NAU Sao Rafael Atlantico

This was our first holiday post covid and we’re a little apprehensive. We didn’t need to be. The hotel more than lived up to our expectations. The standard of cleanliness was very good and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The gardens, pool and beach are very good and very relaxing.

Simply a quite superb hotel with the most amazing and polite staff. It was truly a wonderful experience and would wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. Lovely walk down to a secluded beach and the cliff area was spectacular.

An excellent hotel and spa situated about 15 minutes (by car) from Albuferia. The food was of very high quality and with a wide selection always available. The staff are very friendly and efficient. Expansive and quiet gardens with pools. A wonderful beach and coves are just a 10minute walk away. Rooms a spacious and the beds are very comfy. Top tip: take a swimming hat if you wish to visit the indoor pool. To but a very cheap hat will cost you £5!

We found the hotel to be very good. The staff were very helpful and polite. The hotel itself was clean, well located away from the over touristy Albufeira town with easy access to a lovely beach. pools were clean and not too busy. Too many reviews on this site suggest that weddings interrupt the function of the hotel. However there were 4 weddings when we were there. No bars or pools were closed. Weddings take place on the hill and into a dedicated marquee. Room was large and lovely. Good sized balcony. Half board evening buffet was good and not as limited a selection as reviewers make. For variation there are a couple of good external places to eat. Breakfast was always good.

The 'Sao Rafael' is in a very quiet location with villas and apartments across the road inland with cliffs and beaches a few minutes walk to the south. We previously requested a top floor room and were pleased we did in fact get floor 4.. the top - and facing south.. so although not a 'sea view' we did get afternoon sun. Entry to the hotel is at floor 3 and other rooms are actually below reception. The hotel provides excellent guest service with all amenities...indoor pool and spa'. and many relaxing therapy treatments that some may like to partake in ..and a brilliant fully equipped gym. Rooms are very spacious with huge wardrobe storage .. you could take clothes for a month !..an included safe - fridge and supplied tea coffee making facilities, which were not always replenished without asking. Excellent maid service who did a fine job.. but disappeared when finished without a word. The dining room was well organised and breakfasts had plenty of choice and very busy. There were far fewer guests at dinner so obviously many were on a bed and breakfast basis. We enjoyed the half board evening dinner which included one drink each at the table.. at 5 star prices that saves a deal of money. A sprinkling of bars are within a few minutes walk from the hotel.. we had an after dinner stroll out most nights for a drink. The bathroom was most spacious and well equipped but has an 'open plan' aspect with very little privacy..which I didn't like at all. A walk through the extensive and delightful gardens with benches to relax on - leads to a back gate which takes guests to the small but beautiful beaches - fantastic cliffs - caves and grottoes .. where lovely walks and photo shoots can be enjoyed. The outdoor pools were very pleasant and with a snack bar too. The hotels' free bus service into Albufeira three times daily was very handy and well used. Plenty of lounge areas and free Wi-Fi throughout. A very good hotel with excellent service as a five star should be. Upon our arrival the desk service was excellent and very informative and bags were whisked to our room - I always tip accordingly. However I noticed that upon our departure at 07.20 although four young male staff were behind the desk.. I was making repeated trips with bags to the coach but there was no offer of help on our leaving... a little disappointing I felt. All in all a spotless - fine and very modern hotel.. well placed.. with everything a guest might need and well worth a visit

The atmosphere of the hotel, staff members and overall feel of the hotel was perfect, friendly and relaxing. There is not one thing that I did not love about sao rafael atlantico - I will go back again. I would suggest going for a sea view room as the view is breath taking.

Excellent hotel and staff in a lovely quiet setting. Spa staff and services also excellent. Free gym is spacious and has everything you need. Three pools and plenty of beds for sunbathing. Would recommend it to all.