My husband and I are middle aged and the Praia da Rocha was recommended to us to be a lovely area. Would the Hotel Algarve Casino be a good choice? Is there also a Hotel Algarve without the Casino? If you can recommend any other beach area and four to five stars hotel/resort, we would appreciate your recommendation. Thank you in advance.

BEAUTIFUL LARGE BEACH, (IF YOU WANT TO SHARE IT WITH HUNDREDS OF ENGLISH FOOTBALL FANS ETC) All of beach is backed by ugly high rise towers of cheap package hotels. Beach starts filling up with people at 8.00 am and can be very hot, water is freezing cold with a very strong dangeous undercurrent. Needless to say i did not stay long. Unfortunately most of the large beaches on the algarve are now backed by large hotels. Try villa de Lobo or lagos or anywhere inland 10 miles and fifty years back

I agree with Phil. It is years since I was there, and Praia da Rocha was already then full of these ugly high rise buildings. Albufeira was much nicer, so we went and stayed there. The places a little bit more inland are also nicer if beach is not a must for you..

Hello Erika<BR>I couldn't agree more with the other posters.<BR>I would suggest the Almancil area in the Algarve and specifically these properties.They are locate in a nice quiet area -a Natural Reserve Park- close to beaches,golf courses and great dining.IMO, this the best part of Algarve.<BR>Hotel Quinta do Lago (www.quintadolagohotel.com)<BR>Le Meridian Dona Filipa<BR>(www.lemeridian-donafilipa.com/<BR>Ria Park Resort Hotel<BR>(www.riaparkresorthotel.com)<BR>Ria Park Garden Hotel<BR>(www.riaparkgardenhotel.com)<BR>Hope this helps.

Thanks to all of you guys. Your information helped immensely. It kind of confirmed what I thought about Praia da Rocha. We are now looking at the Ria Park Resort Hotel and the Ria Park Garden Hotel. What is the big different between these two? Also, since I have never booked a hotel through the internet can you advise me on the saftest, efficient and economical way to pick a hotel booking service. Also, can you recommend a good 4 star hotel in Lisbon? We are looking at the Mundial or the Le Meridian. Since we are staying one night in Evora, we are looking for a stay there. It can even be a little bit outside of Evora.<BR><BR>I know I ask a lot of questions and I sincerely thank you for all your help.

Thanks to all of you guys. Your information helped immensely. It kind of confirmed what I thought about Praia da Rocha. We are now looking at the Ria Park Resort Hotel and the Ria Park Garden Hotel. What is the big different between these two? Also, since I have never booked a hotel through the internet can you advise me on the saftest, efficient and economical way to pick a hotel booking service. Also, can you recommend a good 4 star hotel in Lisbon? We are looking at the Mundial or the Le Meridian. Since we are staying one night in Evora, we are looking for a stay there. It can even be a little bit outside of Evora.<BR><BR>I know I ask a lot of questions and I sincerely thank you for all your help.<BR>

Hello, again!<BR>This is the "real" Wells.<BR>Regarding your questions on the differences between the two "Ria" hotels i would say the Ria Garden is a new addition to the chain and it seems to be a 4*.<BR>In Lisbon you have choosen Le Meridian (5*) and Mundial(4*) hotel.I would also consider Hotel Avenida Palacio - same area of Mundial,although a 5* - but so full of history.Also the Lisboa Regency Chiado a new hotel in the 4* range.<BR>(www.hotel-avenida-palace.pt/index.htm )<BR>(www.regency-hotels-resorts.com/UK/chiado/index1.html)<BR>I posted my impressions on the Meridian in this forum if you do a search you'll be able to find them.<BR>Now the Evora suggestions,there's a nice 4* hotel -a 5 mnts walk to main Plaza-nice rooms,beautiful lounge and very accomodating stuff,Hotel da Cartuxa.And a Pousada (ancient convents or palaces restored and converted by the government into hotels),Pousada dos Loios.Even if you choose not to stay there it's worth a visit.<BR>(www.hoteldacartuxa.com)<BR>(www.pousada s.pt/01pousadas/40planicies/044loios/index.html)<BR>As to reservations if you don't feel confident with an over the net booking try e-mailing or faxing the hotels directly.<BR>Best Wishes<BR><BR>

To the "Real Wells". Sorry about that.<BR>You have been of great help. I hope you enjoy answering e-mail and I didn't take up too much of your time. We will definitely check into the Ria Park Hotels. By the way, are you familiar with the Pestana Carlton Alvor Hotel? Is it any good and what about the location. Thanks for everything.

I agree with everyone -- we honeymooned at Pria De Rocha seven years ago - but it was in October, so it was quiet, and we had a lovely beachfront room at hotel algarve -- however - after driving around and spending time in albufiera, we realized it would have been a much better choice. Have fun.

Has anyone actually stayed at the Ria Park Resort Hotel? If so, what was your experience? Is it easy to get to the beach? Do you need a car to head out for dinner, etc?
Thank you.