After reading so many reviews regarding the Pinhal Do Sol, I came with an open constructive mind and decided to review the hotel honestly and open.
First impressions is its definably not for the loud and lively bunch who require a fun packed break, more of a laid back quiet approach to life, we arrived early for check in, so decided on spending a couple of hours at the pool side, What hits you first is the peace, the quietness of the pool area, only around 3 couples around the pool, this is the norm, most of the guests have hired cars and are away all day. If you are here for a chill out its perfect.
Location is around 3 k from Quarteria and you are surrounded by fields and waste land, set in its own grounds it reminds you of a terraced street of 28 houses all in a row, the feeling is it was built as private apartments but never sold, so converted to guest rooms on 2 floors and a bar, restaurant tagged on the end.
The restaurant hits you as pre 70,s its being a while since I saw one like this, covers for 50 diners but never seems full. The buffet area is divided into 4 areas , one the soup of the day, second a small salad area, the third your main buffet a choice of 3 either, chips, rice, or boiled potatoes, one veg, and a choice of fish, meal or a stew of the day, but the rub is the chef stands over the food and he plates it, the fourth area is the sweets which were mainly one fresh fruit, one cake or a jelly, good points were the food was actually hot to eat. Bad points small type of dinner plate about 8 inches in diameter, so if you fancied doing an Oliver!!! You could and go and ask for more!!!
We stayed 5 nights which was long enough before getting bored with the choice of food, but for the price, matched what we paid for. Breakfast fared a lot better, choice of toast breads, cakes, etc, assorted meats and cheeses and cooked bacon or small sausages, mushrooms , beans , and scrambled eggs, but not all together, plenty of coffee, and tea, enjoyed sitting outside to eat. You either love it or hate you decide.
The bar is in the corner of the lounge, and normally only one member of staff on day and night, more than 3 customers its rush, they cannot cope, but the prices are still reasonable, 2.50 Euros for a beer, and spirits around 3-5 Euros, those on all inclusive were hit with various obstacles what you can and cannot have, so was undecided if it was worth it, spoke to various holiday makers on the package, and most found it all right but if you are a heavy drinker will struggle to have a good drink,
At Meal times drinks are served and you take your ticket to the bar to pay afterwards,
Seating in the bar is around 25-30 seats and extra outside, not sure what will happen over the winter i.e. Xmas week if it’s cold outside, entertainment is a non starter, something on every other night, not worth mentioning. Take some playing cards!!!!!!!
The rooms were large, we were on the first floor, on arrival when picking up our keys we were told to walk, and walk and walk again to reach the rooms, inside large spaces room was 10 metres*5metres and 5 metres high, ideal in the summer not sure if they will heat in the winter, fridge, iron provided, but no kettle, take a travelling kettle if you like a cuppa, TV. Large bathroom
Would I book again yes, but only to chill out and escape?
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