Pros
- A 10-minute drive to the beach and downtown Albufeira
- Spacious rooms with balconies or terraces, some with sea or town views
- Restaurant and two bars plus a free breakfast buffet
- All-inclusive meal plans are available
- Two outdoor pools, one for children
- Free parking and shuttle to beach and town
- Library and internet corner plus a game room
- Events space for up to 1,100 people
- Free Wi-Fi in lobby and ground-floor bars
Cons
- Nothing within walking distance except a grocery store and a pub
- Entire hotel is in need of a refresh
- Wi-Fi is not available in guest rooms
- Fee for use of fitness facilities
- Safes and mini-fridges on request only (for a fee)
- Shuttle to town and beach doesn't run on Sundays
Bottom Line
The 362-room Hotel Montechoro is a two-and-a-half-pearl property that's a 10-minute drive from Albufeira's lively town center. The immediate area is quiet, though the hotel runs a free shuttle to the beach and town (except for Sunday). Dining is available at the restaurant and two bars. Rooms are spacious, but in need of an update and lack Wi-Fi. The best features of the hotel and rooms are the beautiful views over the town, the sea, and distant mountains. The large outdoor pool is also a plus, as is the health club with tennis and squash courts (fee). Self-sufficient travelers who don't need to be within walking distance of the beach could check out the nearby Vila Petra Aparthotel, where there's an indoor pool and simple rooms have kitchenettes.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Kids Club
- Pool
- Spa
Scene
Older hotel with dated style throughout, though sea and town views can be nice
Open since 1978, this hotel is looking every bit its age. That impression starts right away, in the hotel's huge lobby, which feels empty, with the long white front desk along one wall and a tile floor stretching out in front. A couple of potted trees sit in front of the reception desk, but that's about it for decoration and there's little atmosphere at all. Upholstered stools surround the big square columns, and guests could perch there, but it isn't particularly inviting. A few white sofas and chairs provide seating along the white walls. The style is Moroccan and has a distinct 1980s edge that's not ironic or pleasant, In fact, the entire hotel is in need of an update. On the plus side, the views from the terrace out back overlook the colorful town and the sea in the distance, providing a spectacular view. The hotel currently draws mostly non-fussy couples and families looking for low rates in a decent location. The hotel was promising renovations in 2016, so check ahead to see if those have materialized.
Location
Quiet residential area a 10-minute drive into Albufeira and the beach
This hotel is situated in a quiet residential area about a 10-minute drive outside the center of Albufeira. In addition to a few hotels around it, there is also a nearby supermarket and a lively Irish pub. There isn't much to see or do in the immediate area, so plan on having a car or availing the free shuttle if you want to explore the area. Zoomarine Algarve marine park is about a 15-minute drive. Faro Airport is about 40 minutes southeast by car, and it will take about two hours and 15 minutes to reach Lisbon.
Rooms
Outdated, but spacious, rooms with balconies or terraces, some with beautiful sea and town views
From a style perspective, there's not much to like here and the rooms are entirely dated. Furniture, fabrics and upholstery all look tired, and color schemes of orange and pink are past their prime. Decor is minimal, which doesn't help the atmosphere, and there's no artwork on the plain white walls. In some rooms, flat-screen TVs are awkwardly placed on desks in front of the mirror. Other rooms still have tube-style TVs. Bathrooms feature double sinks with ample counter space, but they need to be updated as well. White tiled shower/tub combos and walk-in showers had mildew stains when we visited, and fixtures are dated, but bathrooms do offer hairdryers, bidets, and toiletries. Suites are larger with separate bedrooms and living spaces, but they have the same dated issues as the rooms. The best feature of the rooms are balconies or terraces, and some have beautiful views of the city and the sea, or mountains in the distance. Some also overlook the pool. Sadly, however, they are furnished with cheap plastic chairs and small tables. Safes and mini-fridges can be requested in rooms for a fee. There is no Wi-Fi in rooms.
Features
Restaurant and bars, outdoor pools, kids' club, plus health center with tennis and squash courts
Restaurante Montechoro serves buffet breakfasts and dinners daily, with a focus on Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine that gets mixed reviews. Breakfast is included in all rates, and half-board and all-inclusive plans are available (though there are restrictions). The space features high ceilings and arches, white walls and ceilings, tile floors, and wooden tables. Bar Bambu, by the pool, is a bright, airy space that's open year-round. Bar Almohade is a Moorish-style space with sofas for seating and a billiards table and flat-screen TVs for entertainment. In high season, live entertainment performs there.
A round outdoor pool is surrounded by a wide pool deck lined with lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas and cabanas. A grassy lawn and tall trees beyond the deck add atmosphere. A smaller kids' pool is adjacent. There's also an indoor kids' club with activities for the little ones. The health center has its own reception area and offers eight tennis courts, a squash court, and a massage room. Unfortunately, there's a fee to use any of the fitness features.
Events space on the top floor can accommodate up to 1,100 people for business meetings or social events. An internet corner provides two computers for guests to use, and there's free Wi-Fi in the lobby and and ground-floor bars. While there is a shuttle to town and the beach, it doesn't run on Sundays.
Things You Should Know About Jupiter Albufeira Hotel
Also Known As
- Hotel Montechoro
Address
Rua Alexandre O'Neil, Albufeira 8200-343, Portugal
Phone
351 289 597 150
Website
Scene
Older hotel with dated style throughout, though sea and town views can be nice
Open since 1978, this hotel is looking every bit its age. That impression starts right away, in the hotel's huge lobby, which feels empty, with the long white front desk along one wall and a tile floor stretching out in front. A couple of potted trees sit in front of the reception desk, but that's about it for decoration and there's little atmosphere at all. Upholstered stools surround the big square columns, and guests could perch there, but it isn't particularly inviting. A few white sofas and chairs provide seating along the white walls. The style is Moroccan and has a distinct 1980s edge that's not ironic or pleasant, In fact, the entire hotel is in need of an update. On the plus side, the views from the terrace out back overlook the colorful town and the sea in the distance, providing a spectacular view. The hotel currently draws mostly non-fussy couples and families looking for low rates in a decent location. The hotel was promising renovations in 2016, so check ahead to see if those have materialized.
Location
Quiet residential area a 10-minute drive into Albufeira and the beach
This hotel is situated in a quiet residential area about a 10-minute drive outside the center of Albufeira. In addition to a few hotels around it, there is also a nearby supermarket and a lively Irish pub. There isn't much to see or do in the immediate area, so plan on having a car or availing the free shuttle if you want to explore the area. Zoomarine Algarve marine park is about a 15-minute drive. Faro Airport is about 40 minutes southeast by car, and it will take about two hours and 15 minutes to reach Lisbon.
Rooms
Outdated, but spacious, rooms with balconies or terraces, some with beautiful sea and town views
From a style perspective, there's not much to like here and the rooms are entirely dated. Furniture, fabrics and upholstery all look tired, and color schemes of orange and pink are past their prime. Decor is minimal, which doesn't help the atmosphere, and there's no artwork on the plain white walls. In some rooms, flat-screen TVs are awkwardly placed on desks in front of the mirror. Other rooms still have tube-style TVs. Bathrooms feature double sinks with ample counter space, but they need to be updated as well. White tiled shower/tub combos and walk-in showers had mildew stains when we visited, and fixtures are dated, but bathrooms do offer hairdryers, bidets, and toiletries. Suites are larger with separate bedrooms and living spaces, but they have the same dated issues as the rooms. The best feature of the rooms are balconies or terraces, and some have beautiful views of the city and the sea, or mountains in the distance. Some also overlook the pool. Sadly, however, they are furnished with cheap plastic chairs and small tables. Safes and mini-fridges can be requested in rooms for a fee. There is no Wi-Fi in rooms.
Features
Restaurant and bars, outdoor pools, kids' club, plus health center with tennis and squash courts
Restaurante Montechoro serves buffet breakfasts and dinners daily, with a focus on Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine that gets mixed reviews. Breakfast is included in all rates, and half-board and all-inclusive plans are available (though there are restrictions). The space features high ceilings and arches, white walls and ceilings, tile floors, and wooden tables. Bar Bambu, by the pool, is a bright, airy space that's open year-round. Bar Almohade is a Moorish-style space with sofas for seating and a billiards table and flat-screen TVs for entertainment. In high season, live entertainment performs there.
A round outdoor pool is surrounded by a wide pool deck lined with lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas and cabanas. A grassy lawn and tall trees beyond the deck add atmosphere. A smaller kids' pool is adjacent. There's also an indoor kids' club with activities for the little ones. The health center has its own reception area and offers eight tennis courts, a squash court, and a massage room. Unfortunately, there's a fee to use any of the fitness features.
Events space on the top floor can accommodate up to 1,100 people for business meetings or social events. An internet corner provides two computers for guests to use, and there's free Wi-Fi in the lobby and and ground-floor bars. While there is a shuttle to town and the beach, it doesn't run on Sundays.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
-
Air Conditioner
-
Airport Transportation
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Babysitting Services
-
Balcony / Terrace / Patio
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Basic Television
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Business Center
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Cabanas
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Cable
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Children's Pool
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Concierge
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Dry Cleaning
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Fitness Center
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Free Breakfast
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Gameroom / Arcade
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Internet
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Kids Allowed
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Kids Club
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Laundry
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Meeting / Conference Rooms
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Mini Bar (with liquor)
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Pool
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Poolside Drink Service
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Rental Car Service Desk Onsite
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Room Service
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
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Spa
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Supervised Kids Activities
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Swim-Up Bar
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Tennis Court
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.