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Vila Joya: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
Praia da Gale, Albufeira 8201-902, Portugal
Hotel amenities
Vila Joya
Ranked #15 of 168 hotels in Albufeira
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73 reviews from our community

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Barcelona, Spain
Top Contributor
138 reviews 138 reviews
43 hotel reviews
Reviews in 54 cities Reviews in 54 cities
113 helpful votes 113 helpful votes
“Selling it on the view, but not 5 star quality inside”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed June 4, 2012

We took a half board package with dinner. We had a wonderful welcome and a fabulous room with a view over the sea leading out onto the terrace and gardens. The room was average, but the bathroom is in serious need of updating. Shower curtains (that don't fit) in 5 star hotels in Europe is an absolute no no. The staff were lovely, very welcoming and hard working but there one or two minor let downs. Missing our breakfast order on the bedroom door is a big error for a hotel of this standard. When we went to pay, the lack of prices for alcohol both with lunch and dinner revealed the gotchas. 29€ for a glass of red wine with lunch and 183€ for the pairing of wines with dinner made this overnight stay nearly 1000€.
I have to say it was a very lovely break for my wife and, very relaxing but it comes at a cost. If you're not short of money you will probably enjoy staying here. Looking at some of the indications of average prices, you might find a better web site deal than what we paid on the hotel site. However beware the hidden cost, particularly wines which are exorbitant for this part of the Euro zone. Wines and taxes do not cost that much here.

  • Stayed June 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 7
Ask stevejnb about Vila Joya
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“Portugese 4 star, American 2 star”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 20, 2012

They get an "A" for effort, but you'll fall in love with what Vila Joya could be, not what it is. Bottom line:

1) The room decor is out of date and feels cheap. The bathrooms are especially inconvenient with outdated plumbing.

2) The staff is top-notch. SUPER nice and accommodating. Food is excellent.

3) It feels like they're going for a "homey" hotel, but they miss the mark because they try to mix way too many different styles in one small place and end up with a confusing ambiance.

4) The town surrounding the Vila feels like a poor Latin town from the 1980's, which is reflective of the poor economic times they are having. There's not a lot to do and we found ourselves a little uncomfortable in the area.

5) The rooms are not quiet at ALL. If the people downstairs are having any kind of celebration or talking loudly, you'll hear it all. If the staff walks the corridors or does anything, you hear it.

6) The wi-fi was pretty slow, but that may be indicative of the region.

Overall, they are making a good attempt at having a resort, but they need to invest in new decor, sound-proofing the rooms, bring some more light into the the whole hotel and offering other things to do in the area around the hotel so you're not bored.

  • Stayed November 2011, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 10
Ask Gloria W about Vila Joya
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Preston, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
22 hotel reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
“A fantastic, spot, and the wine seller is a must...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2012

Having travelled extensively throughout Europe, and notching up an incredible 21 stars last year, my palette for good food is demanding to say the vary least.

I eat at Vila Joya last week with my partner, whist we were staying nearby on business.

I am unable to comment on the bedrooms, but if the food is anything to go by then you're in for a real treat.

I have to stay, for me, this was by far the best restaurant I have ever eaten in. The service was impeccable, the setting was ' paradise' as was the food.

A trip to the wine seller, was sublime, nothing was too much trouble. During our experience, the clientele was all German, which for me demonstrates quality. If its good enough for them.....!

I will certainly return, but next time, I will book a room.

  • Stayed March 2012, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask Paul S about Vila Joya
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Derby, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“EXCELLENT!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 2, 2012

Having holiday'd in Barbados for over 30 visits we wanted to find somewhere nearer to the UK and get rid of the long haul flight.
We went to VilaJoya for Sunday lunch whilst staying last year (2010) at the Villa Vermont, Quinta da Lago and Vila Joya enticed us back for a short 'taster' stay in November 2011 during which we suprisingly even managed a couple of days on the sundbed.
The staff, the food, the service, the setting,cleanliness and ambience were second to none!!
We are returning again in May 2012 and will try to ensure we manage to have at least 2 stays a year.
It is SO relaxing. If you are looking for somewhere to relax and be looked after then look no further.
Top Class!!

Room Tip: We stayed in room number 7 and have requested that room again. It is placed on the west and is in a...
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2011, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Ruffles R about Vila Joya
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Porto, Portugal
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
24 hotel reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“Little piece of paradise”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012

This is for sure one of the most special places in Portugal. Not only is still a different piece of Algarve, it has one of the best restaurants. We usually go for dinner on 29th August for my wedding anniversary and the endless number of courses in a delight for senses. The place with its priviledged location in the top of a cliff, is romantric, exclusive , peaceful. The service is extraordinary although we miss the previous butler which would greet us with: Welcome to paradise! The beach is wonderful and quite enough. This is a place forgotten from the rest of the tipycal busy Algarve.

  • Stayed August 2011, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask MafaldaPortugal about Vila Joya
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Vila Joya

Also Known As:
Vila Joya Hotel
Vila Joya Albufeira
Vila Joya Hotel Albufeira
Vila Joya Albufeira, Portugal - Algarve
Address: Praia da Gale, Albufeira 8201-902, Portugal
Region: Portugal > Algarve > Albufeira
Amenities:
Beach Business Center Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free Parking Kitchenette Restaurant Room Service Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#1 Romantic Hotels in Albufeira
#6 On the Beach Hotels in Albufeira
#12 Luxury Hotels in Albufeira
Price Range: $
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
One of the top 5 star hotels in Algarve, Vila Joya resembles a small oriental palazzo and is nestled in a breathtaking garden setting on a cliff with stunning views facing the sea. Winner of the 2009 World’s Leading Boutique Resort Award, this Albufeira beach resort also boasts one of the top Michelin Restaurants in Portugal and features luxurious spa resort accommodations, exclusive golf packages, and rejuvenating body treatments. ... more   less 
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Vila Joya
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