Agua Hotels Vila Branca

“Good standard apartments, 15-20 mins walk to town/beaches”

In general we would recommend. This is a small complex of rooms and apartments in a pleasant residential area, around 15-20 mins walk to town (up hill to get back), to the stunning beach or to the big supermarket (there is a very useful small supermarket just opposite). Everything is a walk/ride ... more

In general we would recommend. This is a small complex of rooms and apartments in a pleasant residential area, around 15-20 mins walk to town (up hill to get back), to the stunning beach or to the big supermarket (there is a very useful small supermarket just opposite). Everything is a walk/ride away, this could get annoying if you have young children). There is a lovely boardwalk along much of the coast here with beautiful views and sunsets. Lagos is a pleasant small town with a modern marina. The apartments, pool area, reception etc are kept very clean and generally well maintained. We had a balcony overlooking a shady garden. The pool areas were quiet as still not the main season, loads of available sun beds if that’s your thing! The apartment was in general very good, very spacious, good sized kitchen (hob and microwave only) with a washing machine (it’s a pity this is not mentioned in the descriptions as a real plus for families and you can cut down on luggage costs, not sure if these are in all apartments, we had a one bed one). Well equipped, but really needed some larger mugs and glasses (just tiny coffee cups and small glasses). Firm but comfortable beds. We had breakfasts which were good, it was possible to eat in or outside. Hot food was pancakes, bacon, scrambled egg with either beans or sausages. There were plenty of breads and pastries (a large, slow domestic toaster just slowly dried bread out without toasting it), ham, cheese, cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruits. There were some nice homemade touches like 2 different cakes daily and crazy homemade jam roulette (highlight was Carrot jam, have already found a recipe to try and reproduce this one!). The coffee machine was not great and kept blocking, delivering just hot water. Most days the standard coffee worked (2 days we asked staff to fix it), the decaff never worked. We asked numerous times and some efforts were made to sort it, but it just never worked. ( From experience working with similar instant coffee machines it may have just needed emptying, stripping, washing well, all parts air drying thoroughly then refilling.) Communication wasn’t great, I emailed twice, once before booking and before arrival to ask if they could supply gluten free bread at breakfast (which they did), but didn’t get a reply either time. Staff were generally friendly and helpful.

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“Comfortable apartment”

Reception: Friendly helpful staff. Room / facilities: Room number 1102B is on the 1st floor and is clean, with 2 very comfortable single beds joined, safe, hanging area dining table, separate kitchen with mini fridge (which had so much ice buildup in the freezer), stove cook top, coffee maker, ... more

Reception: Friendly helpful staff. Room / facilities: Room number 1102B is on the 1st floor and is clean, with 2 very comfortable single beds joined, safe, hanging area dining table, separate kitchen with mini fridge (which had so much ice buildup in the freezer), stove cook top, coffee maker, microwave, and crockery/cutlery. Large balcony with seats and table. Self control split system air conditioning with various doors/ windows that opens fully. Laundry: Not available, but check with the accomodation. Parking: Plenty of resort complex street parking at your villa door is available at no cost. Wifi: Complementary and good speed. No validation or password required. Breakfast: Available for additional cost, but not utilised on this stay. Conclusion: Fantastic hotel for a few night or extended stay. Letdowns: Villas are initially hard to find due to the buildings lacking room numbers on the street side. Walls are not insulated and noise from couples being intimate in adjoining rooms are able to be heard. Rooms decor is blan. There is no additional bedding or pillows in the room. Location / Nearby: All the offerings of Lagos town and marina a short drive, or for keen walkers 20 minutes. Recommendations: Be daring and leave the car at the hotel and walk to town, as town parking availability can be challenging to find and the walk is quiet pleasant. Getting to hotel: If arriving by car, best use GPS

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“Good location but that’s about it”

Visited over the May bank holiday weekend with my mum. Pros location - apartments are a 10/15 min walk one way to Lagos old town and the same the other to a lovely beach with bar. Its is uphill on way back so recommend a taxi (€4 ) or bus from beach (€1.20) Apartments have been renovated and ... more

Visited over the May bank holiday weekend with my mum. Pros location - apartments are a 10/15 min walk one way to Lagos old town and the same the other to a lovely beach with bar. Its is uphill on way back so recommend a taxi (€4 ) or bus from beach (€1.20) Apartments have been renovated and although very impersonal the beds are comfy and bathrooms nice Restaurant staff whilst overworked are very friendly Cons Pool area (both of them ) are so run down and almost eeiry! There was no one about even though it was hot and certainly no pool/snack bar even though advertised. Sunbeds broken and dirty Restaurant - food was mediocre the one time we ate there and a 45 min wait for a scoop of ice cream The room was not cleaned once whilst there and had to ask for clean towels Reception staff rude and unhelpful unless you were Dutch /geman and then you got lots of smiles help Room was really dark as small windows and patio area blocked by trees. Had to put heater on as so cold due to no daylight

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