AP Victoria Sports & Beach

We went here primarily for the running track. We had an amazing week - but that was because we had low expectations to start with in part, as wasn't expecting a week at a sports hotel to be the same as our family sunshine summer holiday. The rooms are big and spacious. The track is great if you are there for the running. I don't know why people complain about lack of shops/restaurants - literally on the other side of the track (so 200m max) there is a small 'commercial centre' which looks a but sparse on first appearances but you soon realise it has everything you need including several restaurants. The Italian right on the edge of the running track had great food for very reasonable prices. The beach is five mins walk. Honestly great location. Very safe. Was happy to let teens roam around unsupervised along whole beach area. They even ran to Vilamoura one day. Very cheap (1 EUR!) bus service daily to Albufiera and Vilamoura. Very good value for money out of season. Really can't complain for the price we paid.

There are definitely some improvements that could be made, but, I do feel some of the criticisms are a little harsh, and based on unrealistic expectations. 1) This is a sports hotel. The clue is in the name. So if you are expecting cocktails and a five star All Inc...this probably isn't the place for you. The bar area is small and there wasn't anywhere at all to drink indoors near the bar. All of the bar seating was outdoors, and as many have said, there isn't enough seating for all of the occupants - but that is perhaps intentional as this isn't the sort of place where you would go to have 20 pints and a Big Night Out. 2) I've seen reviews about the food. We only stayed B&B. The breakfast had plenty of choice - but yes, it isn't great. The staff work hard, but the whole environment is very chaotic. Not usual 4 star All Inc standard, but definitely good enough if you have come for a week of sunshine and to go running a lot. 3) If you have food allergies, most of the of the restaurants in the area have very good allergen information covering lots of categories with recognisabel logos/icons. Even small eateries. But not the hotel. So I do understand why people have complained about this. 4) It was sometimes very noisy at night and we were staying out of season. Suspect unsupervised teens as most people staying either had small children or were there with teenage athletes. Most teen athletes don't tend to drink/be rowdy though - so it was difficult to work out where/what all the noise was. I actually went out in my PJ's one night because the shouting was so loud I was worried someone was hurt. Noise carried through the open corridors - only way to block it out was to shut the fire doors - but they then banged everytime someone came in or out. I do think staff should have dealt with noisy residents to be honest. 5) As many have mentioned, the pool area and loungers etc could do with a revamp.

one thing I noticed was the manager walked around a lot but didnt speak to any holiday makers think it would be a nice touch even if he said morning. During our stay ASICS had a group of influencers staying during the evenings they had part of the dinning area sectioned off which caused issues as they didnt even sit at the tables reserved. a lot of families struggle to be seated. This then caused issues for staff within the restaurant causing it become chaotic, for me this is a manager issue. one night it was sectioned off and they went out for a meal without telling restaurant staff. the above is the only thing that caused me a issue. entertainment staff hard working and help make the stay.