Overall Rating:
9.14%
Date of stay: Aug 2010.
Reviewed 07 Oct 2010
by Victoria Brewood
Located on the beautiful sweeping bay of Meia Praia in Lagos, this trendy, minimalist hotel was inspired by fashion and designed by renowned Portuguese decorators.
As you walk into the air-conditioned, spacious open foyer with black marble and floor-to-ceiling windows you might be forgiven for thinking you've walked into an airport lounge but this hotel is designed to be chic, stylish and minimal.
As I made my way to the hotel room I couldn't help but feel like there was something different about this hotel. The it dawned on me, it had carpets, which for a European hotel is quite unusual.
The large bedroom was equally minimal but not lacking in amenities or storage space. There was plenty of wardrobe space for clothes, a large double bed with white cotton sheets, telephone flat-screen plasma television with cable TV, hair-dryer, WiFi, safe and mini bar. The en-suite bathroom was well-stocked with plenty of shower products and towels, plus a magnifying mirror that was so strong you might jump when you see your reflection.
All areas throughout the Vila Gale were kept incredibly spotless. Facilities include the Satsanga Spa with indoor pool, Turkish bath gymnasium and beauty treatments, plus a convention centre, tennis courts, putting green, volley ball court and laundry service.
For those holidaymakers who might be concerned about the availability of sun loungers in a hotel of this size, rest assured there are more than enough beds to go around. The enormous outdoor pool area is surrounded by large open green spaces so it never feels overcrowded.
Guests can relax by the pool or venture to the sandy beach, which is just a short walk across the road from the hotel. The outdoor toilet and shower facilities are exceptional and the chic poolside snack bar serves salads and toasted sandwiches along with juices and alcoholic beverages.
A buffet breakfast and dinner is served in the stylish dining room which offers more choice than any restaurant. At dinner time there is usually a wide choice of gourmet salads, starters and appetisers, local fish and meat dishes, made-to-order pasta, individual desserts and cheeses.
For guests who wish to venture into the nearby town of Lagos, the prime location means you can make the 20 minute walk, although at night it is advisable to get a taxi for around 5 Euro.
The only thing that let this hotel down was the internet connection, which was so slow that I couldn't even load my email. This was a great shame as the internet room was cosy and comfortable, with flat-screen computers, leather armchairs, book shelves and a plasma television.
Overall this hotel was definitely worth its four star rating.
