Tivoli Lagos, Lagos (Algarve)

Pros

• The resort's central location puts you at the edge of Lagos Old Town, within strolling distance of restaurants, shops, and the harbor. 
• Renovated rooms feature crisp, cool interiors with private balconies and town or sea views.
• The three on-site dining options include a rustic, tavern-style Portuguese restaurant with authentic regional seafood dishes. 
• Besides the resort's indoor and outdoor pools, you'll also have access to the nearby Duna Beach Club, accessible via a complimentary shuttle.

Cons

• The property's village-like layout includes lots of steps and courtyards—it can be a bit of a challenge to find your way around, and it's not a good choice for anyone with limited mobility.
• While the resort underwent a major renovation in 2017, some areas still feel tired or dated. 

Authenticity

The sprawling, village-like Tivoli Lagos is one of four Tivoli resorts along the Algarve coast. This original nine-building compound dates back to 1967, but a much-needed renovation in 2017 brought the mid-century interiors up to a more stylish standard. You'll still find some common areas and exteriors that could use a refresh, but newer rooms are crisp and contemporary. Of the resort's three on-site restaurants, Páteo Velho is the real gem, with rustic, traditional decor, an intimate outdoor courtyard with a wood-fired oven, and a menu of lovingly crafted local dishes like caldo verde and bacalhau.  

Location

This is one of Lagos' most central hotels, located just a 5-minute stroll from the heart of the Old Town. You'll have plenty of restaurants and shops on your doorstep, and the harbor is just a 2-minute walk away. Beaches like Praia do Camilo are within 10 minutes by car, and you'll have access to the hotel's own Duna Beach Club, located on the golden sands of Meia Praia (a complimentary shuttle whisks guests between the beach and the resort throughout the day). Faro International Airport is an hour's drive east, and the resort offers plenty of free on-site parking spaces.

Rooms & Bathrooms

With just under 300 air-conditioned rooms, this is a large, resort-style property, and accommodations vary in size, amenities, and modernity. The basic Standard rooms are located in the more distant buildings, and the access can feel a bit mazelike; upgrade to the more recently renovated Superior options for a more central location overlooking the pool or the town. Family rooms and Suites offer more space, the latter with a separate living area and sea views. All rooms include a private terrace or balcony, and the decor is neutral and contemporary, with modern bathrooms and walk-in showers.

Amenities

The hotel's central outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by wooden decking, plentiful lounge areas, and a poolside bar, and you'll find a second pool indoors, as well as a small health and fitness center with steam rooms, a sauna, and massage treatments. Dining options include traditional Portuguese dishes with rustic ambience at Páteo Velho and handmade pizzas and pastas at La Terrazza, plus the Aroma Bar, which hosts live music in the evenings. A daily breakfast buffet is included with the room rate, and guests also have access to the Tivoli-owned Duna Beach Club, just a few minutes away by complimentary shuttle. 

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Tivoli Lagos, and amenities like a separate kids' pool, a games room with table tennis, and spacious family rooms make this a popular choice for families. Some of the more distant rooms are reached via narrow steps and mazelike walkways, so families with strollers should request one of the more accessible options closer to the central pool area.