Verdelago Resort

Breakfast and Dining: The breakfast buffet offers a wide selection, including healthy and vegetarian options, and is highly rated by guests. While lunch and dinner services received mixed reviews, breakfast consistently met expectations.

The resort is only a couple of years old so relatively new. The grounds are well kept. Our checkin was fine, as expected from a 5-star resort, with refreshment provided and the manager going through all the amenities and activities during our stay. The bell person brought our luggage to our 3-bedroom unit next to the nature preserve where we will be for the next few days to start our Portugal vacation. But the services at the resort dropped off after the checkin. There was no evening turn down service as indicated at checkin and somewhat the norm for a 5-star resort. We ran out of water and was only provided a minimum amount of coffee and laundry detergent. So we ordered for them and never came. We had to call like four times before it was brought to us 30 minutes later. The next day we went to the breakfast buffet which was fine. Nothing special with the food selection and the restaurant staff provided what was asked but not close to being attentive as other 5-stars we’ve been to. After breakfast we left the resort for the day on an excursion. When we came back to our townhouse in the evening, only the beds were made. All of our used towels were still there with no replacements, the living room and kitchen had not been cleaned (see pictures). After texting to the staff that night, a manager did come by and spoke to us the next morning. He did apologize and assured us the housing staff will be there to clean our unit. But that was the extent of it. The last morning we were at breakfast. As usual our party of two families with kids would stagger to breakfast in waves as whoever was ready would go to breakfast. So the restaurant staff had to take few separate drink orders. Then one of the lead came by and ask if everything was okay because his server had to take multiple drink orders. This incident really just highlight the lack of service quality we expect from a claimed “5-star resort”. Before the trip, we were deciding back and forth if we should stay with a local luxury resort like Verdelago or go with one for the international 5-star resorts we’re accustomed to. Given the service experienced, we should have stayed at the nearby W resort.

Mixed Experience – Exceptional Location, but Service Inconsistencies This review is specifically about the Beach Club, with some additional notes on other areas of the resort. At the Beach Club, the service fell short of what is expected from a five-star resort. I had requested a table by the sea and, despite several being available, I was told they were reserved, which is understandable. However, a few minutes later, one of those tables became free. When I asked to move, the person I believe was the manager told me I shouldn’t be “table hopping.” I found this comment quite inappropriate and not at all in line with the standard of service a resort of this category should offer. The gym also showed signs of neglect on some days, no cups available for water, and used towels were left in piles without anyone ensuring the space was clean and ready to receive guests. This didn’t happen every day, but even occasional lapses like this shouldn’t occur in a five-star resort. That said, the rest of the experience has many positives. This is one of the most beautiful locations in the Algarve, perfectly integrated with nature. Overall, the staff is friendly and attentive, the facilities are of good quality, the pools are excellent, and the beach is absolutely stunning. One small note: the poolside menu could be improved, the pizzas, for example, seem pre-made and lack freshness. In summary, this is my second year staying here. While the location is incredible and many aspects are outstanding, the Beach Club management was, unfortunately, the worst part of my experience. For a resort that presents itself as five-star, greater attention to detail is needed to live up to that standard.