Tivoli Alvor Algarve - All Inclusive Resort

2026-11-07

Disappointing experience for a five-star resort We expected a five-star experience, but this stay fell well short of expectations. Our room was spacious, but housekeeping was inconsistent. We had to request tea, milk, tissues and toilet paper daily and, despite four people sharing, were routinely left with only three towels. There was no bin or slippers on arrival and only one bathrobe. Pool towels were unavailable at all pools on two mornings. On another occasion, fresh towels did not arrive until 12.30pm. Some were threadbare. Guest relations dismissed our complaint, saying nobody else was complaining, despite the pool attendant reporting numerous daily complaints. Sunbeds were crammed together and routinely reserved with bags long before use. Despite assurances that this was monitored, we saw no meaningful enforcement. Coffee stations were frequently dirty. Dining was poorly organised. Plates, cutlery, bowls and glasses were repeatedly in short supply. We were told the hotel was at full occupancy, which makes adequate supplies even more important. Larger coffees were served in tiny paper espresso cups, queues were commonplace and we waited 15 minutes for a pancake for a hungry child. There were no seats available when we checked at 7.45pm for the 9pm entertainment, so we could not attend with our grandchildren, aged four and six. On our final morning, repeated calls to reception to arrange luggage collection went unanswered, leaving us to manage our own bags. Staff attitudes were inconsistent. Some were delightful and clearly tried their best. Others made us feel unwelcome, as though even a simple request was an interruption. Asking for a spoon to eat cereal should not be an issue at any hotel. We frequently encountered such an abrasive attitude that we sometimes gave up.

2026-11-04

On the plus side, the hotel does have the potential to be really nice, the rooms are a little dark but nice overall and the food is in the main quite good, in addition Alvor itself is lovely. However it's two areas that completely let it down. Firstly, there is an odd approach to guest relations, it is pretty much non existent. I am not sure if this is a training issue or if the staff are just a bit worn down with people complaining, but at best they were disinterested in solving any issues. This didn't apply to all the staff by any means but probably the majority and certainly those areas you would expect to be very customer focussed such as guest relations and front desk. The second issue was just the basics - lack of cups/glasses, cutlery during meals, no towels at the pool (and sometimes in the room), room not being set up correctly etc. In addition we found it very difficult to book the a la carte restaurants at a sensible time (as did others when we were there) and there is no area as such to have drinks - there are a couple of space that serve drinks in plastic glasses or a really weird marque outside the front of the hotel next to a dual carriageway. If you can get a good deal on this hotel and use it as a base, I would recommend, but don't pay top end expecting a five star experience as you will be very disappointed.

2026-11-04

5 days with the family at the end of October. Good bedding, spacious and well-equipped room (Nespresso). Varied and high-quality buffets. Wine more than decent for an all-inclusive package (a nice little red from the Douro :-) ). Large pool, a bit cold but it is the end of the season. Free shuttle to the center of Alvor.