Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

Tivoli Carvoeiro's well-tended grounds of lawns and trees, and its clifftop setting, make a fine first impression. The latter is the star attraction, and there are beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as direct access to Vale Covo Beach. It's one of the best locations and views of any hotel in the Carvoeiro area. Unfortunately, after all that natural beauty, the interiors at the hotel are a big letdown. There's not much in the way of interesting art or decor. Colors throughout the hotel are washed out, and many public spaces and rooms need renovation to address old and worn furnishings, dirt, and smells. The facilities here are excellent, so guests spend much of their time in the outdoor and indoor pools, sauna, and steam room, or on one of the tennis courts or a nearby golf course. The hotel draws mostly tourists and families -- many from the U.K. -- to its fine leisure offerings and beach-ready location not far from Carvoeiro. 

Tivoli Carvoeiro is on the M530 road, just east of Carvoeiro and overlooking stunning Vale Covo Beach. It has direct beach access and a spectacular view of the ocean and cliffs. Access is via stairs and then down a ladder, so those with mobility issues might have difficulties. In addition, the beach is only accessible at low tide. Vale Centeanes Beach is a little under a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away. Once a quaint fishing village, now a major tourist destination, Carvoeiro features a beach, ocean-facing boardwalk, shops, restaurants, and a town square with live music nightly during the summer. It's a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Tivoli. Golf is a popular pastime in this area, and the Nick Price-designed Gramacho course at Pestana Golf Resort is one of the best courses in the area. It's a little over a 10-minute drive. Estombar-Lagoa train station is under 15 minutes away by car, and Faro Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the Tivoli Carvoeiro. 

Rooms and suites at Tivoli Carvoeiro have a few attractive elements like wood furniture and trim, but in general the look isn't appealing at all. The furnishings and bedding look dated, and the colors are a washed-out tan, brown, and rust red. In addition, many rooms need renovation to address issues like musty smells, worn and dirty carpets, worn and old furnishings, and chipped and dirty tiles. Some rooms have been renovated, and as of November 2016 the hotel has more renovations planned. Rooms range from 226 square feet (21 square meters) to 377 square feet (35 square meters), so most are relatively spacious. The 293 rooms come with minibars, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, and TVs, though some are still old tube units. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, and free of charge only for Tivoli Discovery club members. Guests can sign up for this program at check-in to receive free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have terraces and balconies, some with excellent ocean views. Suites add living areas. Bathrooms are spacious and come with hairdryers and bidets. Some have shower/tub combos while others have just stall showers.

Without a doubt, the best feature at the hotel is its direct access to stunning Praia do Vale Covo, a scenic beach set in a cove. Keep in mind that reaching this beach will be a challenge for the mobility impaired, and that it's only usable at low tide. The hotel also has a dive center with basic and advanced PADI courses. A large, circle-shaped freshwater swimming pool and adjacent children's pool are surrounded by a deck and lawn facing the ocean. An indoor pool and hot tub are set in a space with good natural light. The health club offers a fitness center, sauna, steam room, and massage treatments (for a fee). Two lighted hard tennis courts are on site, and the hotel also has a volleyball court and colorful kids' club. The Tivoli operates a golf desk to help guests select and book tee times at area courses. The main restaurant serves a hot-and-cold breakfast buffet (for a fee) and Portuguese and international cuisine for lunch and dinner, with a great view of the ocean. Room service is available. A pool-facing coffee shop serves light fare and drinks and a separate poolside bar serves cold drinks, though both are only open seasonally. The hotel also has meeting rooms, wedding hosting, and free parking. Wi-Fi is free for members of Tivoli's rewards club, which can be joined upon checking in.