Sreenivas Kuntala
I would rate this as a 3 star hotel rather a 5 star.
Pros: Quite location with stunning views and the size is very good.
Cons: Don’t waste money on all inclusive as the inclusions are very limited. Surprised to understand even an omelette need to be paid in all inclusive and the lunch and dinner never met a standard beyond a 3 star hotel. Certainly the service needs a significant improvement to meet a 5 star rating.
I wouldn't waste money on this hotel again with 5 star all inclusive option.
Mandy McKinnon
This hotel is quite far out especially out of season. The closest place with restaurants and a shop is the marina which is a 20min walk away, sadly its mostly closed in November.
The check in and bar staff were lovely however the restaurant staff mostly ignored everyone and getting drinks in here was difficult. It is a buffet style restaurant but unlike others I have been too there was no self-service for fizzy juice. We ended up going through to the bar to order soft drinks and bringing them through ourselves. The food options for us weren't great and the meat was really dry at dinner. Most nights consisted of the same things.
There is a fee to use the indoor pool and spa which I feel should be free when the outdoor pools are not able to be used (one pool had been drained and the other was freezing). At €15 a head for adults and €7.50 a child for a small pool and jacuzzi(there is a small sauna and steam room the adults can use too but its in the single sex changing rooms so you wouldn't be able to go in with your partner) I feel it is very overpriced.
The room we had was clean and very spacious, however one of the beds weren't made up when we got there and there was no bedding in the room to do it ourselves. We called reception and asked if we could get some bedding, when the lady came to do it, it was very clear she wasn't happy about it.
All in all I wouldn't stay here again
Daniel Sweeney
On arrival at 11am, we were told we could get lunch at 12.30 but couldn't use the All Inclusive until 3pm and our room wouldn't be ready until 4pm. A bit odd seeing as the hotel wasn't busy.
Lunch was OK, not very warm at all, and very much the same most days. Drinks were not bad, but for All Inclusive, was pretty limited. Bar snacks was also something that was missing, standard at most 5 star hotels.
Breakfast was always lukewarm/cold and it's a bit cheeky having to pay for an omelette, especially when paying for all inclusive.
The rooms were spacious, but for a 5 star, the lack of a stocked mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board and toiletries was very disappointing. Phoned reception to ask about the advertised coffee making machine and or kettle only to be told they don't do that. 10 minutes later a room maid appears with a kettle, no cups, tea bags or coffee.
Another thing missing is an on site shop for essentials like toiletries, snacks etc and seeing as it's a taxi journey to the nearest store, this is another thing letting this place down.
Entertainment was non existent, which was another disappointment, background music is not something you would expect.
The shuttle bus to take you to the old town was welcome, but went far too infrequently, and could maybe do it every 2 hours. A complimentary shuttle to the beach would be very welcome too as it's a 15 minute walk, which is quite steep, and for guests with mobility issues, they would be missing out on a visit to the outstanding private beach.
Staff were pleasant, but hard to make eye contact when requiring a drink at meal times.
Plus points, comfy beds, rooms clean, social areas nice to hang out, gardens were very well kept, bar staff very helpful, easy check in and check out, lovely views.
Tim Wickham
Enjoyed our recent stay at the hotel. I've lowered the score slightly as the rooms did lack basic facilities such as tea/coffee, irons etc. I shared a room with three other adults and one of the rooms had no clothes hanging facilities. The bar, pool and restaurant were good though. Great choice of drinks and food options. 15 min walk to the beach and a little longer to get to the marina. Albuferia was definitely a taxi ride away though. Not a bad base for a golfing trip but next time we'll aim to stay at a resort on the course.
Harry Jacques
Our stay with family and friends at NAU Sao Rafael Suites was fantastic. We stayed here during the Easter period.
The staff were all very friendly and the quality of the food and drink was so much better than a typical all inclusive hotel. Lots of variety without compromising quality. Ivo and Carlos were among the great bar staff and were very experienced!
The food was varied every day, giving you the chance to try something new every day.
Whilst the hotel was a distance from Albuferia, we never got bored of the hotel, local marina and surrounding area. There were lots of activities to do within the hotel. I have no complaints about my experience here and would highly recommend!