Top tips for choosing holiday accommodation at Parque da Floresta, Algarve, Portugal

Having decided your preferred holiday dates, number of bedrooms needed, and if you want a property with private pool or prefer the idea of sharing a pool, what else other than price is worth thinking about? Like many you will have checked the web and probably considered a property rented by private owners for extra value and the following top tips should give you a few ideas worth considering when choosing a property with shared pool, direct from owners.

1) Not price but value

When you get quotes make sure you are comparing apples with apples. Is it the same type of property, can you pay in £’s not €’s, does the price include a welcome pack (only really appreciated after the long trip), and does it include a maid cleaning service and if so how often per week? If you decide to get a lower cost flight and want to arrive and depart during a week day are you paying a premium, and if you are a golfer what level of discounts will you get by booking your preferred property? Can you pay with paypal for extra peace of mind, and can you depart late on your last day?

2) Exactly what type of property are you booking and can you see pictures

Property standards vary from standard (the basic), to superior (because of location and furnishing) to deluxe; the ultimate for a luxury family holiday with excellent facilities, great views, and air conditioning (which will make a huge difference in the summer months). By booking direct from owners you should be able to see a range of pictures so you can see exactly what you are booking. After all, do you really want to book your holiday blind and by chance?

3) Location

Parque da Floresta is a large resort and although everything is easily accessible by car, you may wish to consider your preferred area. The newest is Quinta da Encosta Velha offering a choice of 5 pools (one just for children), newest luxury restaurant, fun and games room for children, and offering deluxe properties, with brand new kitchens, furnishing, fully air conditioned, telephones, and the very highest of standards. Some properties are very close to pools so you can sit outside the property and watch your children having fun in the pool at the same time for added safety and comfort.

4) Guest comments

Although there are numerous web sites available, make sure you check the visitor’s comments as it’s too late after you arrive. An example can be found at www.parquedaflorestadirect.com/guests to get real and honest comments about an individual property, and that you will also find in the guest book in the property.

5) Talk to the owners

Everyone has questions when they are booking their main family holiday so pick up the phone and talk to the owners. This will give you immediate and hopefully honest views about the resort, rental property, location, things to see and do and much much more. If you have any special considerations like a nearby pool, wheelchair access, playing space for children etc most owners will be delighted to help.

6) Something special

Many properties at Quinta da Encosta Velha, within Parque da Floresta offer roof terraces for family privacy, and all day sun bathing and one or two have been especially extended to provide a huge outdoor space that will probably become a family holiday favourite. Again check the pictures, or ask the owners why else you should book their property for the x factor.

Although not exhaustive, these tips hopefully help you in considering the right property to meet your needs and making sure your family holiday is extra special, truly memorable and get maximum value from every pound you spend.