This property is clean, comfortable, conveniently located, well managed and good value.
We stayed for over two months between January and March and were very, very well pleased to have spent it here. We are happy to recommend that others also seriously consider doing so.
The owner (Joau) and the local manager (Jorge) are both extremely helpful, cooperative, friendly. They get five stars for management quality, responsiveness and style.
The apartment is just right for two people. The bedroom and the sitting room gave us lots of room to be together when we wished and in separate rooms when we didn't.
It is furnished with reasonably good furniture. Often, we have found that owners of rentals use furniture that only kindly could be called "used, now summer cottage" quality. Not so here.
While not top of the line new, all of the furniture is well made and comfortable. It is along the lines of what we might have bought many, many years ago for our first apartment, when we were first starting out. Not expensive, but the best quality we could afford.
The appliances are new or near to new and no one should have any problem with them. There is enough cutlery, dishes, cooking utensils, etc., etc. to allow two people to cook basic meals. There is, however, no dishwasher. Towels are all good quality and linens are basic.
The location is very convenient to grocery shopping, has a bakery just steps away and many restaurants (at least two really superior ones) within easy walking distance. It is also convenient as a locale from which to explore the whole Algarve with its car park that was certainly safe and secure all our time there.
Finally, we had no reason for personal (or property) security concerns at home, in our neigbourhood or, indeed, anywhere in the Algarve. And we walked extensively and drove everywhere along the coast.
So why only three stars?
While the apartment has recently been refinished, it is in an older building that is a bit tired.
Second, the construction of the building is such that sound does travel through unit walls. This was not a problem for us: Our neighbours were quiet but we did hear some family and construction noise.
But in high season, the exuberance (kindly put) of yobos and neighbourhood bars could conceivably prove noisome. (This, however, is true of anywhere in Albufeira.)
Third, the apartment is located on the second (third North American) floor and stairs may be a problem for some.