Hi, I am thinking of booking in for a few nights at this hotel. Anyone got any comments about it, ie is it far from the beach, is it an old hotel likely to be featured on Hotels from Hell or anything untoward like that?

Stayed in Solferias in 1998 - its located just outside the town centre and an easy 10 minute walk to the beach & shops. However, its all downhill to the beach but the walk back is via 'Cardiac Hill' and NOT a walk for those who are unfit or have a mobility problem. The hotel staff were very friendly, the bedrooms are large with good sized balconies. We were told that money was going to be spent on a complete re-vamp / modernisation but having called in & passed there since (last time in 2002) it didn't appear as if this has materialised (perhaps someone else can assist on that). Basically its a 1960's hotel and whilst we love CVO, I wouldn't want to return to Solferias. Also try the holidays uncovered (www.holidaysuncovered) web site for other views.

Regards to all in CVO.

Thanks croeso, I've now had a rethink after that. Difficult to find anywhere with reasonable rates for mid August just for three nights, so we've decided to go to Lagos instead and visit Carvoeiro instead of basing ourselves there.

Never been along as far as Lagos before but it looks like it might be quite lively.

Hi Al

Sorry to put you off staying in CVO but my entry is substantiated by a lady who stayed at Solferias in 1992 (see holidaysuncovered) - doesn't appear as if the eagerly awaited modernisation has taken place (unless someone knows different).

Make sure you visit CVO - pop into Solferias & have a look round (although it does take a bit of finding)!

Regards from a sunny Wales (makes a change).

Don't worry croeso, you haven't put me off staying in Carvoeiro, it's a financial thing. It's so expensive taking a three night break in the middle of August which coincides with a public holiday, but it's the only time we can get away. The Solferias deal was 75 Euros per night for the room and as it was billed as a four star hotel I thought that was a steal. But as they say, "You pays your money......"

So for an equivalent price we seem to have landed a small hotel in Lagos with breakfast thrown in and the odd report I see about it looks fine. I will check out the Solferias when I'm there becauseI will certainly be visiting during our short time on the Algarve.

Al,
Where are you staying in Lagos? There are some nice small hotels in the town. If I know it I will probably be able to give you some feedback.
Traz

Thanks Traz. It's the Residencial Lagosmar and I am really not expecting a palace!

Al,
The residencial lagosmar is fine. It is in a good central location if you are wanting to go out in the town in the evening but just far enough away from the noise. From what I know of the place, it is clean and well run.
I am sure you will enjoy your stay there.
Have you been to Lagos before?
Traz

Al,
Sorry have just read your previous post that you have not been to lagos before.
It is lively, especially in August. You will easily find your way into the liveliest bars as the guys handing out flyers in the street will see to that. Do take the flyers and hand them in to the bars as they entitle you to free drinks or two for one or whatever. This also ensures that the guys in the street are getting paid, as the owners know they are doing their job.
Cheers and enjoy
Traz

Many thanks for that Traz. At the risk of upsetting the owners of this message board can you recommend your favourite bars / restaurants in Lagos?

We'll be coming through to Carvoeiro for lunch maybe, or even one evening, as we'll miss the atmosphere in the square at night with the clown, music etc, although a lively nightlife as described in Lagos is right up our street, so you have made me pretty happy with your comments.

I'll whisper this next bit, because it's probably not a polite thing to mention another message board for a "rival" town but do you know of a forum similar to this excellent one which would give me an idea of Lagos and its what to do's and where to go's?

Al,
Hi, not knowing what you want exactly I can only give you an idea of what I know and where I go -
Bars - Our local is Luis bar opposite the Hotel Tivoli, he does happy 'hour' every night 6-8pm where a large beer is 1 euro, sml beer 50 cents, wine and spirits with mixers are also a great price during happy hour.
Plum Bar has recently re-opened, it is a nice bar with big comfortable black leather sofas and is excellent, they have different offers on all the time.
For the really lively places you will be looking at Whites (7 deadly sins - 7 shots if u can drink them all you get free tshirt), Irish Rover, Bon Vivante, eddies, Stones etc. Just follow the crowds and you will find them all.
For restaurants my favourite is Dom Sebastiao in the square just up from Abril25th, very nice restaurante but quite expensive.
Bar Linda on the beach is worth a visit especailly on Friday evening when they do a bbq for an all in price, this must be booked in advance but you can book through Bar Do Cais on the marina.
Excellent Chinese Italian and Indian to be had in Lagos too at - Chinese behind the shell garage on main Avenida, italian at Mama Mias near the main taxi rank and there are a couple of good Indians but personally I think the food at Tast of India on Abril25 takes some beating although the restaurant is nothing fancy.
For Portuguese food I have never had a bad meal anywhere in lagos, just have a wander about and look at the menus and see what you fancy. There are lots of good restaurants around, you will not starve.
As for the forum, I do not know of any forums for Lagos. Sorry cant help you there, maybe if you try a google and spend a little time looking through you may come across more info.
Anything more I can help you with, just ask.
Cheers
Trazi

Wow! Who needs a guide book?!! All I do now is copy and paste this on to a scrap of paper and it's far better than a Lonely Planet or something

Thanks again. Can't ask for more than that....... well, actually one last question if I can? Live music - any chance during that weekend do you think? Maybe some blues, perhaps, but anything will be just fine if you know of likely venues?

Grand Cafe do regular live music, they are just round the back from all the main bars on a small walking street that runs parallel, just ask anybody for directions. They do jazz or blues usually. There is normally a small cover charge to get in but your first drink is free.
if you just look around you will see other venues advertising live music on set dates, we used to go regularly to one of the beach bars on a Saturday afternoon for live music, not sure if they still do it as I never managed to get down last year due to work commitments.
The people who are in the know are the bar staff, they always know the places to go and whats happening.
You will love Lagos, I went there almost 5 years ago for one hour to fuel the boat on the way to the med and have been living there ever since.
Enjoy
Traz

Ta!

Hi Trazie,
As you seem to know whats what in Lagos i wonder would you know a good rental agency in Lagos. I want to rent a 5 bed villa within walking distance to the town. I want to go the last 2 weeks of August 2005.I would appreciate any info you may have.
Thanks
Loretta

P.S. Steen i hope you dont mind, but i have posted on here looking for a villa but i cant seem to get anything so i will have to look at another location