From the moment we approached the reception until we walked out to our rental car for the last time, we felt truly welcome in the Vale d'el Rei (Lagoa, Portugal). In fact, the very sweet Carmina bade us farewell with the comment that, if we should have any questions or need any help before leaving Portugal a week later, we shouldn't hesitate to give her a call.
I booked this wonderful hotel through HRS in early January for our August stay. We paid 96 Euros per night with breakfast buffet. (If we had booked closer to our arrival, it would have been more than twice the price that we paid!) The rates do vary greatly, depending on season -- between 60 Euros and 180+ Euros for our 2 room suite in 2006.
Vale d'el Rei is quite a small hotel, as new building standards go (less than 60 suites, plus several larger townhouses). Our suite was 2 rooms with kitchenette and we have rarely had the pleasure of occupying such tastefully furnished quarters. The apts. are done in earthy brown tones, including a very comfortable suede sofa-bed in the living room. Beds are very comfy and our bathroom had all necessary amenities including marble vanity. The apts. are cleaned daily and are spotless.
We were amazed to go out on our terrace and find lovely teak-wood chairs and table AND a fantastic hammock. What a great place to curl up and read!
The swimming pool(s) are not overly large, but sufficient; and the small waterfall helps to cover up the noise of children playing (they were on vacation!) . Again, surrounding the pools are teakwood loungers, no plastic here!
We had only booked 2 nights, but look forward to a longer stay next time. I should mention that the hotel is in a rather secluded area - no restaurants or anything within walking distance. You will need a car unless you want to spend all your time at the hotel.