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Reviews of Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux

5 out of 5
Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux
Avenida Tomás Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 102 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 142 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shamsudin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent 5 star property with amazing decor and feel. The staff strived for excellence and delivered. Superb hospitality and sophisticated ambience. Highly recommend if you are visiting Portimão
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 19 Jan 2024
Dear Shamsudin,Thank you very much for your superb comments regarding your recent stay at our Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux!We are most happy to read that you enjoyed the care of our Team and the elegant and elevated experiences we strive to deliver.We look forward to welcoming you back!Best RegardsGonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

6/10 Okay

Carla

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was lovely as was most of the staff. I had an unfortunate experience as because I booked through Travelocity instead of direct that I was made to feel from a male staff receptionist that I was not important. A second booking for my son did not get through (my fault). When my son booked the hotel across the street I was told the would not accommodate him as my guest. Very glad that his name was on my room instead. Bottom line book directly with this hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 15 Sept 2023
Dear Carla, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review regarding your recent stay at Bela Vista Hotel & SPA. We thank you as well for the kind comments regarding our property and the customer care provided by our team. We do regret that not everything was up to your expectation. Regarding the situation described, we are aware that, upon your arrival, you were expecting to have two rooms. One booking, as you mentioned, did not went through for reasons that surpass the Hotel's responsibility. Although we were at our full capacity, we did our very best to make you feel comfortable and happy, including arranging for a second room for the next day. This room was booked and paid on the arrival day and then canceled on the next day. Understanding the situation, we proceeded with the full refund. We are deeply sorry that you were made to feel as not important. The goal of our Team is to make every guest feel at home. Kindly allow us to inform as well, that, as explained, is not allowed staying guests to invite not-staying guests to use the Hotel's facilities, such as rooms and pool. This policy was created to maintain our guests’ privacy and high-performance levels. Once again, we do regret that not everything was according to your expectations. Our Team would be most glad to welcome you back and assist you through the booking process, to make sure all your needs and preferences are met. Our Best Regards,Gonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

shashi

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 23 Sept 2023
Dear Shashi,Thank you very much for taking the time to share an excellent review regarding your recent experience at Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux.We look forward to welcoming you back!Best Regards,Gonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 29 Jul 2023
Dear Paul,Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review regarding your recent stay at Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux!We are most glad to realize that you fully enjoyed your experience with us.We look forward to welcoming you back!Best Regards,Gonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

8/10 Good

Soha

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 9 Jun 2023
Dear Soha,Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review regarding your recent stay at our Bela Vista Hotel & SPA.Should you like to provide further feedback, our Team will be at your entire disposal.We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon.Best RegardsGonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Historic and beautiful hotel
A stunning historic hotel in a beautiful location. We ate breakfast on the patio - amazing breads & treats at the table and a full European breakfast buffet as well. Everything here is elegant and well-done.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 2 May 2023
Dear Paul,Thank you very much for taking the time to share your wonderful review regarding your recent stay at our Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux!We are most glad to read that you enjoyed our marvelous breakfast, made of the freshest products available and served at our patio, overlooking the ocean.We look forward to welcome you again to our, and now yours as well, beach house.Best Regards,Gonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 15 Apr 2023
Dear Guest,Thank you very much for your review of your recent stay at our Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux.We are most glad to realize that you fully enjoyed your experience with us.We remain at your disposal.Best Regards,Gonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

eleonor

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved everything about this place- thank you so much for creating one of our favourite experiences
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 13 Dec 2022
Dear eleonor,Thank you very much for taking the time to share with us your wonderful feedback regarding your recent stay at Bela Vista Hotel & SPA - Relais & Châteaux!It is with a feeling of gratitude that we read your kind words. Our Team is truly happy to know that we were able to provide you with an unforgettable experience.We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon!Best Regards,Gonçalo NarcisoGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carole

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 12 Aug 2022
Dear Lynn, Thank you very much for your amazing review! We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you to Bela Vista again in the future! Best Regards, Gonçalo Narciso General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Michele

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast on the terrace cannot be beat!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 20 Jul 2022
Dear Michele, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your recent stay at Bela Vista Hotel & SPA with us! We are very glad to read that you enjoyed our experience with us! Breakfast in our beautiful terrace, with a view to the Atlantic Ocean is, indeed, unforgettable. We hope to welcome you back very soon! Kind Regards, Gonçalo Narciso General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Graciela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bela Vista is a stunning property. And not just the views and stellar condition of the hotel but the entire team from Gonzalo to the front desk to the restaurant to the amazing spa team - everyone is incredible. They make you feel immediately at home when you arrive. My room felt like the perfect beach getaway with ocean views, a patio, comfortable bed and towels for the beach. The pool is gorgeous with beautiful chairs and cabanas. I enjoyed morning cappuccinos and afternoon pina coladas poolside while pleasant music played. I overheard the property was booked but it never once felt crowded. The entire staff does an amazing job having this property stand out even checking in prior to my arrival. The spa services are so relaxing. And Vista was the best restaurant I frequented in all of Portugal. I cannot wait to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 1 Jul 2022
Dear Graciela, We sincerely thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us and for your very kind words regarding our Team! It is also with an enormous feeling of gratitude that we read your comments regarding our beautiful property, our SPA and our VISTA Restaurant! Indeed, that is our ultimate goal: for you to leave with a heart full of amazing memories and with the sense that this is, from now on, your home at the beach as well. It was a pleasure to have you at our, and now yours as well, “beach house” and we look very much forward for your return! Best Regards, Gonçalo Narciso General Manager

10/10 Excellent

matthew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 1 Jul 2022
Dear matthew, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience at Bela Vista with us! Indeed, we are very glad to read that you have enjoyed your stay at our beautiful beach house. It would be our pleasure to welcome you back to Bela Vista again in the near future! Best Regards, Gonçalo Narciso General Manager

6/10 Okay

Rebecca

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
The location and the beautiful artwork of the building was lovely. The dining room staff and the house cleaners were all so kind and helpful, which we loved. The beach was right there, but I anticipated not having to pay for a beach chair as a part of my hotel stay. What really bothered us was the night we flew in; we couldn't locate the transportation service the hotel provided and had to take a taxi. We then travelled to the hotel and were met by the concierge who seemed annoyed with us even though we waited and asked around for our driver. I asked if I could possibly get my money back and was treated rudely. We were then told we couldn't get a tour because it was too late (we never got the tour, nor were we asking at the time). It was kind of a bummer because this was the last leg of our journey. All the other hotels in Germany and Spain were so so so friendly and this one felt a bit snobby and stiff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 27 Jun 2022
Dear Ms. Rebecca Jordan, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your stay with us. Please note that our guests opinion is of the outmost importance for us. We regret to read that not everything was according to your expectations. Indeed, our main goal is to provide our guests with unique and memorable experiences with us and, this being, our Team offers its most sincere apologies for not being able achieve this goal with you. Regarding your arrival day, kindly note that our Concierge is available to assist our guests during the day time. Once that you arrived later in the evening, unfortunately, she was not able to meet you. Nevertheless, our front desk operates 24 hours a day, in order to guarantee that our guests receive a warm welcome, regardless of the hour they arrive at our Hotel. We would like to kindly invite you to check your email inbox, as we have sent a more personalized and detailed message. We are at your entire disposal for any further assistance. Best Regards, Gonçalo Narciso General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very exclusive location at the beach, very delicious food.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso General Manager on 12 Jun 2022
Dear Steven, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your comments regarding the stay at Bela Vista with us! It is an absolute pleasure to read that you fully enjoyed our beautiful property and our amazing food. We hope to welcome you back to our beach house again in the future! Our team is at your disposal. Best Regards,

6/10 Okay

Erica

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unfortunately I could not give this hotel 5 stars due to the location of the hotel and the pictures of the hotel on their website are quite misleading. The hotel spa is not free to use for guests and the hotel charge for parking in the hotel grounds €15 per day. However the staff were fantastic and breakfast was also excellent
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from Gonçalo Narciso on 15 Apr 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your experience with us! We are delighted to read that you enjoyed our marvellous breakfast and the service of the Bela Vista Team. Nevertheless, we regret to read that not everything was according your expectations. Indeed, we are proudly located in the heart of tourism history. When our beautiful property was built in 1918, it became one of the first buildings with a view to Praia da Rocha. As this beautiful region grew over the years, attracting more and more visitors, so did the services available around the property. Nevertheless, Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is prepared to provide memorable and relaxing experiences, with private access to the beach, a wonderful swimming pool, spotless gardens and sound proof rooms. All combining the history of our property with the comfort of modern facilities, as portraited in the pictures available on our website. We kindly inform that our wonderful Spa by L’Occitane, the only representative of the French brand L’Occitane in the Algarve region, although not free, provides special offers and reduced prices for the guests in an exclusive ambiance. Our parking area is situated inside the Hotel’s property, secured by gates and surveillance. For that matter, a fee is charged to the guests who choose to park the vehicles inside the property. The parking fee is described on this booking platform. We truly hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the near future and provide you a truly memorable Bela Vista experience. Kind Regards, Gonçalo Narciso General Manager

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful locale above the beach with well appointed pool and dining terrace. Staff was very attentive and helpful and ocean and garden views from room were gorgeous though rooms are a bit small for deluxe style. The hotel is located in a busy beach town with a huge beach and many stunningly beautiful beaches in the area
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

SUELY

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Buck List
The perfect time of the year to go the weather was amazing .The location of the hotel was very good you dont need a car which makes it less stressful The hotel staff was one on the best that I have come across My birthday with family and friends was everything that I had dreamed of
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Birthday treat in this fabulous hotel
Amazing stay in this beautiful, very special hotel
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Olena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good private luxury stay comparing to theta in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a beautiful room (junior suite) with breathtaking views! Wonderful pool and a great beach just next to the hotel. The site is secluded and private although the bustling surroundings. We also enjoyed very much the bistro and the extraordinary Michelin star restaurant.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Bela Vista is a jewel of a hotel sat in an otherwise typical holiday seaside environment. Commanding an elevated view of the magnificent beachfront, the experience is absolutely first class from check in to check out (in particular the breakfast, dining and pool aspects). There is 1 simple reason for this...the staff! They are the best we have ever encountered in all our years holidaying and returning here for the 5th time was no exception. With all the challenges of COVID (even being on the 'Green List'!) they worked proactively to ensure the holiday experience was not affected in any way. We are already planning our next (6th) visit...
Stayed 10 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel
Excellent stay. Beautiful hotel, lovely views.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sudeep

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dan, Surrey, UK

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent - fantastic hotel, great facilities and staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Max, London

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sensational stay. Top quality and friendly service. Views of Heaven on Earth :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Yves

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Heaven on earth.
This hotel is truly an Algarve oasis. There is so much history and richness to every room. The restaurant is exquisite and the wine selection is some of the best Portugal has to offer. The spa is also wonderful. Absolutely nothing but the best!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Isabel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel, awful city.
Thank goodness we were staying at this hotel! It was beautiful, peaceful and completely stood out compared to the rest of what’s around. The town of Portimao was such a disappointment, it was too crowded for our taste even in mid season and we didn’t come to Portugal to feel like we were in Ireland to be honest. But now that we know this we will never be returning to this area. The hotel however is highly recommended, we are always satisfied with the Relais & Châteaux group.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Arnold

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An oasis retreat in the busy and bustling Portimão
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Situation and service facilities excellent. food superb.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely historic building on the busy Portimao beach. It was like an oasis. The staff could not have been better. The service and recommendations were superb,
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property is beautiful, but there’s nothing to do. The spa was a huge disappointment for the cost of the service.. the plunge pool room reeks of mildew and the massages were mediocre at best (we booked 3 and 1 facial). They are a gated property with a huge parking lot so charging for parking was pretty pathetic. Being told we can’t eat anything that isn’t purchased from the bar was a little much as well, so we snuck our own snacks in anyway. We were a large group and there’s a store literally across the street. Sometimes you just want to nibble on snacks, not order a meal or beverage from the bar. Would be nice if they had shuffleboard or a games room, croquette, I don’t know, ANYTHING in the way of entertainment. Maybe live music or something on occasion. The staff was wonderful, as were the breakfasts, impeccable really, but sooooooooooooo slow. Order your coffee/tea and eggs IMMEDIATELY or you’ll never get them. Also, the hard boiled eggs are soft so if you want a true hard boiled, specify clearly. The lattes, fresh squeezed orange juice and Madeline’s are delicious. The showers leak onto the floor, all of them, it’s weird. They have this half panel of glass that moves & water goes everywhere, which you waste half your towels wiping up. There’s also a weird window into the shower with shutters that open from the outside & you can see through even when they’re closed. Was hoping to hear the history of the building, but nobody knew anything.. its gorgeous!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfection
Just over the top... fantastic!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Victor, Moscow

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great everything - rooms, staff, breakfast, view, location.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

leslie, west orange, nj

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect oasis on the Algarve
My husband and I spent five nights at the Bela Vista as part of a three week trip to Portugal. It was a perfect oasis. The hotel is relatively small and is beautifully decorated. The service was exceptional. Dinner in the Vista restaurant was outstanding. Views from the hotel over the beach are gorgeous. We decided to forego some sightseeing plans and spent most of the days relaxing en premise.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Lovely oasis lovely hotel. Breakfast mediocre. Room not serviced till 5 pm one of the days
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

mattia, switzerland

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice hotel, but too much noisy.
The food was very good. The staff should become more professional, even it’s very available. We don’t agree with the philosophy of Hotel do not include in the room cost the entrance of the spa. In fact the spa have a cost a part. Very odd!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hidden gem
Super friendly and helpful staff. Rich history of the property. Excellent food. Most comfortable bed I’ve slept on in Europe!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best hotel in Portimao
This is definitely the nicest hotel in the area. The food and service were great as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Mark, Philly and Turks & Caicos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really couldn't be better!
The staff were incredibly attentive catering to your every need. The grounds were immaculate with a terrific view of the beach. Pool was perfect temperature and chaise loungers were constantly being supplied with fresh towels. Our room was spacious, super clean, lots of closet space with very nice bathroom. Breakfast buffet on the sunny deck was a great way to start the day!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Julie , long itchington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff are jewel in the crown
Third visit and the quality is maintained. The staff are amazing with particular mention to deborah,allana and mara. They make it extra special with service unlike anywhere ive ever been before. It is unfortunate that it is not adults only and over 12's are allowed (whilst limited in number). The pool area is quiet and relaxed, the spa is excellent and very good value for money. Being gated and off the main strip is ideal as it keeps the hotel secluded but literally 2 mins from shops and restaurants. We have stayed in the main hotel, the garden rooms and the blue house and the garden room is my fav with lovely see view balconies. The free smoothies by the pool are fantastic. Expensive but worth every penny
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent service in a beachfront location.
An upscale uption with great views. Nice, comfortable rooms and staff goes all the way to please you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

mona, ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely beach hotel
Beautiful beach hotel. Close to shops and resteraunts. The room was amazing with a great view. Very comfortable. Staff were lovely and attentive. The food at the hotel was AMAZING! The pool area was so relaxing and the pool itself was beautiful. Highly recommend this hotel. The spa was unbelievable. Had a deep tissue massage that was the best I ever had. 1st class hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017