Choosing a bed and breakfast in the Algarve

Sea, Islands, Beaches and Resorts

    

The Algarve, located on the south coast of mainland Portugal, is well known as a highly attractive region for a wide variety of holidaymakers. Those looking for sunshine and sand need look no further; the Algarve is famous for a warm, sunny climate all year round, accompanied by numerous amounts of spectacular beaches. Furthermore, the Algarve is renowned for hosting some of the best golf courses in the world; for any golf enthusiast, a visit to the intricate, challenging and beautiful courses littered throughout the Algarve is an absolute must.

However, besides a wealth of activities, you will need somewhere to stay! Whilst there are plenty of hotels around, they often come at a price. The wiser option for the more thrifty travellers may come in the form of bed and breakfast accommodation. Outlined below are 10 criteria it is worth considering before selecting a bed and breakfast in the Algarve.

1. Location. Ensure your accommodation is near to where you wish to be. For most, this will be the coast; where there and numerous bed and breakfasts to be found.

2. Nature of location. Whilst your accommodation may be in an ideal location, resorts vary in their nature. For example, families may wish to avoid Albufeira`s New Town, where nightlife is vibrant. For some, this may be ideal.

3. Cost. Bed and breakfasts are normally a fairly cheap option, but prices can vary, especially in highly sought after coastal resorts.

4. Reviews. Nearly every bed and breakfast in the Algarve will have an online listing, where you can see the feedback of previous customers.

5. Golfing opportunities. Many of the world famous golf courses are located in the grounds of luxury hotels; so golfing enthusiasts may wish to take this into account before booking into bed and breakfast accommodation.

6. Air conditioning. The Algarve is famed for its beautiful weather, but air conditioning is therefore essential for a comfortable stay!

7. Facilities. For those who want to self cater, some bed and breakfasts may not provide this option. Bed and breakfasts are likely to be a little more basic than a pricey hotel, but at less cost. There are exceptions; others will have TV`s and private swimming pools.

8. Food. Some bed and breakfasts will serve classic Portuguese breakfast sourced locally. For some, this may be an attraction and for others, it may be an offputting feature.

9. Holiday you desire. Bed and breakfasts tend to offer quiet accommodation, away from the beaten track of tourist trade. In the Algarve, peaceful walks, golf courses and beautiful scenery are often within walking distance of bed and breakfast accommodation. Check your accommodation matches your holiday needs!

10. Culture. As with the food, bed and breakfasts are more likely to give you a feel for the local Algarve culture. If this is not what you seek, bigger accommodation such as hotels may be a wiser move.

All these are simply suggestions; the best bet is to thoroughly research a bed and breakfast before you book it and ensure it meets with the needs of your holiday. The Algarve is easily reached by plane; Faro airport takes in numerous flights, every day, from a wide variety of airports. For a cheap stay, the Mirachoro Sol Hotel offers relaxing, quality accommodation in Portimao, with easy access to the coast and 30 minutes drive from the attractive city of Lagos.