This Chic Hotel Brings a Dose of Luxury to Portugal’s Laid-Back Algarve

15.11.2024 - 09:38 / matadornetwork.com

When you first enter the W Algarve in Albufeira, Portugal, you immediately notice a collection of 613 handmade ceramic plates covering a feature wall. Their intricate patterns and sun-warmed hues set the tone for what lies ahead: a stay that’s both grounded in local heritage and elevated by the hotel chain’s signature touch of modern luxury mixed with trendy touches.

Fostering a sense of hospitality that puts guests at ease is one way the hotel promises a refined stay while matching the laid-back spirit of the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region. Shortly after my feet touched the hotel’s cobblestone driveway — a nod to the country’s historical streets — I was offered a glass of bubbly to enjoy during the check-in process while admiring the lobby’s design, which represents the shells and waves of the surrounding ocean.

By the time I was shown to my room, where I received a thoughtful rundown of its features and essential notes about the hotel, my eagerness to explore the rest of the property was through the proverbial ceiling.

Photo: W Algarve

In true W fashion — combining comfort, culture, and flair — the rooms at the W Algarve maintain a sense of luxury while offering an element of fun. With 134 guest rooms and 83 residences, the hotel provides a variety of accommodation options. On the hotel side, there are one- to two-bedroom suites, a luxury penthouse, king bedrooms, and rooms featuring two twin beds. For larger groups needing more space, the residences offer one- to four-bedroom apartment-style lodgings that include full kitchens.

Through a hallway of colorful doors, I entered my king room, where I had direct views of the setting sun. My balcony overlooked the pool — known as the Wet Deck — and I could hear music playing throughout the property, gradually increasing in tempo as the day progressed. Rooms also come equipped with mini speakers, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on music-filled experiences.

Photo: W Algarve

The room itself was impressively spacious and design-forward. My suitcases were set up in the walk-in closet (yes, you read that correctly) where I kept everything neatly put away and completely out of sight during my trip. It was a luxury I didn’t know I needed, which became a theme of my stay once I discovered the button next to my bed that allowed me to open and close the drapes without even having to get up (a challenge every morning given the bed’s incredible comfort). The nightly turndown service included replenishing my water and laying down a fluffy bath mat, which made coming back to the room equally restful every evening.

Another standout feature was the vanity in the bathroom, complete with a stool and separate counter space for getting ready. As someone who does not pack