Sleek design, incredible views: A fabulous stay at the all-new W Algarve
New luxury hotels are popping up throughout Europe this summer, including the latest addition to Marriott's W Hotels portfolio: W Algarve.
A stunning new property in the Algarve region of Portugal that officially opened its doors on June 1, the W Algarve is a chic getaway in one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.
The decor embraces a cool, contemporary look inspired by the region's laid-back surfing culture, with playful references to the sardines that figure largely in the cuisine. A wave-like architectural feature at the hotel's entrance, fish scale-patterned tile floors in the bathrooms and beachy hues of blue, tan and yellow throughout are just a few of the details that might catch your eye.
Additionally, a number of amenities are available on site, including multiple food and beverage outlets, a spa and a stunning multilevel pool with views of the sea.
Despite knowing a hotel as new as this one would undoubtedly have some minor opening hiccups to work through, which I did indeed encounter during my visit, I was eager to see what this property was all about — so much so that I pushed back my stay by nearly two weeks when the hotel ran into construction delays.
Ultimately, it was more than worth the wait. Even with the occasional service issues that came up and a few facilities still under construction, W Algarve blew me away.
Here's what my recent stay was like and why you should consider it the next time you visit the Algarve.
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Booking
Hoping all would go according to plan, I made my original booking for the week of May 20, which was slated to be the property's opening week.
For my five-night trip, I booked a standard Wonderful room, which was going for 450 euros (about $476) or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Given the favorable points rate and the fact that Marriott gives you the fifth night free on award stays of five nights or more, I ended up booking a five-night stay for 224,000 points, bringing my per-night rate down to just 44,800 points — an even better deal.
All was going according to plan.
However, once the aforementioned delays became known to the hotel, I was notified of the issue and offered a reservation at another Marriott property nearby. Rather than take the hotel up on this offer, I instead moved my stay back to the property's new opening week in early June. Rates by this point had jumped up to 280,000 points for five nights, but at my request, the hotel agreed to honor the rate I originally paid.
Crisis averted.
Related: How I'm spending over 5 million Marriott Bonvoy points
Location
As its name would suggest, the W Algarve is located in the Algarve region of Portugal, along the country's southern coast, and in the city of Albufeira.
Set back from the beach, the quiet yet central location was ideal for getting some rest and relaxation without being too far from the action. Within walking distance of the property were a number of restaurants and shops. Additionally, several outdoorsy attractions (such as Benagil Cave and the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail) can be found just a short car ride away.
A path going straight to the W's beach will eventually be available to guests, too, but unfortunately, it was still under construction during my stay. Should you crave some sun and sand, you can walk about 20 minutes to two nearby beaches or take advantage of the W Algarve's complimentary beach shuttle.
Getting to the property is a little trickier, as the closest airport, in Faro, is about 40 minutes away by car. You can also take the train to Albufeira-Ferreiras station, which lies roughly 15 minutes northeast of the hotel.
Related: Traveling to Portugal: 7 things to know before you go
Check-in
Ahead of my stay, I decided to apply five Suite Night Awards to my dates. When I arrived, I was happy to learn my wife and I had netted an impressive bilevel Wow suite, an accommodation that would've cost more than 800 euros (about $845) per night if I paid out of pocket.
Beyond the upgrade, I was immediately struck by the friendliness of the staff. Upon arrival, our bags were promptly whisked away, and the check-in process went just about as smoothly as possible.
In the lobby's small reception area, the agent quickly checked us into our upgraded room, offering us two glasses of sparkling wine while the formalities were taken care of. Before we knew it, the process was complete, and a W Insider (W Hotels' name for a concierge) escorted us to our suite.
Related: Should you upgrade your summer vacation? Why you need that upgraded seat and hotel suite this summer
The room
Like the hotel's public areas, my two-story Wow suite was a beautiful space to lay eyes on. The main floor of the 1,291-square-foot suite was occupied by the bedroom, which featured standard amenities like a flat-screen TV and a chimney-shaped minibar (the Algarve is famous for its ornate chimneys), plus an aqua-colored sofa and a sardine-shaped throw pillow, among other playful touches. When we weren't busy soaking up the phenomenal ocean views from the wall of windows and the balcony, we were fixing our gaze on the vaulted ceilings and the open staircase leading to our private rooftop patio.
While the landing at the top of the stairs felt like a misused space, as it only had one chair, the rooftop patio was impressive, offering a minifridge and bar area, a four-person table and two chaise lounges for relaxing beneath a large umbrella.
Back in the suite, there was ample space for storing personal items. A spacious walk-in closet with motion-activated lights had several drawers and shelving plus a steamer, an iron and an ironing board. A safe large enough for laptops was available, too.
The bathroom was visually stunning, though it had a few oddities worth noting. Because the bathtub sat behind a window, anyone using it could be seen by companions in the main room, which could be uncomfortable for those traveling with friends or kids. Additionally, the light switch was confusing at first, leading to me accidentally turning on all the lights in the room on several occasions instead of just the ones in the bathroom. The design was visually arresting, though, with a white floral pattern on the window by the tub, an asymmetrical mirror above a marble vanity and a fish-scale mosaic on the colorful tile floor.
Related: 18 hotels you'll want to book just for the incredible bathtub
Food and beverage
The W Algarve has two restaurants, plus two lounge areas and a bar at the Wet deck where the pool is located.
Since I have Titanium Elite status in the Bonvoy program, I opted for complimentary breakfast for two as my welcome amenity. Breakfast was served in the main restaurant, Market Kitchen, which was open every day for breakfast and lunch and select days for dinner.
Market Kitchen had a modern feel with pops of color and bold design accents which blended nicely with the W aesthetic.
During the first three days of my stay, breakfast was fairly basic, with only a selection of fruit and pastries at the buffet, as well as a few a la carte items like eggs and pancakes. However, the buffet was updated with a number of hot options, including bacon, sausage, hash browns and scrambled eggs, at the end of my stay.
I enjoyed the make-your-own mimosa station, too, though I was bummed the crepe station wasn't open yet. Service was a bit slow as well.
Three times during my stay, I visited the fine-dining restaurant, Paper Moon, which is part of a global chain of Italian restaurants. Not surprisingly, pizza and pasta made up the bulk of the restaurant's menu, though some seafood-based dishes and steaks were available as well. I ate a delicious homemade cheese ravioli with piedmont truffle cream for 19 euros ($20), a run-of-the-mill tagliatelle bolognese for 19 euros ($20) and an incredible pan-fried beef tenderloin with potato purée and pink peppercorn sauce which cost 38 euros ($40). If I could have packed a bottle of the peppercorn sauce to bring home, I definitely would have.
Paper Moon had a classic-yet-modern vibe, with black and white photos on the walls, intricate tile detail around the bar area and traditional moldings throughout. The indoor dining space was intimate yet spacious enough that it didn't feel cramped. The outdoor area had a mix of relatively private cabanas and individual tables paired with a perfect view of the resort and the ocean. It was a great spot to watch the sun go down.
Overall, the food was excellent (albeit pricey), and we enjoyed the wine pairings recommended by the restaurant's sommelier.
For lunch one afternoon we tried the calamari and the Buddha bowl, 14 euros each ($15), at the WET deck. Both dishes were just average — they weren't bad, but they weren't memorable either. And at the W Lounge, we sampled the Celery and Sage cocktails priced at 16 euros each ($17). Of the two, the Sage cocktail was the more interesting drink and came served in a spikey glass that was challenging to hold but could have served as a self-defense aid if necessary.
Related: 25 hotel views you'll want to see for yourself
Other amenities
Even though some facilities like the property's beach and a Champagne bar are not open yet, for the most part, we really liked the W Algarve's offerings.
At the Wet deck, an expansive two-level pool stole the show. The setting was beautiful, with the upper pool featuring an infinity edge positioned above the lower pool so water would flow from one pool into the other. From both pools and the surrounding deck, which had a bunch of lounge chairs and a whirlpool, you could see the ocean off in the distance.
Next to the pool was a fairly large bar area, where you could enjoy a cocktail, snack or light lunch while sheltered from the sun. A DJ also spins tunes throughout the day, keeping the atmosphere lively.
A spa was available on site as well. While I didn't book a treatment, I took a peek inside and found the space to be quite stunning.
In addition to housing several treatment rooms, the two-story spa had an outdoor area with hot and cold plunge pools, plus a sauna and a steam room. The only potential drawback I noticed was the road noise occasionally heard from the lower level.
I briefly popped into the property's fitness center (which is in the spa), too, though it was purely to take photos, as I'm the first to admit that I rarely visit a gym while on vacation (or ever). Unsurprisingly, the mix of cardio and strength-training machines looked brand-new and more than suitable for maintaining your fitness regimen.
Related: 15 of our favorite hotel pools on the planet
Overall impression
The W Algarve is a great addition to the Marriott portfolio. The property is well thought out, has very unique design elements and is in a terrific location for those that want to be close enough to the party action of Albufeira without listening to it at all hours of the day.
Were there some minor inconveniences during my stay, such as facilities being not quite ready to use, some less-than-ideal design features and slow service at times? Sure, but that's to be expected as the hotel gets into the swing of things. The property is already a phenomenal place to check out in the Algarve region, so I'm sure it will only get better in the coming months. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this property, nor would I hesitate to visit again.
Related: Traveling to Europe this summer? Here's what to expect
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.