This hotel has a beautiful setting -- there is no denying that its beach frontage is prime and gorgeous. But overall, it feels tired and almost abandoned. It has extensive sporting facilities, but they are in disrepair. Tennis courts are cracked, grass on fields is patchy, and nets are torn. The buildings also are in need of renovation, as they are crumbling in places and could use some fresh paint. The place mostly attracts young athletes who use the facilities to train for events, as well as budget-conscious travelers who don't fuss over datedness or wear and tear. Travelers who prefer clean and well-maintained facilities should look elsewhere. 

This hotel is located amid pine forest in a quiet area outside Albufeira, with direct access to beautiful Falesia Beach. There's not much in the immediate area of the hotel, but there is a supermarket and a few restaurants within walking distance. Olhos de Agua, a township with restaurants and shops, is a 10-minute drive away. The town of Albufeira is about 20 minutes away by car, and the drive to Faro Airport takes about 35 minutes. Golfers can reach the Vilamoura Old Course in about 15 minutes by car. The Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila are about a 20-minute drive away. Budget up to 40 minutes to reach the closest airport, which is in Faro. 

The hotel offers studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments, all with kitchens. The studios are located in two four-story buildings and are closer to the main street. Decor in all rooms is dated, and maintenance is poor. Old-style patterned bedspreads top beds, there is no art on the pale walls, and drapery appear to be leftover from the 1970s. Paint is peeling in many units, and linens are worn out. TVs are old-style tube units, but they do have satellite channels, and basic comforts like air-conditioning are missing. Wi-Fi is only available for a fee in public areas. Kitchens are equipped with refrigerators, cook tops, sinks, tea/coffee makers, and microwaves, as well as dishes and cookware, but everything is past its prime. Bathrooms also are outdated and dingy, but they come with bidets, shower/tub combos, and toiletries in little packets. Second bathrooms in the two-bedroom villas have showers only. One plus? All rooms have a balcony or terrace, furnished with a plastic table and chairs. 

Algarve Gardens shares facilities with the Alfamar Beach & Sport Resort, and the primary strength here, besides the beach, is the extensive sports facilities on offer. These include a running track, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, discus-throwing areas, soccer fields, and two weight rooms. Sadly, none of them are well-maintained, and there is a fee for their use. 

Dining takes place at the Boavista Restaurant, a bright space with sunny yellow, blue, and white tablecloths. All meals are served buffet-style, and breakfast includes a variety of hot and cold options. Portuguese fare is served at lunch and dinner. The Havana Bar serves drinks and light fare and provides entertainment in the way of billiards, a PlayStation system, and a flat-screen TV. The seasonal Atlantico Pool Bar has indoor and outdoor seating by the pool, and the Beach Bar has a lovely wooden deck overlooking the beach. 

The outdoor pool is a basic rectangle, long enough for swimming laps. The Alfamar next door has both indoor and outdoor pools. Algarve Gardens does have whirlpools and a sauna. Access to the beach is via a long wooden walkway. The beach is wide, sandy, and beautiful.

A business center offers two computers and a printer for guests to use, and there is seating for small meetings. An on-site convenience store sells souvenirs, beach clothing, jewelry, travel essentials, magazines, and snacks. Wi-Fi comes with a fee and only works in public areas.