The rooms we had were very spacious and well laid out. Just a couple of minor faults with some doors in my half of the suite not closing properly. Overall though, very nice. We even had a total of three showers in our suite and three TV's (which could do with a little more instruction to get some English speaking channels...if there were any?) Lots or wardrobe space as well. The rooms are the best part about the hotel. We had a lot of trouble locating our room at the basement of the hotel back right area (Room 0201). There was no signage to say where to go. Also there was a lot of rainwater coming in under one of the corridor exit doors to the pool, which made for a very slippery floor. The hotel isn't really near anything and you'll need to take a cab everywhere. It's even quite a way away from its golf courses. The food was acceptable but like many hotels, often it is never kept hot enough. The hotel was kept very clean. The bar was probably the worst bit, with the Superbock served up frothy, in half pint (if that) glasses. Plus there were often long queues to get served and this was technically, out of season time. Having one bar person on in the evening is not on, for them, or us. Also the all inclusive bar finishes at 11pm. You are charged for a drink after that! There is no entertainment there, so if you want some you'll need to leave the hotel. The staff were polite and courteous. We didn't have time or the weather to use the outdoor pools. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice enough place but absolutely not the 5 star rating it is touted to be in the guides.
Looking out over the azure of the Atlantic ocean, The NAU Sao Rafael Suites in Albufeira is the pinnacle for golfers heading to the Algarve for a golf break in the sun. Combining an unbeatable coastal location with 5-star luxury and championship golf courses, this hotel is the first choice for thousands of British golfers every year.
Boasting rooms that are both stylish and comfortable, Sao Rafael is the ultimate place to stay for groups looking to make the most of the All Inclusive offerings. The gorgeous Sao Rafael Beach is only a 5-minute walk away, with the nearest nightlife in Albufeira only 7 minutes in a cab.
Being in the heart of the Algarve means that NAU Sao Rafael Suites is extremely accessible, simply make the short flight to Faro Airport, from there it is just a 30-minute drive to the hotel. When it comes to golf courses, you are spoiled for choice in the Algarve, however, NAU Hotels own three of best; Salgados, Morgado and Alamos, all accessible via the hotel's complimentary shuttle service. When you are not teeing it up there are an array of excellent facilities at the hotel for guests to enjoy, including; four pools, a sauna, restaurants and bars.