Pestana Viking Beach & Spa Resort

Good location and service !

Lovely hotel - spotlessly clean, friendly/helpful staff, beautiful views, great breakfast, good spa. Rooms had mini kitchenette which was useful, we tended to have a late lunch out and ate on the balcony in the evening (very wrapped up!). We really liked that it was quiet but it wouldn't suit everyone. We ate one evening at the hotel and there was a singer in the bar, but if you want entertainment and lots going on around the hotel this isn't the place for you. Improvements? Be great if pools (outdoor and indoor) were a little warmer. Also the beds in our view weren't very comfortable. We thought it was excellent value for what we paid and a great winter getaway. We hired a car from autorocha who delivered to the hotel, recommended. The beach restaurant a 5 minute walk away was lovely and the local intermarche was well stocked.

Perfect hotel, clean bright decent sized rooms and breathtakingly beautiful views (side sea view) outstanding customer service, all the staff were very pleasant and helpful, excellent breakfast. The grounds were well kept. The area was relatively quiet and peaceful during our winter break.

Great location with stunning views. Came here for a wedding and the wedding planner was super helpful and really saved the day when there were last minute issues! The reception meal was delicious and the staff (especially Adeel) were very attentive. Thank you all for making the night so special! The only negative comment I have is that the room was meant to be a double and had two VERY uncomfortable single mattress. Time to invest in some better mattresses!

1. Transportation: pre booked transport from Faro Airport to Pestana Viking thru Suntransfers. Arrived on time with large van and very informative friendly driver. Used same company for return to Airport. It takes approx 30 min. The hotel does NOT have transport to Armacao de Pera or anywhere else for that matter. Taxis or car rentals are your means of transport. Location: The Pestana Viking is on a cliff approx 30 min by car to Faro airport. Albufeira is approx 15 min by car. It takes about 30 min to walk to Armacao de Pera. It's mostly downhill. Getting back is an uphill climb. People with mobility issues may find it challenging. All the beaches are down hill via stairs, again steep climb back to the top. Check In: Check in went smoothly. The staff was pleasant. I felt more information ref meal timings and especially more transparency wrt water charge at the evening meal. Our room was ready early so we were able to go directly to the room with our luggage and had help from staff. Accommodation: We stayed 10 days in a one bedroom sea view suite with small kitchen. There were 2 single beds pushed together small tv and an ensuite with shower/ tub, large sink and beaudet. They provided a shower cap, two soap dispensers one in shower and one by the sink. The kitchen had counter and stools, microwave, kettle, small fridge cuttlery, glasses, wine glasses, plates bowls. NO POTS, PANS, HOTPLATE GRILLTOP, FRYINGPAN TOASTER. The living room was furnished with a sofa, chair and TV with remote. The balcony was immense with loungers table, and chairs. There was a safe and storage area with hangars for clothes with extra blankets and pillows. Smoking is permitted on balconies so smoke will find you on your balcany or in your room. Meals: We opted for halfboard. Breakfast is included regardless. It was served daily from 0730 until 11am. All meals are buffet style. Breakfast was exactly the same everyday. There were three coffee machines in the main eating area and two additional ones in an overflow area. There was only one toaster. Some mornings were much busier than others. They do inform you that the later you go the busier it will be. There was no lunch other than room service. Dinner was served from 7pm until 9pm. There was plenty of delicious choices. Those with allergies ie, Gluten were well taken care of by the chef. He would inform those guests of safe dishes. The provided gluten free bread on request. A major disappointment for us was a 3 euro charge for water. This is NOT something they tell you. I believe a guest should be informed at checkin. A guest has an option to pay when leaving the dining hall or have the costs added to your room cost. Check out Went smoothly, we had a late departure time but they kept our luggage safe and we used their facility to lounge until we departed. Check out time 12pm Additional comments: Negative there was only two evenings of entertainment. A one man band. Charge for water. Positive: Fantastic balcony

Although this is meant to be 4 stars I would rate it 3 stars by European standards. The reception staff were excellent and helpful but the rooms and breakfast left much to be desired for. No toiletries provided - which is what you’d expect from a 4 star. Shower overflowed as it was clogged with sand and hair. Coffee machines at breakfast didn’t work for the best part and you often got ‘brown water’. Same with the juice machine - tasteless coloured water. Plates and cutlery not replenished in time either. Plus the bulk of the waiters didn’t speak nor understand English. Shame really as it has so much potential to be a great hotel.

A fabulous second stay at the Pestana Viking. If you are looking for a relaxing quiet stay in an amazing location, this is it. Friendly staff, great breakfast, beautiful sea cliff walks, pool area with incredible views out to sea. Highly recommended.