AP Eva Senses, Faro (Algarve)

• The waterside location gives you views over the city marina and the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
• Stroll five minutes south to reach Faro's walled Old Town, where you can catch a ferry to the estuary's islands and beaches. 
• Rooms are mostly spacious and bright, with modern decor and small balconies. 
• Breakfast is included in the rate, served buffet-style in the scenic top-floor restaurant.
• A recent renovation upgraded the spa area and added a Jacuzzi and a small indoor pool with massage jets.

• The smallest Economy Interior rooms have no windows; upgrade to a Standard for natural light and a balcony.
• The top-floor pool and bar area closes seasonally, and it can get crowded during warm weather.

Authenticity

AP Eva Sense's six-story, mid-century modernist architecture has been a fixture of the Faro waterfront for almost 60 years. Recent renovations have kept the interiors refreshed and up to date, and the lobby and common areas now sport a little more style than the average large chain property. You won't find much boutique charm and attention to detail here, but it offers a comfortable resort-like experience within the city, as well as some of the best views around—nothing really comes close to the upper stories' uninterrupted panoramas over the Ria Formosa.

Location

You'll be located within Faro's city center, at the edge of Ria Formosa Natural Park and neighboring the train station to the north and the marina to the south. It's barely a 5-minute stroll to the cobbled streets of the walled Cidade Velha (Old Town), and you can hop on the nearby public ferry to reach coastal beaches and the islands and lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park. The airport is 10 minutes away by car or taxi, but be aware that parking can be tricky here; spaces are limited, and you'll have to walk to nearby paid lots.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 138 units start with Economy Interiors (basic double rooms with no windows); upgrade to a Standard for a balcony overlooking the city or marina, neutral, modern decor, and a tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower. Suites add more space with separate living areas and sofa beds. The newest Deluxe Suites have the most flair, with lots of honey-colored wood accents, chartreuse furniture, living and dining areas, and sleek bathrooms with rain-style showers and vessel sinks. Their floor-to-ceiling windows and furnished terraces also offer the best views over the Ria Formosa.

Amenities

The rooftop is the place to be, but it can get crowded, and you may have trouble nabbing a seat by the outdoor pool and open-air bar. The top floor is also home to a wine bar and the Harune restaurant, which serves buffet-style meals with Algarve-inspired flavors and panoramic views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Downstairs, the lobby's Adão bar is a laid-back spot for Hawaiian-style poké bowls and Asian-inspired flavors overlooking the marina. The on-site gym faces the marina with floor-to-ceiling windows, and there's a brand-new spa area with treatment rooms, an indoor pool with massage jets, and a Jacuzzi.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome here. Extra beds and cribs are available at no additional charge, and the buffet-style restaurant has plenty of options for picky eaters. Suites are the best room options for families, with extra sofa beds or multiple bedrooms, but the upper-story balconies and terraces won't be suitable for younger kids and toddlers.