Pestana Carvoeiro Resort

6 / 10

After staying here a few times before in the past we were very disappointed this time. Upon arrival we had a tee time booked in for 4pm which we realised wasn't going to get us a full round in before it got dark. When we asked to change the tee time to an earlier one, despite one being available they refused to give us it saying it was policy not to let guests play before 4pm on check in day despite us already being checked in. This in theory meant anyone checking in that day couldn't play until after 4pm meaning they wouldn't get a full round in. In the end we had to complain to the manager there who eventually let us change it. This has never been an issue in the past. We also had problems with our accommodation. The 1st apartment we were allocated had a huge hole in the shower tray meaning it was unusable. We complained and were then eventually moved to another apartment but it was clear that the maintenance of these apartment was below par to what ive experienced in the past here. Then finally to top it off, on the 2nd day of our trip i randomly had £692 taken off my bank card by Gramacho golf. When i went to ask why they didn't know and said they would look into it and come back to me. When they eventually came back to me they processed a refund for it apologising saying that the transaction for the unlimited golf part of our booking had not come through from Your Golf Travel correctly and appeared to have not been paid. So all in all a disappointing experience this time after paying what was our most expensive price yet. We wont be returning unfortunately.

8 / 10

8 / 10

6 / 10

Restaurant closed at 21:30 on the night of our arrival despite advertised as 22:00. Rooms fine but cleanliness was just adequate. We thought we were getting suites… they were small rooms with a sink and a fridge…

8 / 10

We stayed in one of the villas on the site. We had a fantastic holiday but had a couple of issues. Firstly, the pool tiles were coming off and needed some maintenance and repair, we reported this to the receptionist at the Gramacho golf clubhouse. Secondly on the night we arrived we were taken to the reception at the hotel as this is the 24 hour reception. Unfortunately because we arrived at 21.20 there was no shuttle bus available to take us to our villa. The shuttle bus finishes at 21.00 hours, that is a gap in helping the customer get the best experience. So we had to walk with our suitcases and golf bags on unlit narrow roads to our villa without knowing where we were going. Very fortunately whilst we were walking a vehicle pulled up and asked if we needed any assistance. The vehicle was a lady who worked at the hotel with her husband who was picking her up after finishing her shift to take her home. They were brilliant and managed to locate our villa and take us there. The employees name was Ruby and she is an absolute credit to the company and went above and beyond to help us locate our villa as I don’t think we would have done so without her. We were very relieved to have made it to our villa. Throughout our holiday all the staff at the resort were friendly, very helpful, attentive and helped make it such a great holiday especially after our issues on the night of our arrival at the resort. The villa apart from the pool was large, lovely and spacious and very clean. We felt the whole resort was superb, well laid out very helpful friendly staff, we will definitely be returning again in the future although we will come on an earlier flight.

8 / 10

Very roomy accommodation with good equipment. The furniture was a bit aged and the showers were small but good water flow. Great supermarket nearby for breakfast, snacks and other bits. The staff were mostly helpful apart from the ProShop. Buggies were contentious - booked 20 minutes before tee off, no earlier! All 4 golfers enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere with a terrace and a shared swimming pool. Food and drink onsite were good.

10 / 10

Awesome

10 / 10

The location is ideal at just a 40min drive from Faro airport. The local town centre has loads of great bars and restaurants. The bar and restaurant on-site is also excellent. All the staff are very welcoming and friendly and happy to help with advice as well. The apartment itself is very clean and spacious with a great balcony as well.

2 / 10

We stayed at an apartment 128E at the gramacho resort.On arrival there was confusion concerning how to book in and had to be redirected to another location some distance away. But for the good will of the taxi driver we would have been left stranded. At no point were we made aware of where we would have to book in. The next day this made it necessary for me to phone to arrange to have golf clubs delivered,it became clear clubs to hire were unsure where to deliver them Having booked in, we were disappointed to find that the apartment had not been cleaned, there were stains on the bedding and the upholstery was generally shabby and dirty. Having complained, this was rectified to some degree. I have sent an email direct to Pestana with our concerns.

6 / 10

Basic and dated. Villa needed an update. Pool tiles were missing, and cracked. Bathroom had mould in the corners. The villa needed updating and deep cleaning.

6 / 10

Let's start this review with the golf courses are all good and once you are at the tee box you will most likely be happy. Why only most likely? Well, I'll tell you about our experience and you can make your own mind up. We are a small group of 4 mates who have been going on golf trips together for 12 years. Our trips are all about golf, we book an early flight play an afternoon round, then over the next three days fit in another 5 rounds. For this trip we paid for a hotel the night before at Gatwick, flew at 6am and arrived at the golf resort around 10am. We had originally booked a tee off on the hotel course of Gramacho at 12.25pm but this was changed to 3.54pm prior to us leaving. YourGolfTravel said we could change to an earlier time on arrival, however, this was not the case and we were met by the rudest receptionist who did not wish to help us at all. She gave us the news that the policy at the resort had changed and on your first day you could no longer play before 4pm. We were also informed that we were not playing Gramacho but were playing Pinta at 4.03pm. We checked the website and noticed that there was a tee off time at Pinta at 2.15pm and asked her if we could play that time. She said she could not do anything and we would have to go to Pinta and see if they would change it there. This was even though she had the ability to book us a tee time on any of the courses from her computer. So we got the shuttle to Pinta but by the time we arrived we were told that tee off time had gone and we were back to the 4.03pm time. So that was a waste of time and we went back to the resort to sit out our 6 hour wait. Whilst waiting we also learned that buggies were not guaranteed, especially for your second round as it would depend on people bringing them back with sufficient charge from their morning rounds. You could also not book your afternoon round until you booked in at the course you were playing in the morning. So, even if you wished to play at the resort course in the afternoon you still could not book until you travelled to your morning round location. A golf trip should be stress free and yet everyday we were unsure if we would be able to book a second/afternoon round and if we would be able to have buggies. Luckily as we were a small group things worked out fine but we still went through the stress of not knowing each day. On our last day there were a large group who arrived and were told that there were not enough buggies for them all in the afternoon. They were not happy that their golf holiday was starting in this way. The good points; the accommodation was good and ours was close to the resort, the bar/restaurant was good including the staff who served us, the transfers all went well and the drivers were friendly. The courses were all good and held up well to the high level of use they are subjected to. Would we go again? No, because of the stress caused as described with not having a guaranteed afternoon round or buggies.

10 / 10

We found the insight facilities a bit of a mix. The hotel/accommodation staff all seemed a bit inexperienced and we're not quite working in the same way which confused guests alike. The bar staff and drivers were 5 star though. Friendly and always joking which was great. The golf courses were amazing and suited all abilities with the Gramacho being our favourite.

6 / 10

Villa was great but in a very poor location that was requested

6 / 10

The location of the villa was fantastic, but we had to complain as there were not enough towels, and the property had not been cleaned properly- it had cobwebs around chairs and the fireplace- not what to expect from a Pestana property

8 / 10

room was brilliant. very spacious for 4 people. cooking facilities and 2 bathrooms. a swimming pool right outside the apartment too was a great touch. the only downside was that we arrived at 1030am from our flight and we werent allowed to check in untill 4pm. the location is also remote so we had nothing to do for 5 hours. a quiet location with lots of families not so much of a young crowd but very peacefull and relaxing.

10 / 10

Fantastic stay at the resort. Our villa was beautiful and less than a 10 minute walk from the clubhouse and reception. The facilities were good and the staff friendly.

10 / 10

Excellent resort, everything so close.

10 / 10

One room had a double bed instead of twins as requested. Hotel very unhelpful in resolving this. Finally had a fold up bed delivered the next day. One of the party had to sleep on the sofa.

8 / 10

The apartment was in a great position for Gramacho golf course.We stayed in a ground floor apartment which was well appointed with plenty of space.It was nice to be able to sit outside & soak up the sun in the garden.The soft furnishings were a little tired & could do with a bit of updating.We would stay again

10 / 10

Beautiful resort. Villa was great size although slightly dated. Overall excellent value for money

8 / 10

Good size rooms, all single beds which was requested. Villa was a little run down but it served our purpose

8 / 10

really good service and accommodation all round, been here twice now and would recommend to anyone going here

10 / 10

I recently returned from an incredible golf trip to Portugal, and I can’t emphasise enough how seamless our experience was, thanks to Jack. From the very beginning, Jack went above and beyond to ensure our trip was a success. First and foremost, Jack managed to secure us a brilliant deal that exceeded our expectations. Our apartment was comfortable and far nicer than we expected. When one member of our group unfortunately had to cancel last minute, Jack handled the situation seamlessly, ensuring that none of the remaining three of us were burdened with any additional expenses. Jack turned what could have been a stressful situation into a hassle-free experience. I cannot recommend Jack and Your Golf Travel enough.

4 / 10

We had 1 x Villa and 2 x apartments, all of which were miles from each other, ( asked for them to be close or at least on same resort), there were at least 3 double beds when I specifically asked for all singles (16 males). Villa interior not that clean generally. Only one key also. Staff/ food/ drink very good.

8 / 10

Got given a villa with not enough beds and it caused quite a bit of disruption for our 1st night. Staff at resort did not have the info that YGT confirmed with us.

10 / 10

We were allocated a 4 bed villa with pool - superb location

8 / 10

We stayed in a 4 bed villa, amazing! (although we requested 8 single beds beforehand which didn't happen and we had to sort a fix out when we got there). Villa was everything and more, high quality, location, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, pool area, etc. The shuttles to the two on-site courses were quite prompt. We found a decent minibus taxi to ferry us around to offsite courses and at night (Johny at Desire Blue – Viagens e Turismo). Best restaurant we found was 'Restaurante A Rede' in Carvoeiro (give Praia da Rocha a miss - mini Benidorm). We played four rounds of golf in four days Gramacho, Silves Alto and Pinta, all excellent (greens a bit ropey at Pinta), but we thought Gramacho was best, Alto next. Only downside of the break was not being able to pre-book buggies, quite stressful, which we didn't get at Alto, not too hilly; but you couldn't do Pinta without buggies. Overall an excellent break, worth every penny.

10 / 10

We stayed in one of the villas and it was unreal. Kept clean and tidy great pool and rooms were ample. The staff in the clubhouse were fantastic, friendly and had great banter with us. Would definitely go again.

8 / 10

Neat and tidy but very isolated

6 / 10

We stayed in one of the villas on the Vale da Pinta side. There were many issues with the villa, outside doors and windows of the bedrooms that wouldn't lock, the villa was dirty, empty beer cans and cig buts in the garden. Air con in one room not working, and many other smaller issues. Staff were amazing, friendly, the shuttle was convenient.On leaving day we could leave all our luggage at the Gramacho Course reception while we played golf and had lunch.

8 / 10

Stayed in a very comfortable and well appointed 2 bedroom townhouse style villa. Very comfortable and great for a party of 4 people. Nice view overlooking the Vale Da Pinta golf course.

10 / 10

Excellent accomodation, we stayed in a 4 ved villa and would recommend it.

10 / 10

Loved it

10 / 10

I recommend the villa option as this includes a private pool and lots of living space. Breakfast was good and served til 10.30.

10 / 10

Apartment was in excellent condition with a delightful balcony

10 / 10

Apartment was clean but no one told us we had to request clean towels and sheets 10 days before a change of bedding

10 / 10

8 / 10

Not as good as last year when the cleaners came every day but still a great placa

10 / 10

Superb apartment stunning views lots of space and big balcony to fit everyone on. The pool was great all be it a little freezing but didnt stop us having a dip.

10 / 10

Lovely apartment overlooking golf course and swimming pool. Comfortably furnished and well equipped kitchen

10 / 10

Brilliant resort although we were quite a way from the clubhouse but the taxi shuttles were good and always on time. We had a problem with one of our 2 bed apartments but it was sorted out efficiently and to our entire satisfaction between the resort & YGT. The town of Carvoeiro is very beautiful and only €12 in a taxi (8 people).

6 / 10

Self catering apartment had to change again this is the 4th year in a row, stayed one night in original apartment, moved next day into 84E apartment we had last year, all comments from last year had been taken on board and fixed.

2 / 10

Very bad customer service. Not accomodating at all. We arrived slightly earlier than scheduled but the resort had no safe place to store our luggage. Were told to leave it in changing room which had no lockers. Two villas were 30mins walk apart. Came as a group but spent most of the time in two groups, what a waste. Villa 181 had issues with water everyday and ants on last two days. Rang maintenance, main reception and tried to get hold of manager, all were useless.

10 / 10

Villa was excellent and we spent our afternoons there lazing by the pool. Breakfast was good lots of choice. Bar & range of beers good. Supermarket on site was good although taxis will stop at hyper market on way from airport if you wish.

8 / 10

Comfortable and spacious

8 / 10

The apartments we stayed in were not elaborate but were very comfortable. They were equipped with everything you need for self catering not that we made use of this as were dined out every day. The breakfasts were good and plentiful and we ate evening meals in the clubhouse on 2 occasions with both of them being very good on not overly expensive.

10 / 10

8 / 10

8 of us shared two 2 bed appartments Very good quality with everything you would need

10 / 10

Excellent rooms and plenty of extras..(iron washing machine and towels)

10 / 10

10 / 10

Excellent nothing to complain about, staff great, food and drinks great, service very good & rooms are fantastic !

10 / 10

8 / 10

Accommodation in self catering on the course was great. 

8 / 10

Great choice of championship courses. Accommodation was very nice. Best value golf resort in the Algarve, our 4th year planned.

8 / 10

First visit in the New Year of 2013 was supposed to be a hotel B&B week but hotel was closed. We ended up with a one bedroom apartment overlooking the 18th at Gramacho with breakfast at the club included & self catering for the rest of the food. The apartment was well appointed & the local off course supermarket very reasonable. All the Pestana courses were in good condition. We booked again in the New Year of 2015 because we enjoyed 2013. There was a bit of a hassle to get a suitable apartment but the resort staff fixed the problem within a couple of days and we had another good week with excellent weather. Silves had matured and has some spectacular elevated tees. 

8 / 10

The only thing that lets it down is the food and slow service. Golf was excellent and the courses great to play. Although not easy, the courses were very playable. They had a lot of caricature and were in good condition.

10 / 10

19th hole will always be the best hole, which ever the course.

10 / 10

Courses in superb condition. Staff extremely helpful. Will definitely return to same place next year!

10 / 10

Accommodation was first class, a 3 bed villa between the three of us overlooking Vale de Pinta. The courses were spectacular, we played Gramacho twice, Vale de Pinta once, Silves Twice and Vila Sol on our last day. Gramacho for me was a cut above the others, in fantastic condition, and a challenging course, with the par 3 10th possibly the nicest par three I have ever played. Vale de Pinta is much more elevated, and although I wouldn't recommend walking this course, it was a fantastic layout with some really memorable holes. Silves was the favourite of our other group members, it was in outstanding condition, the par 5 13th dogleg over water is without a doubt the nicest hole I have ever played. It was an easier test of golf compared to Gramacho and Vale de Pinta. As we had an evening flight we played Vila Sol on the way to the airport. the course was a little dry and much busier than the others, probably due to it being in Vilamoura. Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anybody, I have been to a few resorts in Spain such as La Cala and this place is a different class. I would recommend a car to get about though. 

10 / 10

All good, there's too much for me to say really. Have booked again.

8 / 10

Great breakfast. Buggies were a bit pricey. No consistency in prices from one clubhouse to another. Close to 3 premier resorts for apres golf.

8 / 10

The best course we played was Val de Pinta, but all are great courses and the staff were so polite and helpful. I would recommend to anyone.

10 / 10

Service was exceptional at the course and the villa was above expectations.

10 / 10

Gramacho hole 10 and Pinto hole 13 were the stand out holes. The apartment was clean and spacious and the staff were very helpful. Really enjoyable break. Would definitely go back.

10 / 10

8 / 10

Gramacho was my favourite as I Broke Par for the first time ever, shooting 69 Gross!

10 / 10

Great course.

10 / 10

Greens can be fast and if windy keep to low irons.