Located right on Vilamoura Beach and a short walk from the marina, the 323-room Crowne Plaza is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area. Stylish rooms have elegant beach decor in neutral tones and with wicker accents, and feature free Wi-Fi, upscale bathrooms, and furnished balconies with great views. The grounds are sprawling and beautiful, with a large lagoon-style pool, big lawns dotted with loungers, and several restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. The spa is a highlight here, with an indoor pool, a great treatments menu, and a gym -- but there are fees for fitness classes and for access to the pool (common in Algarve). A kids’ club, a kiddy pool with water features, and a large ship-shaped playground keep children busy. 

The 176-room Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa is a family-friendly upscale hotel on beautiful grounds that include an 18-hole golf course. The hotel has a bright, contemporary style with a touch more personality than many Hiltons. Most of the spacious rooms feature details like artsy hand-painted traditional tile art, and all come with private balconies and marble bathrooms. Some have full kitchens and washing machines. Features are numerous and include six pools, three restaurants and bars, free shuttles, and dedicated off-site beach space -- most of which are seasonal. There's also a large spa plus a kids' club, but these incur an extra fee -- as does Wi-Fi for many. 

Attached to the famous Vila Sol golf course, the 189-room Pestana Vila Sol is an upscale resort geared mostly to golfers. Its rooms are sunny and spacious, and have small flat-screen TVs, lightly stocked minibars, and free safes. Suites are housed in villa-style buildings, and feature furnished patios and stylish details such as exposed stone walls and wooden beams. The quiet outdoor pool is a favorite among guests during the warmer months, and the restaurant serves a decent buffet for breakfast and dinner. Other notable features: a basic spa, a seasonal kids’ club, flexible meeting space, and an indoor pool with a tiny whirlpool.