Jardins Da Balaia Guest Apartment

“Such a waste”

I was worried when I booked to stay here due to the poor reviews both on TripAdvisor and booking.com. However I wanted to stay in this location due to family living in the area so I gave it a go for 3 nights. Firstly the location is fine for a quiet location but close to Albuferia shops and night … more

I was worried when I booked to stay here due to the poor reviews both on TripAdvisor and booking.com. However I wanted to stay in this location due to family living in the area so I gave it a go for 3 nights. Firstly the location is fine for a quiet location but close to Albuferia shops and night life. It's about a ten/fifteen minute walk or a Uber taxi ride for less than 5 euros. The apartments are in the walls of the Quinta da Balaia village. It's located right at the back of the site and although found easily by following the road that runs straight through the village, please note that many taxi drivers and airport transfers struggle to find the reception for these apartments. You are best off getting the driver to speak with the security staff at the village entrance or meeting your transfer from this security reception. The location of Quinta da Balaia is beautiful. Lots of greenery, some villas are tended amazingly well by private owners. The pool bar /restaurant, mini market and tennis courts are all lovely. Whilst we were here in early June there was limited use of the facilities but they were clean, well stocked and friendly. Jardins da Balaia however has not been maintained well. There is some building work going on which hopefully means they are doing it up but progress looks slow. Several of the buildings look like the paint has been stripped back to be prepared for new decoration. Much of the grounds have been left to overgrow or has been scorched in the sun. However you really can see that with a little cosmetic maintenance work it could be beautiful. It's such a shame because again the inside of the apartments are lovely and generous in terms of space and layout but they need a lick of paint on the wardrobe doors, new shower curtains and an update on the decor. These are all minor things that would make a massive impact. Tv choice includes English channels and a fully equipped kitchen is provided. I had to ask at reception for the hairdryer and in the room it states 'they provide a bottle of sparkling wine' which I was unaware of but when I asked about this at reception this is wrong. It's fine as I didn't expect it but why say it? Bed sheets were clean but did not wrap underneath the mattress. There is no safe in the room which I feel they should add. The pool is a 2 minute walk from reception and although open when I was here the pool bar / cafe was very clearly shut up. This I think has stoped people using it as there is another pool on site about an 8 minute walk away. However although the surroundings and facilities of this pool are better the pool is much smaller. Anyway I used the abandoned pool to sunbath and swim and it was fine (it also has a small diving board and kids pool) and was the only person there for the couple of hours I used it. Toilets are available to use. It feels very abandoned though but it was great having the whole place to myself! The food is nice at the main onsite restaurant with limited menu and the shop stocked with suitable items. There are lots and lots of tennis courts to use, ranging from fantastic condition to a little worse for wear. In summary if a little updating (only cosmetic) was done this place would be fantastic, however it can only be justified as comfortable and okay. The reception is only available during the day and although can converse in English it was a little difficult to ask questions and get answers. Please update the facilities of the pool, which is a disappointment. It wouldn't put me off staying again as the price reflects what you get but it would be great for the owners to sort it out.

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