NAU Sao Rafael Suites – All Inclusive

“Returning visit for 6th year still not a disappointment!”

We have been here the first weekend in March for the past 5yrs. We did another hotel in Nov that was allegedly a 4*. Don’t come close to this hotel and its staff!! It’s spoilt us! The company and hotel chain Nau have been bought out which explained why the hotel was available late to book this ye... more

We have been here the first weekend in March for the past 5yrs. We did another hotel in Nov that was allegedly a 4*. Don’t come close to this hotel and its staff!! It’s spoilt us! The company and hotel chain Nau have been bought out which explained why the hotel was available late to book this year! Hotel was in its first opening weekend and there were lots of “Suits” about! But super friendly. Hotel has been refurbed in reception and main bar area. Restaurant also has had an update. Looks nice and open plan but maybe the removed tv needs a place back as some sport events are still worth watching! Some lovely smell is pumped through the corridors too! Kept asking what it was! No entertainment our weekend which usually is on but understandable if it was launch weekend. It would be back on the following weekend. The hotel was as usual only semi open and they were still refurbing the 2nd pool. No disturbance at all by this! We were down that end of the hotel on the ground floor but for some reason were soon upgraded to the left hand side of the hotel and on a sea view floor which was nice overlooking the pool that was open. Food again was excellent as normal. Staff super attentive and friendly. Place is spotless again as far as we’re concerned. Staff always cleaning. Breakfast on Friday fell on International Women’s Day so we were gifted a flower, a verse and a cocktail especially for that day. That was sweet! We were given access to the Atlantico suites spa as ours was in refurb. You can pay extra €10 each for access to the full spa with sauna and steam room and jacuzzi which we did on the second day due to unseasonal weather. There is a bus that goes into Albufeira I believe but we take a car rental. We had had some issues with hot water in our room and Pedro the manager was super apologetic and left us a cheese platter and bottle of red in our room. Things happen and as we’ve always had little issues here we had no complaint and in fact had made none! All inclusive food was hot, tasty and plentiful inc fizz in the morning! The all inc drinks are the basic which is fine but suggestion was given to add dark rum. I think any own branded booze could be inc or any “cheap” booze without being too dear for the hotel to foot so a cinzano could be added too. They have stopped the pay €15 per day for full booze choice. Nice to see some familiar staff there again!l I hope with the new take over it’s not changed too much or to the detriment of our usual experience. The usual clientele of golfers were there who were well behaved to be fair. We’ve never seen any issues or heard them. It’s very quiet in the hotel bedroom areas. I hope this target area isn’t stopped as it makes a weekend entertaining g to meet different people. Looking forward to next March! Room 220 - 3 mad Mums on tour!! 7-10 March 24.

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“Not quite a 5*”

Pros Very spacious rooms Lovely staff Good Location Beach nearby Good selection of food at buffet Cons Limited restaurants could only book 1 Poor decor No milk alternative at breakfast on display Poor kids club Lack of drinks variety No gym

“Lovely stay”

Beautiful hotel. Staff amazing and great amenities. Breakfast and dinner were of high standards. Unfortunately there is not much in the area so albufierea is the best place to go but requires a taxi.