We booked in here at fairly short notice and were absolutely delighted with what we found. It is perfect for a B&B stay as there are almost too many places to eat right outside the gates, plus a lovely little Spa supermarket to buy odds and ends for lunch. The main undercover market is also only a short walk away, with a shopping centre including a large supermarket just across the road from that. The old town itself is delightful and we loved the walls and doors decorated with street art painting.
The staff at Porto Santa Maria were friendly and helpful and the place was clean and tidy. There was an excellent range for breakfasts, with a few variations from one day to the next. We ate in the restaurant on the last evening for their Gourmet Dinner and were pleased with that too. My wife took up the neck and shoulders massage offer and was very pleased with the excellent quality and value of what she received.
There were plenty of sunbeds, two smallish pools and one Jacuzzi, but not that many people seemed to use them. We appreciated the ‘adults only’ policy. Although the beach is just across the promenade, I doubt any hotel guests swam in the sea as the beach is very stony and flanked with sea defence concrete blocks.
We’d splashed out a bit and booked a Junior Suite. The double balcony of the one we were allocated looked out over the staff car park and had only a very limited view of the sea. A balcony to sit out on is important to us so after negotiation with the reception, we moved to one with a much better view. Both were very spacious.
Several of the rooms are held by time-share owners. The only evidence of this is the offer of a free drink and opportunity to see a new complex nearby where there are time-share places for sale in return for a 50 Euro voucher. We didn’t bother.