The Grand House, Algarve, Portugal

This is a busy spot - during the day the hotel's main road is busy, as it runs alongside the popular marina; at night however it's relatively quiet. You're near plenty of cafés and boutique shops.

The hotel's private waterfront restaurant is less than 1km away; another kilometre takes you to a vast golden sand beach.

By plane: flights to Faro take around 3 hours from London and Manchester and 2 hours 30 mins from Bristol. The drive to the hotel takes 45 minutes. Private parking costs €10 per day. Book flights to Faro.

The hotel's colonial décor is sophisticated yet relaxed, reflecting the eastern part of the Algarve. There are 19th-century details including a sumptuous dining room, bijou bar with original dark wood features, and a biblioteca (library).

Staff could not do more for guests - we felt as if we were staying in someone's home rather than a hotel. Ricardo, the hotel's driver, offered to take us on a personal tour of the area, which was definitely beyond the call of duty.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Roof terrace
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Our first-floor suite had high ceilings, an exquisite chandelier and rich draperies. The bedroom had framed portraits over the bed and was decorated with French regency furniture; there was also a comfortable seating area and a cleverly designed bathroom with a shower with a glass wall.

Room types: Small, Medium, Grand, Grand Deluxe Junior, Grand House suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Breakfast was incredible, with healthy and cooked options, juices and coffee. You can opt for brunch or lunch at the nearby Grand Beach Club that serves tasty seafood and uses locally sourced ingredients. Dinner at the hotel is a three or five-course meal.

Grand Salon: Portuguese cuisine, locally-sourced ingredients. Open daily for dinner.

Grand Beach Club: comfort food with a Portguese twist. Open daily 10am-5pm.