Pestana D. João II Beach & Golf Resort

Great hotel with fabulous views. Happy hour in the bar 18.00 to 19.00 indoor and outdoor pool spa and outdoor gym. Rooms are a good size with a balcony lifts to all areas. Access directly to the beach and promenade

Have been staying in Pestana hotels for a long number of years and whilst aware that they are older hotels and potentially have their star ratings due to their location rather than their experience, I was still disappointed in my latest stay. The original sea view room we were allocated had a side glimpse of the sea (could see it if I hung around the concrete wall on the left of the balcony) but otherwise looked directly onto a fairly busy road and had no direct sunlight . I immediately went back to reception to request to be moved (was told on check in that the sea view rooms and floors 3 and above) and was then allocated a 2nd floor room facing the pool with the sea in the background (obscured by the mature trees in the garden of the hotel) but at least had the sun for most of the day. I had been told that the hotel was fully booked and I couldn’t have a room on floor 3 or above until 2nd Jan (checked in 30th Dec). I accepted the room swap acknowledging that I’d still like to move on the 2nd as I hadn’t yet been provided with the sea view I had booked. The second room we had been allocated (floor 2, pool view) was in dire need of attention from the hotel maintenance team, the bathroom door wouldn’t close, the paint was peeling around the door frames, 2 wall lights were missing and the floor lamp did not work. I informed reception abut the floor lamp but it wasn’t fixed. On 2nd Jan I was made to feel like a real inconvenience to reception when I asked what time my new room would be ready, I was told I had a sea view and didn’t need to be moved but I stood my ground and a fully functioning room on the 4th floor with a gorgeous view along the whole beach and across the sea was provided. I left a list with reception of maintenance items needing addressed with the second floor room (see pictures). We were on B&B basis and the breakfasts were fine, the layout in the restaurant isn’t particularly great and the food was ok. We booked to have a Buffet Dinner on our arrival night (€30pp plus drinks) and the food was inedible. We got a full refund as we couldn’t eat anything that was provided (gristly fried pork, fish that was so overcooked it was like rubber, chorizo that was white the whole way through) and after a lot of back and forth, managed to get a refund and walked into town to find something to eat. The positives - the staff were, on the whole, lovely. The location is incredible - straight out of the garden and onto the boardwalk / beach, straight out of reception and 10mins into the town centre. We had massages in the spa and those were fantastic. On the whole, for the cost, we wouldn’t choose to stay in this hotel again. For groups of golfers who just want somewhere to sleep, it is perfect! However, if you are looking for a relaxing holiday with 4star facilities and standards, this isn’t the hotel to choose.

Good location. Not far from the beach and this is great. The room number was good. The service staff is always friendly, smiling and attentive to each guest. From the first minutes of our stay in the restaurant, he created an atmosphere of comfort and comfort. He not only serves quickly and efficiently, but is always ready to help with the choice of dishes or offer something special from the menu. His attentiveness and goodwill made our vacation even more pleasant. Thanks to Jay for excellent service, we will definitely return!