And when we say close, we mean close. The Monica Isabel Beach Club hotel is right next to the beach. So if you fancy a change from lounging by the pool, a day by the beach isn't far away. And if you fancy even more of a change of scenery, the main town of Albufeira is just a short walk along the beach.
Family friendly
With children's pool, indoor pool for winter months, a kid's club in the summer and a playground with slides and swings, keeping the kids occupied on holiday will be easy.
If you're planning a holiday in 2023/2024 with the family but you're on a budget, the Monica Isabel Beach Club Hotel is definitely worth considering. With the pool being located right next to the beach and a short walk from the main area in Albufeira, the location is ideal. A free shuttle service into town is also available from the hotel.
Book yourself a studio or 1 bedroom apartment and enjoy a holiday in one of the most popular areas of the Algarve. Three pools are available including a children's pool and an indoor pool (for the cooler months of the year), plus there's a kid's club in the summer to help keep them entertained.
Rooms
The rooms here, especially the one and two bedroom apartments are very spacious. In fact many of the reviews on TripAdvisor mention the space on offer in the rooms. All options have a kitchenette, air conditioning, TV and private bathroom with shower in the bathtub. An iron and ironing board, as well as hairdryers are available from reception.
Check in time: 3pm
Check out time: 12pm
Studio / Double or Twin Room
Studio apartments at the hotel can sleep up to three people and feature a balcony or terrace, TV, fridge-freezer and air conditioning. These double rooms are the cheapest room type and can be set up as one double or two single beds. Towels are provided and there is a daily room cleaning service too.
Sleeping up to four plus one infant (two in the bedroom, and two in the living room), one bedroom apartments have a TV, fridge/freezer and air conditioning as standard. Some of these rooms can have partial sea views, which are subject to availability on arrival.
Two bedroom apartments are great if you're a group or family wanting a bit more space. These apartments can sleep 2 adults and 2 children and are great if you have older kids and need the extra room for cases, toys, and much more. They also have a kitchenette, TV, air conditioning and living room area.
Flight inclusive, package holidays can be the ideal way to save. Booking your flight, hotel and more with an ATOL protected tour operator or travel agent is usually the best way to go, with brands like Jet2holidays, Travel Republic and Thomas Cook. In fact, TUI and Jet2holidays will usually include a check-in luggage allowance and airport transfers within the price of your holiday.
You might be able to get some extra savings with discounts codes or advance booking discounts and the hotel regularly offers free child places with selected tour operators, so it's worth checking multiple tour operators before you book to compare prices.
There are a range of amenities available at the hotel, ranging from free Wi-Fi in public areas (€5 per day in rooms) to a free children's club and much more. Laundry services are available for an extra fee.
Free WIFI in areas
Swimming Pool
Television
Air Conditioning
Fridge
Bar
Swimming Pools
There are three outdoor pools, one open year round, one open during the summer months and a small children's pool. There's a large sun deck around the pool with sun loungers and parasols too. There is also an indoor swimming pool which is heated during the winter months between November and April.
Kids' Club
The children's club, for ages 4 - 12 years old, is open during summer between June and September, and is a fantastic option to keep the kids busy. Fun and exciting activities from the Animation Team include sports, music, arts and crafts, story time and much more. There's also a playground too.
Entertainment
If you simply can't face another day lazying by the pool, daytime and evening entertainment can help relieve your itch. From poolside competitions to evening quizzes and live music, make sure to check with hotel staff when you arrive what entertainment is on offer.
Sports
If you like to stay busy and active, there are a number of different activities and sports available to enjoy during the day, including tennis courts, table tennis and mini-golf. Other experiences and water sports can also be booked for an additional fee. The hotel can help you organise this.
Food & Drink
As all rooms have a kitchenette, self catering can be a great option here (there's an on-site mini supermarket here), but bed and breakfast, half board, full board and all inclusive are all available to book depending on which board basis suits you best.
All Inclusive
Guests do have the option of booking all inclusive, allowing you to forget about spending money while you're on holiday.
Restaurants
There one main restaurant at the hotel with a second which is open during the summer:
Sunset Restaurant - The Restaurante Sunset is the hotel's buffet restaurant and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Piu Bello Restaurant - Open from May through to October, the Piu Bello is the hotel's Italian restaurant, available for both breakfast and dinner.
Bars
There are three bars at the hotel serving alcoholic drinks:
Atlantic Bar - Open until midnight for those relaxing, post dinner cocktails.
Chapito Bar - The Chapito Bar serves up a wide range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks in the evening between 7pm and 11pm.
Pool Bar - There's no better place to enjoy your favourite cocktail on holiday than by the pool and the pool bar does just that.
Things to Do
If it's a cheap holiday in the Algarve you're after, the hotel is a great option, and with low cost flights from across the UK, it really doesn't have to cost a fortune. Dine in or eat out as much as you like.
A pool bar and buffet style restaurant can keep you filled (choose from self-catering, B&B, half board or all-inclusive options), and the Bar Atlantico is the hotel's lounge bar, offering drinks and live sports throughout the day and into the evening.
The Beach
Just steps from the Praia de Albufeira beach, the hotel is the perfect place to combine lazy days at the pool, with fun in the sand. This also makes it ideal for families. The beach features soft, golden sand and is a popular spot for those staying in apartments in and around the area.
Albufeira Old Town
Albufeira Old Town is about a 15 minute drive or a (hilly) 30 minute walk. Here you'll find a mix of shops and restaurants, along with traditional squares like the Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, which is a popular spot for enjoying a drink and watching the world go by. Many might not consider the journey walking distance, so there is a complimentary shuttle bus from Monica Isabel hotel to the town centre several times a day.
Contact Details & Location
There are a number of ways you can get in touch with the hotel staff, however, you can find lots of useful information and up-to-date photos and videos online and on social media. Be sure to check places like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for others' experiences at the hotel.
Address
Beco do Forte de São João
Albufeira
8200-325
Algarve
Email Address
If you need to contact the hotel by email, you can send an email to the hotel chain at info@baratahotels.com, and they will be able to direct your query accordingly.
Contact Number
You can contact the hotel by phone on +351 289 599 200. Please bear in mind this is a Portuguese telephone number so international rates may apply.
Getting Here
Faro airport is about 45 minutes if driving directly. If you're travelling by airport coach transfer, this may take longer due to slower transport and other stops along the way to drop off holidaymakers at other hotels. If you've chosen to hire a car, it's about a 45 minute drive from Faro airport. Free parking is available at the hotel, but it is subject to availability.
Hotel Website
You can find out more information, images and contact details, as well as check the latest availability, by visiting their official website at www.baratahotels.com.
Location Map
Reviews
With over 4,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, guests have rated the hotel 3 stars out of 5 in 2023. Many of the positive reviews talk about the location being on the beach, helpful and friendly staff and generally decent food. Some of the negative reviews talk about the fact that the hotel is a bit dated, isn't suitable for wheelchair users and that certain accommodation blocks are further away from the facilities.
The hotel is part of the Barata Hotels chain which has a number of other hotels in Portugal including Auramar Beach Resort, Sol E Mar Adults Only Hotel, and Oleandro Country Club in Albufeira.
