I have never posted a review prior to this, but this place deserves an exceptional review. Firstly, the staff are excellent, in particular Pedro, Homraj and the lady who runs the bar/restaurant (whose name we didn’t get), nothing is a problem for them. The place itself is immaculate, accommodation is fantastic and we particularly loved the quiet atmosphere they promote, no ridiculous music all day at the pool for example. The town centre is a pleasant 11 minute stroll going to and an unpleasant 22 minutes in the other direction (all uphill), however there are Tuktuks that will bring you back for a fiver, (look for George). The town is very pleasant loads of shops and places to eat and very picturesque. We will definitely return.

Have stayed here many times with the kids…can’t be faulted

Nothing

The room is big, beds are comfortable. Full equipment in the kitchen. Good cleaning everyday.

Swimming towels if you want to change to the clean one and you have to pay 1 euro each time per towel. No hairdryer in the bathroom of swimming pool. Jacuzzi has very low pressure. The lady at reception was not helpful, anything you ask the answer is: that’s the way we are always doing in this hotel. Feels like they are 5 star hotel but they don’t want to provide 5 star service. I will ever choose to stay there anymore.

We had the most wonderful and relaxing stay at Monte Santo Resort. The staff are so lovely, facilities are great, this includes a very well stocked kitchen in our apartment (I have to cook all my meals due to dietary requirements. I avoid gluten, dairy, soy, corn and grains- tricky!). However, breakfast was included, and i was able to have a few things for breakfast, which I was very grateful for. (Gluten-free options available) We loved everything from the moment we stepped in and had a very warm welcome to the minute we left. Parking wasn't an issue. The resort is nice and quiet. (We did visit out of season, which worked for us well) Our apartment view was amazing. We enjoyed the beautiful pool outside as well as the steam room, sauna, and indoor pool on those less sunny days. It was my husbands birthday whilst there, and he received a complimentary bday cake as well as a bottle of bubbles. That's a very thoughtful and kind touch (maybe a gluten-free option could be considered). Our housekeeping ladies were brilliant - we really are so appreciative to EVERYONE here. Numerous grocery shops are nearby. We had a car, so it was easy to get around. We walked to Carvoeiro a few times (approx 20 mins at pace but it is not flat!), but, beautiful views once you're near. I do think we will be back! If I was to make a couple of comments/ observations, these would be: - the only thing I would have loved to have in the kitchen is a non stick pan (everything else was there and of good quality) - some areas of the resort, including the rooms, look little tired in places - this wasn't an issue for us, but a refresh might be a good idea in the future - the resort isn't too accessible for those with moderate to severe mobility issues. Speaking to one of the guests who was in a wheelchair, he really struggled to enjoy his holiday fully due to lack of accessibility.

There is nothing we didn't like, for us, this was a perfect place/ holiday.

The suite I stayed in was perfect. I could have used the catering facilities to be self-catered if I'd really wanted to. But why would you? Carvoeiro is 25 mins or so down the road and has a wonderful range of eateries. There was enough space in my room to focus on truly relaxing, but the hotel's facilities meant I didn't spend a lot of time in it! The pool area was to die for, catching the sun throughout the whole day, and the indoor facilities (gym, sauna and pool) were great on the one day when the weather wasn't so good. I can't write a review without mentioning the staff! José Boto and team were just wonderful. They were very kind and welcoming to a solo traveller like me - offering local recommendations and a smile at every stage. It was my birthday during the stay and the team went an extra mile by wishing me the best and delivering a special gift to my room. This was very thoughtful and left a lovely impression.

I can't think of a single thing the hotel itself could improve. Exceptional. But I would call out a couple of things about the location for other visitors. 1) The walk to/from Carvoeiro takes about 25 mins, and it is quite hilly! I'd suggest taking some sturdy shoes. 2) If you don't have access to a car, it's a bit of extra effort to get to and from the hotel from major transport hubs. But it's well worth it! I found it much simpler to use Bolt rather than relying on buses for my transfers.

The resort itself is very good and the staff are lovely and helpful. Inside the buildings areas are super clean but the outside could do with a bit of spit and polish as they say . Unfortunately our stay in mid April wasn't a good week weather wise so the lovely pool etc wasn't a very good option as is wasn't very warm. The bed was comfortable and the shower was nice and hot . The A/C was quiet and worked well. The kitchen section was clean and tooled up with a washing machine , microwave, fridge freezer and dishwasher. A little lacking in dish clothes and cleaning products to make you feel totally at home , or is that just me ha ? My biggest concern was not the resorts fault but has to be said that there's a lot of potholes in the roads in Portugal and are very dangerous and could very easily cost you your rental car ... be warned !! All in all we had a good week touring the coastal towns and even ventured up to Monchique .. so yes this is a good location for a base to travel around easily.

As mentioned.... nothing that is the resorts fault . Best go May onwards for the weather and hire a Hummer as a rental car !

Breakfast - great variety and very tasty Swimming pool - the area by the pool was incredible Internet - fabulous, just like being at home Almost no spiders!

The walls are paper thin and everything echoes. We would wake up early just because someone in another apartment pulled a chair or was having a shower. Some chair felt pads would help massively!

Small selection of breakfast options but very good quality breakfast - hot and cold food. Our apartment was not in the main building so we had less noise, though we could hear next doors doorbell at times. Can communicate with staff through WhatsApp which was handy as we made a few requests - baby high chair, iron and ironing board, and toilet roll top up. The gym was really well equipt especially for a hotel gym. The children's pool was good for very little kids. Staff filled up the dishwasher with our dirty plates/cups etc so it was nice to come back to things having been washed.

Nespresso coffee only - we don't like creating plastic waste so would have appreciated something more environmentally friendly.

Comfortable beds. Good showers. Has indoor pool and tennis court. Location - Carvoeiro short walk away (bear in mind steep climb back which is fine for those who are able/have average fitness). Really friendly staff.

Tired rooms could do with updating. Small and lacked facilities for a 5 star resort. Terrible TV service and old TVs which are not smart enabled. Paths not well kept (weeds everywhere). Poor soundproofing- Heard lots of noise from people below us. Had to request bags again after arriving at room and waiting an hour for them. Wouldn’t have minded but it was cabin bags we wanted to take ourselves but they insisted they deliver them. We were ready for a shower after a long day and would have preferred not having to wait.

Huge apartments, swimming pool is great, breakfast was great, very comfortable beds, water on arrival

The Turkish bath was broken and then when it started to work it was way too hot, nowhere to hang your towel, the check in experience was quite poor for a 5* resort too it didn’t feel like we were taken care of