W Algarve Review: Is This Luxury Hotel in the Algarve Worth It?

The W Algarve is one of my favourite hotels I’ve ever stayed in. There were so many little touches that just made it a wonderful holiday experience, and some pretty big ones too. Here’s why I reckon it’s well worth that pricey tag.

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in the Algarve, chances are you’ve come across the W Algarve. It’s stylish, modern, and very Instagram-friendly – but also firmly in the treat yourself price bracket.

After staying here, I wanted to answer the big question: is W Algarve actually worth it?

Here’s my honest W Algarve review, including what it’s really like, how much things cost, and whether it lives up to the hype.

Where is W Algarve?

The W Algarve hotel is located just outside Albufeira, one of the most popular towns in southern Portugal.

• It’s around 40 minutes from Faro Airport.
• A short taxi ride into Albufeira Old Town.
• Close to some of the Algarve’s best beaches.

From the balconies you’ll get those classic Algarve sea views – golden coastline, big skies, and unreal sunsets.

If you’re searching for a luxury hotel in Albufeira with sea views, this definitely ticks the box. But, that’s not even the best thing about it.

My dream bedroom at the W Algarve

I don’t think I could’ve loved my room at the W Algarve anymore. It was great. I loved the walk over there from reception, and all the colourful doors of the other rooms. I was on the reception level in a Premier Deluxe Large King Room with Ocean View.

I loved how big it was – there was so much space to spread out but then there was also a dressing area – great for just keeping all of my stuff hidden away from the main room and allowing me to believe I was really tidy.

The bed at the W Algarve was HUGE – king size but it still felt bigger. It’d be amazing to have one of these at home for when Reggie comes in for morning cuddles, although it definitely wouldn’t fit in my bedroom. Every night they did a turn down service and left a chocolate on the pillow.

The en suite was amazing. A separate shower with two rainfall showers, and a toilet – better for two people. There was also a double sink which meant you could look out of the huge windows to the pool while you were washing your hands and cleaning your teeth.

The room was so spacious and modern, and bright thanks to those huge windows.

The fridges and coffee area was outstanding to be a honest. A pull out fridge filled with (premium) goodies. I only sampled the port – seeing as I was in Portugal. But you could help yourself to the coffee (if you could work the machine).

The pool at the W Algarve Hotel

It was March, it was a bit nippy, but, there was no way I wasn’t going in that swimming pool. I managed to round up my friends to go down in our dressing gowns kindly given to us in the rooms, and we were braced for a cold water dip.

Quelle surprise – there was a bubbling hot pool right there ready to use!

So, so happy. The three of us sat there until the sun was going down, and just dipped in the cold pool next door to try it rather than it being the main event.

The pool is big, beautifully designed, and looks straight out to sea – exactly what you want from a luxury Algarve hotel (it isn’t heated though!).

The beach at W Algarve

Less than a ten-minute walk from my room and I was sat on the beach. I went at about 9am on a Tuesday in March and had the beach to myself for the hour I was there. The waves were a bit wild so I wasn’t going to go in but it was very calming to just sit and watch out to sea.

Food and drink at W Algarve

Food is a big part of the experience at W Algarve Portugal.

There are multiple restaurants and bars, offering everything from poolside snacks to more upscale dining.

W Algarve breakfast review

The breakfast at the W Algarve was genuinely one of the highlights. In fact, I made a whole Instagram Reel about the experience it was that good.

There was a huge buffet selection, with fresh fruit, pastries, a full English, all the avocado you could want and very good and strong coffee.

The staff were wonderful, couldn’t do enough, and there was an unlimited Mimosa station too. I genuinely couldn’t ask for anything more from a hotel breakfast. I’ve dreamt of this many times since!

Cocktail bar at the W Algarve

We went to the cocktail bar one night – such a beautiful spot. We never quite made it to the sunset bar outside though – something for next time. Looked like the perfect place for a sundowner cocktail.

At the indoor cocktail bar the rest of my group were a bit disappointed with their cocktails. We’d expected a lot from the pictures and descriptions in the menu, and the €15 price tag, but the presentation and taste definitely didn’t match up. Mine was a delight – so go for the gin option to get the same.

Paper Moon

One of the ‘best restaurants in the Algarve’ is on site at the W Algarve at Paper Moon.

“Our cuisine pays homage to Italian tradition with a contemporary twist and a focus on local flavours. Enjoy home-made pasta, fragrant bread and great Italian dishes, all accompanied by the perfect wine. Paper Moon is a dining experience that unites the best of two worlds, to be savoured with a view of the ocean”.

I had scallops, followed by seabass and a millefeuille. I’m afraid I wasn’t very impressed though. The scallops were tasteless, the fish came with some weird water you were meant to pour over it, and I’ve definitely had better pastries from an English bakery.

I’d recommend you go for the pizza option if you go.

W Algarve Away Spa and fitness facilities

The Away Spa at W Algarve Hotel Portugal made for the perfect relaxed morning on our last day. You pay an extra €20 but that means it stays chill and not too busy. This gives you access to the sports classes and gym (nah) and the sauna and steam rooms. There was also a plunge pool and a Jacuzzi right next to each other.

We had a lovely two hours dipping and relaxing with this stunning view.

Who is W Algarve best for?

W Algarve is best for:

• Couples looking for a stylish getaway
• Groups of friends
• Anyone wanting a ‘treat yourself’ luxury break

Maybe not ideal for:

• People wanting a traditional Portuguese hotel
• Quiet, low-key holidays
• Strict budgets in the Algarve