Prainha Clube is a four-pearl hotel above the cliffs overlooking Alvor Bay, with direct access to the beach and amenities at Prainha Village. The grounds are beautiful -- with sunbathing lawns that slope down toward a cliffside pool -- and the 61 sleek, all-white rooms have kitchenettes and balconies for enjoying the view. Several dining options include a beach bar and restaurant built into the cliff, but most are only open seasonally. There are also plenty of fees, with charges for Wi-Fi, gym access, and use of pool lounge chairs.

The Pestana Hotel Group has the market cornered on upscale hotels in Alvor, and the Dom Joao II is one of its most noteworthy properties. The 384 contemporary rooms are colorful and have private balconies, though not all have sea views. The hotel offers direct access to the great Tres Irmaos Beach and is within walking distance of restaurants and shops in Alvor. There's a lot here, from indoor and outdoor pools to a game room to outdoor activities, though some of the amenities are available only in the summer. 

The upscale Alvor Baia Hotel Apartamento is in a residential neighborhood with little in the immediate area, and it's a 20-minute walk from the beach -- though the hotel offers a free shuttle. Most of the 402 rooms are one-bedroom apartment-style units with separate living rooms and kitchenettes. Hotel features include a spa, a bar with nightly entertainment, and two buffets, though the food gets mixed reviews and lacks variety (especially for those on longer stays) and the restaurants themselves are totally devoid of atmosphere. 

North of downtown, the Luna Alvor Village is an upscale hotel in a quiet residential area, with apartment-style rooms that have kitchenettes, private balconies, and jetted tubs. The large outdoor pool is set in an attractive sundeck, surrounded by a wide open sunbathing lawns. Breakfast is included and there's a lounge bar with a handsome outdoor terrace. Other facilities are limited compared to competitors in this category, but rates are much cheaper here.