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4.0
#73 of 150 hotels in Albufeira
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Hotel California is in the perfect location, right in Albufeira’s historical centre, only 300m from Pescadores Beach and mere steps away from the city centre with its vast array of bars, restaurants and shops. This completely renovated, four-star hotel has unveiled a new, adults-only concept (guests over the age of 18). The hotel’s modern, sophisticated feel extends into every one of its 80 rooms, which are distributed over nine floors. Relax and make the most of your holidays in the Hotel California Spa, where you can have a couples massage in a private room and relax in our steam room or heated indoor pool. Bask in the Algarve sun next to our outdoor pool and savour cocktails and snacks while enjoying a fantastic view over the city of Albufeira. Our Pool Bar and Lounge Bar are also perfect places to try typical dishes from the Algarve. You can expect an excellent service provided by our multilingual staff who are committed to providing you with an incredible stay in the Algarve.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
City View
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, German and 1 more
Location
Rua Joaquim Pedro Samora No. 2, Albufeira 8200-145 Portugal
Name/address in local language
Hotel California Urban Beach
172 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Hotel California Urban Beach boasts a prime central location, though numerous guests find that the vibrant nightlife contributes to considerable noise disruptions. Despite the praised cleanliness and friendly service, many travelers are disappointed with the soundproofing in rooms, which impacts sleep quality.
The pool area and comfortable beds receive positive remarks; however, concerns about limited amenities and the hotel's value for money are prevalent. The atmosphere is described as lively, but the persistent loud music is a point of contention for those seeking a more tranquil experience.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Uncomfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Booked a week here with easyjet,when getting transfer to hotel you get dropped at local bus stop 10min walk away as buses unable to reach hotel due to narrow and steep road hotel is situated on .At 1am arrival would just recommend getting a uber from airport quicker and half the price of official taxis. We stayed on 5th floor, room very small but perfect, nice touches with nepesso coffee machine and rituals toiletries,all white interior modern and boutique. There are 2 entrances to the hotel floor 8 leads out onto old town ,and floor 1 onto 'bar alley' ,which during the night can be very noisy,the noise stops about 3am ,first couple nights had trouble sleeping but then you sort of get used to the noise.Ear plugs are provided by hotel. Nice pool area and breakfast was varied and delicious. You get a €5 credit if you skip a day getting the room cleaned which can be redeemed in the bar. Overall really enjoy our stay in this hotel and would return
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 4 Aug 2022
Dear guest, thank you for your comment, we are very happy to know that our work to provide you with a good stay has worked. We hope to see you soon. Best regards, Luciano Hagge, Hotel Manager
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We booked the XL suite. The room 412. Felt quiet cramped.
Cardboard hangers are only useful for lighter materials. I tried to hang up my coat and the cardboard hanger broke.
No kettle in the room, I was advised to use the coffee machine. This basically sounds like a drill!! No tea bags provided either, just as well I always take my own. No cups provided either, small cardboard cups. I did ask and was left a large cardboard cup.
I asked about an iron and ironing board for the room, nope, that’s not provided either.
There’s an ironing room on the 3rd floor that everyone and anyone who’s in the hotel can use. Quick tip guys you might want to leave some cleaning materials there to allow people to disinfect before use.
The room we were in had no view at all. Balcony area needs a good clean as stains all over that and sunbeds too.
The bed in the main room was very comfortable and plenty of towels provided.
The noise at night wasn’t too bad. It’s bedlam street below!! You could here it in the room. The hotel provide ear plugs.
Used the pool bar and the cocktails are amazing and good value.
Would I rush back, probably not. We’re of an older generation. I think if I’d visited here in my 20’s or 30’s it would be a different response!! Lol
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Take an iron, kettle, teabags and cup.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 4 Aug 2022
Dear guest, I'm really sorry that your stay wasn't the best. We are working to improve our services. Best regards, Luciano Hagge Hotel Manager
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Can’t fault anything about this hotel really. The staff were nothing put pleasant and helpful and the communal areas within the hotel were clean and of good repair. The room was spacious, well-kept and modern and always cleaned (note! We did have a suite, room 502, so this may not be true for the rest of the hotel). The shower and toilet doors were opaque glass and had no latch or lock, so if you are planning to share the room with anybody you’re not comfortable getting naked with then it isn’t for you!
We loved the fact that, even though the hotel has 9 floors, you could walk out at street level on both floors 1 and 8 depending on which side of the town you wanted to explore.
The pool area was good but we preferred to spend our day at the beach which is only a 2 minute walk away…. in fact everything is only a 2 minute walk away which is one of the big advantages. One of the reasons we booked this hotel was because it was adult only, a short anniversary break away from the kids, but actually I don’t think it would have made any difference to us if children were present. Breakfast was served by the pool which I liked, there wasn’t a huge choice but what was available was good quality and plentiful in availability.
We used the spa facilities during our stay for a couples massage. The indoor spa pool was excellent whilst we waited for our massage, even better that we were the only ones using it at the time. Once again the staff in the spa were friendly and helpful and I can recommend having a massage if that’s your thing.
One of the big negatives which I kept reading about in reviews before the holiday was the outside noise at night time due to the hotels central location to the night time economy. We were relatively low down in the hotel and close to the front so I think we could be considered to be in a “bad” position. I’d be lying if I said I couldn’t hear noise, but it was mainly thudding music baselines rather than drunken rowdiness. I slept fine without ear plugs, I did use ear plugs on one evening just to see the difference and they all but eliminated any outside noise so in my opinion this shouldn’t stop anybody using this hotel… this may be a very different experience for each individual though I realise.
All in all I can’t see any reason why this hotel doesn’t deserve my 5 stars, thanks!
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:If you have the money to splash out on a suite I think it is worth the upgrade.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 12 Aug 2022
Dear Paul, thank you for taking a few minutes of your time to write us this review. We are very happy to know that your stay was pleasant. Sorry if something was not as expected, we are attentive to what you said and we will give our best improve our service. We hope to see you again. Best regards, Luciano Hagge, Hotel Manager
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Cannot fault the service of the staff, so friendly and welcoming and a perfect spot if you are after that party holiday vibe. Our bedroom was right above the strip meaning we heard blasting music all night every night until around 5am, the rooms are very cramped there is definitely not enough room for any ones clothes, they provide 6/7 hangers between two people, although our towels were changed everyday on one day they were dirty covered in brown stains and our bed wasn’t changed the entire week, we thought overall cleanliness of the hotel was low with the sun loungers on balcony’s and by the pool covered in dirt marks clearly not being washed in a long time, our balcony was dirty the blue ground was mostly yellow and white stains covering the ground. We don’t think this hotel is value for money it definitely looks the part on its images but will leave you feeling like you could have found more elsewhere
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Review collected in partnership with Jet2holidays
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of an individual contributor and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 4 Aug 2022
Dear guest, I'm really sorry that your stay wasn't the best. We are working to improve our services. Best regards, Luciano Hagge Hotel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Was very disappointed they didn't welcome us with "welcome to the hotel california " 🤣
Hotel is lovely, staff are very friendly and cant do enough for you. Great drinks by the pool!
Our room was right on the busy street and very noisy at night, they changed it for a quieter one with no problems. Rooms are a little odd with no real bath "room" and glass wall seeing into the shower and toilet, but really good size and clean with everything you need.
Area is great, lots of lovely bars and restaurants to choose from
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 4 Aug 2022
Dear guest, thank you for your comment, we are very happy to know that our work to provide you with a good stay has worked. We hope to see you soon. Best regards, Luciano Hagge, Hotel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fabulous first time visit to Albufeira. Hotel centrally located within a few minutes walk to the beach and in the heart of the town close by to plenty pubs and restaurants.
Hotel is beautiful, rooms are immaculate. We had read reviews the rooms were small or not cleaned properly.
Our room was classed as a small room but had plenty space for the two of us and our over packed cases 😂 rooms were spotless and cleaned every day to a high standard.
Our room opened straight onto the pool and opposite the bar/breakfast room. We only had breakfast once in the hotel it was €15 each and had everything you could want. We often eat at the cheap and cheerful Sir Harry’s bar round the corner for €6. Full English was delicious.
We made use of the spa facilities most days the steam room, jacuzzi and water beds were amazing. I had a massage treatment and felt so relaxed afterwards, treatments reasonably priced.
We both loved the hotel and location and would definitely return if we visit Portugal again.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:We used Ubers a few times Very cheap and prompt.
Quick access to the beach if you leave the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 16 Mar 2023
Dear Pauline, Thank you for choosing our hotel and taking the time to write this review. We are delighted to know that you had an enjoyable stay and that your experience at our hotel lived up to your expectations. Our hotel has a priviledge location near restaurantes, beach and many useful services in everyday life. Recently renovated our rooms are eco-friendly and they have a simple design. We look forward to welcoming you again soon! Kind regards, Califórnia Urban Beach Hotel Hotel Manager Luciano Hagge
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Had the most fantastic stay in this hotel recently. The location is very central a quick walk whereever you want to go. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. The breakfast is absolutely delicious with a huge selection with something for everyone. We also used the spa facilities while a guest which are top class. We opted for a bigger room which was definitely worth it, lots of space, blackout curtains had no noise from the street below. a really faultless stay
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 4 Aug 2022
Dear guest, thank you for your comment, we are very happy to know that our work to provide you with a good stay has worked. We hope to see you soon. Best regards, Luciano Hagge, Hotel Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The noise, if you are looking for a quite relaxing place to chill after a busy day this is not for you, the main entrance is smack bang in the middle of party street and at night late in the evening it was hard to get into the hotel without having to walk through a drunken mess.
2 - we were not blessed with good weather so the swimming pool was freezing, just be warned it is like jumping into a ice bath, it will be okay though once the weather gets hot but we were literally the only people that got in.
3 - it is very high up, the higher you go the better it is to be able to sleep however it also comes with wind and unfortunately we had no comfort on our balcony due to it being windy.
4. Rooms are a little bit small for storage
Now for the positives
If you are late teens or early 20s and love to drink, this place will suit you down to the ground, it is perfect.
The staff are lovely, they don’t take any crap from people Messing or causing trouble, we saw one guy being kicked out, however if you treat them and the place with respect you will get it back and have an enjoyable stay
The place is so clean you could eat off the floor, rooms are also cleaned every day.
You only have to walk out the door to find a spar and pub restaurant central
The beach is literally a 2 minute walk away.
It is very safe.
They have a nice pool side bar that plays music all day.
You don’t even need to bring a towel, the hotel provides lovely big blue towels, perfect for the pool.
Grab your sunbeds early they will be snapped up.
Hotel has a cool free indoor heated pool with a steam room, you can’t swim in it as it is too shallow however it has lovely jacuzzis in it
Uber is brilliant use it everywhere you need to go, very cheap.
Visit Vilamoura Marine & Zoomarine they are brilliant
Last but not least, best advice is to not use the hotel taxi service, it is over priced, local taxis are much cheaper, if you do choose to use it for pick up it is €50 one way, get an Uber back to the airport for only €35
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have just come back from a long weekend with friends. Our stay was absolutely fantastic. The location of the hotel is incredibly convenient, with a couple of lifts all thats separating you from the old town strip.
There is a bit of noise as you’d expect with the location, but the doors are definitely sound proofed as it became negligible once they were shut.
The girl on reception at check in wasn’t ideal (it took 45 minutes to check in 4 rooms), but the other 2 staff really over compensated for it. The bar/pool area staff were so friendly and helpful the whole time we were there. We went in low season, so had plenty of choice of sun beds and seating the whole time. The pool was too cold to be used, but hey, it was the end of March - what do you expect.
The beds were so comfy, and huge! Lovely foam mattress that didn’t disturb the other person when you turned around. The glass toilet and shower was interesting, as it’s a bit exposing, but ok for good friends like us. I can imagine if you didn’t know each other well, it could be uncomfortable.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded 5 Apr 2023
Dear Nicole, Thank you for choosing our hotel and taking the time to write this review. We are delighted to know that you had an enjoyable stay and that your experience at our hotel lived up to your expectations. Our hotel location is really good for people that wants to enjoy beach all day and party all night, we have so many useful services and restaurants that you just need to go for a walk to be in the middle of the night life. We are glad that you enjoyed our pool and all the facilities. We look forward to welcoming you again soon! Kind regards, Califórnia Urban Beach Hotel Luciano Hagge Hotel Manager
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Absolutely loved this hotel! We stayed B&B with a large size room, we booked as a package with Jet2 but agree with other comments that if you only book room only you will probably find breakfast cheaper outside hotel, saying that however we found the breakfast lovely & plentiful, they have fresh natural juices on offer & even Cava if you fancy a glass of fizz in the morning! In addition to the continental & hot breakfast they also have a healthy corner with yoghurt & plenty of fruit.
The hotel itself is spotlessly clean everywhere, in fact I would go as far as saying the pool toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever been to! Staff take much pride in keeping the whole place clean & tidy day & night which is a real credit to this place.
Staff…. Well all I can say is that they are fantastic & really make this hotel! Every single staff member were so welcoming, polite, friendly & most of all happy, they even get to know what you like to drink haha so don’t even need to tell them. They serve you at the pool area & even walk around the pool area & sunbeds regularly to make sure everyone is ok & take drink/food orders, you don’t even need to get up!
Excellent pool area, never had a problem finding a bed. Pool towels are supplied but also a big fluffy sunbed towel. As soon as someone has finished with their bed staff are straight on it by removing old towels & replacing with new so you know it’s available! Fab tunes played through the day, we even had live entertainment such as a DJ & saxophone player in the day. Nice pool snacks such as wraps/pizza/burgers/salads- all lovely.
Hotel yes is right on the strip & as this was our first time to Abufiera we were a bit concerned about the noise, didn’t need to be however as the soundproofing is fab, yes you can still hear it but it’s muffled, we didn’t have any problems sleeping & no earplugs needed lol. Very safe as you need a key card to access hotel so not just anyone can enter, also cameras around hotel too.
Overall fantastic stay, a big well done to all the staff here as I’m a strong believer that despite the surroundings (even though here they are great) the staff are the ground making & these definitely go above & beyond!!!
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Albufeira area.
PRICE RANGE
€79 - €173 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
california hotel albufeira, hotel california albufeira
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
The New Califórnia Hotel
LOCATION
PortugalAlgarveFaro DistrictAlbufeira
NUMBER OF ROOMS
80
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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