“Lovely hotel, lovely area, lovely staff!!!”

Myself and my partner stayed at this hotel recently (March 2012) for a four day break bed and breakfast. The staff were friendly and helpful at all times and bent over backwards to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. Our room was lovely, we asked for a sea view and we got it it was gorgeous. my only criticism (and this is being very very picky) is that the bed was rather hard. The breakfast was awesome and had loads of choice and there were tables near the windows overlooking the pool area and sea... absolutely awesome in the morning. The hotel was extremely close (10-15 minutes walk) to Carvoeiro which is a lovely little town with many restaurants and shops, and extremely nice people. The hotel was also very close (5 minute walk) to a gorgeous beach where myself and my partner went daily. There is also a semi-challenging hike along the cliffs just in back of the hotel which links the beaches in the area and takes you past the lighthouse. I would go to this hotel again in the future and definitely recommend it to anyone going to stay in the Carvoeiro area.

“Hotel Cristal a little gem”

My wife and i have recently had the pleasure to stay at this hotel situated on a cliff with spectacular views over the Atlantic.The location is superb with the two large pools and the restaurant overlooking the sea view.Lovely cliff top walks just at the back of hotel.Apart from the location the best thing about this hotel is the restaurant,which is superb.I am a vegatarian and there was plenty of options for vegatarians.The best buffet style dining we have experienced.The food really was first class.We would definately choose a half board option if we go again,which we will.Expedia had a good deal when we booked which i found could not be beaten,especially for half board.Although we rate this hotel highly there were a couple of disapointments.Firstly our room.Although very clean it was dated and in need of full refurbishent.The location although visually stunning was on a steep main road some way from the main village of Carvoiero,and walking into the village along the main road would have been too much,even for ourselves.Next time we will hire a car.The hotel does offer a courtesy bus,into Carveiro,but only twice a day.Overall we enjoyed our stay and will return,perhaps for a long week end break,rather than a week as there is really not a lot doing both during the day and in the evening in the hotel.

“Perfect hotel for our mini break. Would definitely go back!”

My husband and I absolutely loved the Baia Cristal Hotel. When we arrived we know that it was our kind of hotel, it was nice and spacious, spotlessly clean and the check-in staff were very friendly. The rooms are also a good size and well equiped. We only had 4 days, so keen to make the most of everything we headed down for an early breakfast. Breakfast is lovely and there's a good variety of different foods; plenty on offer. There is actually nothing bad I could say about this hotel. The pool is a perfect size and never over-crowed (in September) and there's lots of room to sunbath with ample sun-loungers and umbrellas. The atmosphere is very relaxed. You feel like there's only you there, if it's chilling out you want, this is the place! Lunch at the Baia Cristal is a little limited and the portions aren't huge (my husband has a big appetite and I was 4 months pregnant!) So we tended to head out for lunch. That brings me to location. If you are happy to walk a little or don't mind paying for a cheap taxi ride the hotel is in an ideal location. It's approximately a 20 minute walk into town; just be careful ladies what foot wear you choose as it can be a little slippery! Then the opposite direction is a 5/10 mintue walk to the beach. It's a stunning beach and knowing that you're not far from the tranquility of the Hotel is a nice thought. We would definitely choose to stay at the Baia Cristal again if we were to go back to Carvoerio. A beautiful hotel with a great ambience!

“Lovely Hotel”

We had a lovely 10 day stay at the Baia Cristal. The staff were friendly and helpful and our room was nice and always clean. The pool area was good and the breakfast buffet was excellent. Wouldn't say the same for the dinner though. It is about a 15 minute walk to the centre of Carvoeiro where you find some small supermarkets, tourist shops and lots of lovely restaurants at varying prices. There is a beach in the centre of Carvoeiro or about a 5/10 min walk from the hotel in the other direction. Both seem nice although we spent most of our time by the pool. Good excursions offered.

“Great Hotel at a good price and location”

Hotel Cristal is a smaller hotel which is exactly what I was looking for. It's about a 10 minute walk from Carvoeiro (they also have free shuttles into town). It was quiet, comfortable and relaxing. I didn't try out the restaurant - was a bit pricey for my taste; however, there was a very nice restaurant a 3-minute walk down the road (Mona Lisa). It would have been nice to have a coffee machine in the room. All in all, very good value and I would stay there again. Also Carvoeiro is a nicer place to stay as opposed to Albufeira which is much larger and too busy and touristy for me. In addition, there is a great small beach 5 minutes from the hotel.

“Very impressed”

The Hotel was in a lovely setting of cliffs and with in walking distance of the beach. The little village of Carvoeiro had everything that you need, including a lovely clean beach. The Hotel staff where really friendly and catered for your every need.

“Baia Crystal Hotel”

Excellent seaside hotel with all the amneties one could want. Nice entertainment in bar. Highly recomended.

“A peaceful haven!!”

What a find - peace and quiet, lovely surroundings, great staff, large airy bedrooms, good service and wonderful views , what more could you want? The resort itself is great - eateries and bars galore, take your pick. One super restaurant is the Mona Lisa, 5 minutes walk from the hotel (turn right at the gates, walk down the road and look across - there it is), fabulous food, service and atmosphere, very reasonable priced too. La Salmone in Monte Carvoeiro is good too, owned by an English chef and his Portuguese Wife, very friendly with wonderful food as well. Just enjoy the surroundings, relax, take it easy, and promise to return.

“Superb Tranquil Haven”

We stayed at the Hotel Cristal for one week during April. At that time of year the hotel was not too busy and we were immediately struck by how amazingly peaceful the atmosphere was. The Hotel staff were all outstanding, from reception to bar and restaurant, cleaning and maintenance staff, everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. The facilities are excellent, with a lovely outdoor pool, a warmer indoor pool and games room, a nice view of the sea and a cliff walk just to the rear of the hotel. Food was very good, if not 'sensational'. It was certainly well prepared and catered for a variety of tastes. There is low-key live music in the bar most nights and the Hotel is only 20 mins walk from the lovely Carvoeiro town centre. Despite us having a tough time ourselves, on account of our baby girl being poorly for most of the trip, we would thoroughly recommend this Hotel to anyone, especially couples and families with older children who will appreciate the low-key atmosphere.

“Holiday in Paradise”

For it's rate, this hotel is value for money. The room is nice and comfy. The staff are helpful. And the loaction is great. All in all it was excellent.