Our verdict
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What we like Got an amazing deal Quiet Very clean Super location (beach) |
What we dislike NA |
The overall verdict
Hotel Vasco da Gama sits right on the beachfront in the lively seaside town of Monte Gordo. The hotel offers a range of clean, comfortable rooms, making it an easy choice for travellers looking for a relaxing stay by the sea. With several restaurants and a good selection of amenities, it’s a great spot for a stress‑free holiday.
Full test review
Hotel Vasco da Gama is a beachfront hotel in Monte Gordo, in Portugal’s Algarve region. I actually stayed here about 40 years ago with my parents, and it’s incredible to see how much the hotel has modernised since then. Its location couldn’t be better—right on the beach—making it an ideal choice for a relaxing seaside break. And if you’re feeling a bit more active, there’s a great swimming pool along with plenty of amenities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Somehow, I managed to book a stay that included both dinner and breakfast for just €56, which felt like an absolute steal.
Somehow, I managed to book a stay that included both dinner and breakfast for just €56, which felt like an absolute steal.
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The room:
There is a selection of different rooms, from double rooms to suites, ranging from sea views to inland views. There are also apartments available.
I had an inland double room that was freshly decorated. The room was fully airconditioned and had a nice balcony. The ensuite bathroom was spotless and was fitted with a bath that also served as a shower.
There was a basket with soaps, shampoo's,....
The restaurant:
There’s no shortage of dining options here. I particularly enjoyed the Vasco da Gama restaurant, which serves generous buffet‑style meals, and Barraquinha, a relaxed restaurant set right on the beach—perfect for a meal with a view.
The pool bar also offers a menu of light dishes, ideal for families looking for something quick and tasty during the day.
So what is the Vasco da Gama restaurant like? The evening buffet was a highlight for me, offering a wide and varied selection that included plenty of Portuguese specialties. You’ll find everything from regional dishes to international favourites, grilled options, fresh salads, tempting appetizers, and a great assortment of local desserts.
In the morning, the restaurant serves a continental buffet breakfast with an impressive selection. It’s a wonderful way to start the day, especially with so many fresh and delicious options available.
There is a selection of different rooms, from double rooms to suites, ranging from sea views to inland views. There are also apartments available.
I had an inland double room that was freshly decorated. The room was fully airconditioned and had a nice balcony. The ensuite bathroom was spotless and was fitted with a bath that also served as a shower.
There was a basket with soaps, shampoo's,....
The restaurant:
There’s no shortage of dining options here. I particularly enjoyed the Vasco da Gama restaurant, which serves generous buffet‑style meals, and Barraquinha, a relaxed restaurant set right on the beach—perfect for a meal with a view.
The pool bar also offers a menu of light dishes, ideal for families looking for something quick and tasty during the day.
So what is the Vasco da Gama restaurant like? The evening buffet was a highlight for me, offering a wide and varied selection that included plenty of Portuguese specialties. You’ll find everything from regional dishes to international favourites, grilled options, fresh salads, tempting appetizers, and a great assortment of local desserts.
In the morning, the restaurant serves a continental buffet breakfast with an impressive selection. It’s a wonderful way to start the day, especially with so many fresh and delicious options available.
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Facilities:
There are plenty of amenities to keep you occupied during your stay. Off course there is the large swimming pool, but then there are the following amenities:
There are plenty of amenities to keep you occupied during your stay. Off course there is the large swimming pool, but then there are the following amenities:
- Tennis courts
- Mini golf
- ping pong
- snooker tables
- gym
- massages
- playground
The area:
The hotel sits on a magnificent beach that stretches for miles in both directions, making it an ideal base for anyone who loves long seaside walks or simply relaxing by the ocean. It’s also perfectly positioned for exploring the Algarve—or even hopping over to Spain. In fact, the Spanish border is only a 10‑minute drive away.
You have two easy options for crossing into Spain: drive over the Guadiana River via the A22 bridge, or take the scenic ferry between Vila Real de Santo António (Portugal) and Ayamonte (Spain).
I’d highly recommend taking the ferry. It’s a charming, relaxed way to cross the border and adds a little adventure to your day.
The hotel sits on a magnificent beach that stretches for miles in both directions, making it an ideal base for anyone who loves long seaside walks or simply relaxing by the ocean. It’s also perfectly positioned for exploring the Algarve—or even hopping over to Spain. In fact, the Spanish border is only a 10‑minute drive away.
You have two easy options for crossing into Spain: drive over the Guadiana River via the A22 bridge, or take the scenic ferry between Vila Real de Santo António (Portugal) and Ayamonte (Spain).
I’d highly recommend taking the ferry. It’s a charming, relaxed way to cross the border and adds a little adventure to your day.