideal rooms were modern and comfy showers are great always hot water cleaners are superb at their job all inclusive is handy

all inclusive here means you better like fish it’s very repetitive no night life in the hotel really not great variety of drinks on the all inclusive - mainly local drinks not near town for walking distance but free bus a few times a day if booking into a la carte - there is no option it’s a set menu so more option in buffet good €60 in a taxi from airport

The room is perfect and clean, the size is more than expected, and the pools are excellent and clean.

No real night entertainment, the food was repetitive, and we found it not tasty.

The exterior of the resort itself was beautiful, it definitely looked 5*. This also extended to the interior. Reception and restaurant staff were super friendly and helpful. The food at the buffet restaurant was also surprisingly good, and I'm glad they also had some traditional Portuguese food as opposed to continental/british food. Enjoyed the games room, although was a bit small. The two pool and indoor swimming pool were also decent size.

We booked a Family Book with interconnecting rooms, however in one of the rooms there was no cupboard/wardrobe to store our clothes and luggage, nor was there any plug sockets that were conveniently located near the beds, there was only one by the tv stand. We had a mini fridge which we didn't realise because it was camouflaged into the walls although a good surprise (we just didn't know). The bed was super uncomfortable, it was way too soft for my bad backache. I informed the hotel and they managed to switch it to another bed, but it still wasn't a whole lot better, but I survived. There were also a few young men who'd come back late and were super loud which wasn't ideal.

The hotel is really big but yet lovely and quiet by the pool with plenty of sun loungers and space in the pool. The lobby and bars are nicely decorated and very clean. The food selection was good, fresh with loads of variety. The bbq was a nice touch. Staff were helpful and friendly.

The bathroom in our room could do with updating, the shower door wasn't secure so water poured all over the floor. The beach is a bit further away than I thought. We just got taxis into the old town and went to beach there so not really a problem. (Reception will phone a taxi 10e to old town)

room - or should I say suite -excellent-very large lounge and bedroom, one bathroom and large wet room with all disabled aids.large tv in each room and balcony in each room. round dining table and chairs in lounge with 2 easy chairs-fridge and plenty of storage-i.e. wardrobe space. breakfast -everything you needed. stay was only overnight prior to going into a villa so did not sample amenities much.

lighting not very good -but never is in a hotel. Had to walk up ramp to get to room although it was not far from the ramp. Couldn't find any cold milk for tea-may have been some but didn't see.

The food was nice and good selection. Excellent range of desserts and fruit. Location was perfect for our needs. Quiet and calm but close to the beach and the shuttle bus to town was a very good service. Plenty of sun loungers and parasols around the pool. Staff were very friendly and were excellent with our baby.

Our stay was generally a very positive experience. Sometimes the food in the buffet was a little cold for my preference but it was tasty and there was always something to eat.

Really enjoyed our stay... Helpful and friendly staff, very clean and spacious room, lovely pool, fantastic food which is very fresh and good variety, shuttle bus. Excellent value all in all.

Very minor things... Probably not 5 star, more like 4 I'd say. Beach towels not always available, had to ask for them. Robes not in room on arrival, again had to ask, but sorted out immediately 🙂. Fridge in room which was handy but really needed defrosting

Love the location, short walk to the beach and 20 min walk to the marina plus a short cab into the old town. Good variety of food, fantastic breakfast, varied lunch with fresh bbq every day, afternoon food at the pool bar- burgers, hot dogs, shrimps, sandwiches and pastries. Evening meal is another variation of lunch but always something for your taste. The suites are large, great air con, comfortable beds and kept very clean by the hard working maids. Drinks plentiful and available all day, cocktails during the day come from taps so not the best quality other drinks available.

This isn’t what we didn’t like but what could be better. Quite a few broken sun beds around the pool so it’s a bit of a lottery (always more available). Lighting in the lobby bar was so bright it felt more like an operating theatre - more ambient lighting would have been better. Shame there wasn’t a gym but we did use the one at the sister hotel but a bit of a pain. A selection of toiletries as the soap dispenser in the showers were hair and body but not really great for hair in our opinion.

The food at the hotel was great,there was lots of choice for all the family. The bbq on the balcony was fab. The beds were so comfy, the maid service really good each day and the two bathrooms in the room are great for families. The pool wasn't too busy and we could always get a bed around all of the pools.

Some of the tiles around the pool are loose and could be a trip hazard.

The size of the suites and the sea view were amazing. The choice of food was good and catered for all tastes. The staff at check in were very friendly and efficient. The nearby beach is fantastic. Always fresh pool and beach towels available.

The hotel needs some TLC. Many of the sun loungers at the pool were broken. The personal contact from the staff at meal times because of the Buffet is missing. It was "help yourself" even with the wine. The Kids Club was more interested in making Halloween decorations than playing with the children. Only went once.