On my recent trip to Portugal with my toddler we stayed in Alvor. This is my review of the AlvorMar Apartments. Are they a good place to stay with a toddler? What facilities do they offer?
Review of the AlvorMar Apartments
The Apartments
The apartments had an interesting design, built around a courtyard garden with the pool out the back. Our apartment was great, exactly what I needed with a toddler. We had a one bed apartment which gave us plenty of space and meant that I could hang out in the living space after Daisy had gone to bed. They also have studio and two bedroom apartments, a total of 50.
The kitchen was fully equipped, including microwave, kettle, toaster and oven/hob, and there was a balcony for lazy breakfasts. The apartment was cleaned every day and there was decent wifi. It was equipped with cable tv and air conditioning, but I didn’t actually use either. If I was being fussy, I would say that the bathroom could have done with updating. Although Daisy loved pushing the plastic wheeled shelving unit around the apartment (who needs toys…)
The Location
The AlvorMar is in an excellent location on the edge of the village, yet quiet and only 750m from the long sandy beach. Although, the apartments are advertised as mostly having sea views. I must admit that ours was rather Fawlty Towers style (it’s over there between the land and the sky…). If you are bothered about such things, request an apartment at the back facing the direction of the beach.
Toddler Facilities
There were lots of great things to keep your little one entertained. There was a small toddler pool, the perfect depth for a 2 year old. It was handy to have some pool toys, such as boats and rubber rings, too. The shady play area by the pool was also great. Daisy loved the little play house (many an hour of peek-a-boo with the door…). There was also a tunnel to play with indoors, but fortunately the weather was fantastic while we were there. On the top floor there was also a roof terrace, providing some more space to stretch little legs. And a library for those quieter moments…
In the room, cots and high chairs were available to borrow at no extra cost. The kitchen, although open plan, was pretty toddler safe. The accessible (to a toddler) cupboards contained plastic items and there was a clever hidden drawer for sharp knives. I did need to fashion a method of tying the balcony door open though, as it was a great game to slide it open and shut, open and shut, open and shut,…
Other Facilities
The folk at reception were really helpful and it was open 24 hours. There was a handy cafe by the pool, useful for when you had forgotten to pick up any coffee at the supermarket (which incidentally is just down the road). There is of course a large pool and sun loungers to complement the toddler pool, none of which were busy at any point during our visit, even though the apartments were full. A small bar was near the reception, but it didn’t appear to be open in October. We made use of the handy shower and luggage storage room before our later pick up on check out day.
Overall
In my opinion, this was a great place to stay with a toddler. There was plenty of space to make for a comfortable stay. Thought had been put into what might be useful to keep a little one entertained.
It sounds like it has everything you need and allowing you to borrow extras at no further cost is especially helpful too, particularly when travelling with young children. #MondayEscapes
It was nice to stay somewhere genuinely family-friendly; I find lots of places say that, but actually all they mean is that they have one manky highchair available!
This sounds like an ideal apartment for a family stay. Details like a fully equipped kitchen really make a difference when you are travelling from outside the country. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Yes, it was exactly what I needed – I think I need to revise my criteria of what I look for in accomodation now that I have a toddler in tow…
These look like such good family friendly options #fearlessfamtrav
This sounds like a great option for young families, a pool and some sand would keep my two boys happy all week! Thanks for linking up with #FamilyFriendlyStays
Sometimes simple holidays work nicely with little ones