Review
This review covers a recent five night family visit to Hilton Vilamoura. This was our first family trip abroad for quite a while, we spent 5 days in Vilamoura over Easter, followed by a night at the Conrad Algarve (click for a previous review). At the time of our stay, Covid restrictions were gradually being lifted. Masks were still required indoors in Portugal – though this requirement was dropped the day after we returned home.
The Hotel
Hilton Vilamoura is a large five star golf resort and spa in the Algarve. The main building consists of hotel rooms and suites, but the site also includes Hilton holiday apartments, which can be booked via the App/website. The name As Cascatas means ‘The Waterfalls’ in Portuguese and this is reflected in waterfall features in the main pool area and spa, including a waterfall complete with cave in one of the pools.
The hotel site is impressive and well presented. It includes four outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a very nice spa, two bars and two restaurants. There is also an adjacent golf course. The hotel is located about 20 minutes walk from Vilamoura Marina, but the hotel also offers a free hourly shuttle bus and has a bus stop and family tourist road train stop outside.
The Rooms
We booked two standard rooms and requested these be connecting. The hotel was able to meet this request and also upgraded us to Pool View rooms (courtesy of my Hilton Gold status). As a family of six, we had three people in each room, but there was still ample space, particularly given the large balcony which we used throughout our stay as the weather remained sunny throughout. Each room had a shower, large bathroom with bath (separated from the main room by a glass wall with curtain), a desk and arm chair and balcony furniture. Rooms are well maintained and well presented, daily cleaning includes replenishment of bottled water.
During the summer rooms are priced at around €279 per night or 70,000 points. We booked five nights via points, meaning one night was free, as we had plenty of unspent points given the challenges for travel over the last couple of years.
Facilities
The hotel has four outdoor pools, a main large pool, an adults only pool named the ‘romantic pool'(!), a teenagers pool and a separate pool mainly used by people staying in apartments (although available to all guests). The hotel was full during our stay due to a large organised group booking, however we never had any issues with accessing sun loungers, etc. On our first day it was particularly warm for April (28C) and the pool was noticeably busier than other days, but this didn’t cause any issues.
The adjoining spa, accessed via an underground link corridor includes plunge pools, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and treatments which can be booked in advance. Although my favourite feature is the ‘experience shower’, a walk through rain shower where you can choose the Siberian or Caribbean experience, with temperature, lighting and sound adapted to your setting. The spa is €15 per person or complimentary for Hilton Gold or Diamond.
We used the hotel shuttle bus a couple of times to reach the marina. It was quite busy, but prompt and straightforward. However, we also discovered that an Uber for the same trip was only €3, so often used that instead given the flexibility.
Food
Breakfast was served between 7 and 11 a.m in the main restaurant. Full breakfast for the whole family was complimentary due to my Hilton Gold status, which is a decent upgrade on the advertised benefit of continental breakfast for 2 people.
Breakfast service was good, drinks orders are taken on arrival and you are given an option of indoor or outdoor seating. We chose to sit outdoors everyday, staff were good humoured – my 10 year old son’s favourite part of the stay was that the waiter kept adding extra capsules of Nutella to his plate when he walked past!
The breakfast buffet includes a wide range of hot and cold options. The quality of breakfast was good throughout the stay.
We also had lunch in the bar, which was good, although table arrangements make it difficult for a group to eat in the indoor bar area – we were given low tables with armchair type seating as most of the dining tables only accommodated 2 people. Beyond this we used the wider range of restaurants in Vilamoura, particularly on the Marina as we found the sheer volume of these meant better value, choice and some great views of the Marina.
Summary
Hilton Vilamoura is a fantastic option for a family break in the sun. Well presented with excellent facilities and good service, we are already considering a follow up visit later in the summer.
Other Hilton hotel reviews you might be interested in:
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