Last Updated on 22/07/2023 by secretmoona

Portimao, a charming town in Portugal, is a must-visit destination. Its breathtaking coastline, picturesque beaches, and quaint town centre make it a popular choice for tourists. On my recent trip to the Algarve, I made sure to include a stop in this lovely town and enjoy its beautiful beach. The Tivoli Marina Portimão, a 4-star resort conveniently located near Marina de Portimão and Praia da Rocha, proved to be the perfect accommodation choice.

Location

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The Tivoli Marina Portimao is situated in the Portimao Marina, right next to Praia da Rocha. The hotel is surrounded by several restaurants that offer a variety of dining options. Although the beach is just a short walk away, guests can reach it in just 5 minutes, the hotel remains peaceful and quiet. 

To accommodate guests staying in apartments that are far from the main building, the hotel provides a shuttle service called the Tivoli Buggy. This service transports guests to other parts of the resort or to Praia da Rocha. 

The hotel’s location is ideal as it is in close proximity to public transportation. Buses that go to the city centre, Lagos and Albufeira are just a 10-minute walk away. Additionally, guests can take a water taxi from the marina to the village of Ferragudo.

Getting to the Tivoli Marina Portimão

The Tivoli Marina Portimão Hotel is conveniently located in the city and easily accessible by public transportation. 

By car: If you plan on arriving by car, the hotel provides parking spaces to make your journey stress-free. 

From the airport: For those travelling from Faro International Airport, renting a car or taking a taxi is an option, but it can cost around €80. Alternatively, you can save money by booking an airport transfer for just €55, which will take you directly to Tivoli Marina Portimão without any extra stops. 

By public transport: If you prefer public transportation, the Portimao station is about 2 km away from the hotel. From there, you can take the bus or a taxi, with bus numbers 11, 11, and 51 passing near the hotel.

Hotel’s First Impressions

I was impressed by the Tivoli Marina Portimao. The lobby was beautifully decorated with a beachy and exotic atmosphere with bamboo and wooden tribal objects. The reception staff was professional and quick with my check-in process. 

The resort hotel has three wings: Marina Sun, Marina Deck, and Marina Beach. It consists of 196 apartments in vibrant yellow and ochre, overlooking the marina. The floor-to-ceiling windows and generously sized balcony provide excellent views of the yachts. 

The main building houses reception, restaurants, and outdoor swimming pools, including a children’s pool. Unfortunately, the pools were undergoing maintenance during my visit (March 2023).

The rooms at Tivoli Marina Portimão

NH Marina Portimão Resort offers various types of apartments situated in the Marina Sun, Marina Deck, and Marina Beach buildings. These apartments are within walking distance of each other and all hotel amenities. The apartments come in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, ranging in size from 32m2 to 90m2.

• Sun Studios are located on the ground or 1st floor of the Marina Sun building and measure around 35 m2. Each studio comes with a balcony that overlooks the Portimão marina. 
• The Beach Studios, on the other hand, are situated on the ground and first floor of the Marina Beach building. They also come with a balcony that offers a view of the Portimão marina and the mouth of the Arade River. 
• The Deck Studios, like the other studios, are located on the ground and first floor of the Marina Deck building. They feature a balcony or terrace that overlooks the Portimão marina and the hotel swimming pool.

I stayed in a Beach Studio. All the rooms were equipped with a kitchenette that included a small fridge, Nespresso machine, microwave, and electric hob. The kitchen was well-stocked with dishes, cookware, and silverware, as well as other amenities like a tea kettle and coffee maker. Additionally, the housekeeping staff provided a complimentary bottle of water every day. However, it is worth noting that the Nespresso capsules were not free, so it is recommended to bring your own if possible.

Usually, every room has a dining table for two people and a sofa. However, in my case, there was an additional bed instead. It’s possible that they prepared the room for the next guests in advance, assuming I was travelling alone. Nonetheless, it did not bother me since the room was spacious enough to move around. The room was modern, clean, and boasted a beautiful view of the marina. I appreciated the ample number of plugs and USB sockets that were conveniently placed near the desk area and beside the bed. The bed was also very comfortable. 

The bathroom was equipped with a bathtub, and the shower walls had large pumps filled with shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. A body lotion with a lovely scent was also provided, along with small accessories like a shower cap and cotton swabs. If you need anything extra, such as a toothbrush or female sanitary products, you could request these items through reception.

The food and drinks at NH Tivoli Marina Portimão Resort

At Tivoli Marina Portimão, there are three restaurants and two bars available for guests to enjoy. All of these dining options are conveniently situated in the main building, known as the Marina Deck building. For those who love meat, the T-Bone Tender Steakhouse is the perfect choice. Not only does it offer delicious dishes, but it also provides a stunning view of the Arade River and marina. For pizza enthusiasts, the Sunset Pizzeria is a must-visit. Their pizzas are sure to please everyone’s taste buds. 

Although the Itaka Pool Bar was closed during my visit, it’s a small bar located next to the swimming pool, with a beautiful garden as its backdrop. It must be a lovely experience to sip on a refreshing drink or enjoy a light snack while lounging by the pool.

Restaurant & Bar Deck:

The Restaurant & Bar Deck is a serene and welcoming eatery that offers stunning views of the Arade River in Portimão. It’s perfect for lunch and dinner, with light decorations that enhance the ambience. During my first night at the hotel, I decided to sample the food. Since it was low season, all the restaurants had merged into one and were located on the main Restaurant and Bar Deck. The restaurant and bar, overlooking the Arade River, provided a breathtaking view that made the dining experience even more enjoyable. Guests had the option to select their preferred menu. I had a craving for pizza, so I chose the Margherita pizza from Sunset Pizzeria, which was absolutely delicious.

If you’re looking for a spot to grab breakfast, head over to the Deck Marina Lounge. This restaurant and bar overlooks the river and serves a delectable buffet-style meal with a wide range of options. You can choose from various cooked breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs and made-to-order omelettes, as well as fresh fruits, yoghurts, cheese, and the usual continental-style breakfast items. You can enjoy your breakfast while admiring the Arado River and watching boats pass by.

Leisure facilities 

Located on the upper floor, just above the reception area, is an on-site fitness room that is fully equipped with everything you need for an excellent workout. While the hotel boasts three outdoor seawater swimming pools, there is no indoor pool available. Tivoli Marina Portimão is a great option for families travelling with children, as the hotel features a children’s park as well as a kids club.

Staff & service

During my stay, the staff were wonderful. Joao went above and beyond by recommending activities to do in Portimao, such as an amazing boat tour. The buggy drivers were always willing to take me to my destination and pick me up. When it came time to check out, the staff even offered to arrange a taxi to take me to the train station.

Things to do near Tivoli Portimao Portimao

If you’re looking for a versatile hotel that caters to all kinds of travellers, Tivoli Marina Portimão is a great choice. Located within the marina, it offers easy access to the best things to do and see in Portimao, like Praia da Rocha, the Museum of Portimao, and boat tours of the Benagil caves.

Final Thoughts on Tivoli Marina Portimao

Tivoli Marina Portimao is a wonderful place to stay, whether you are there for one night or several. The resort boasts stunning views of the marina and the ocean, and is conveniently located within the city with easy access to Praia da Rocha. With its beautiful and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a top choice for travellers visiting Portimao.

Hotel info:

• Marina Portimão – Portimão 8500-843 Algarve, Portugal
• Book your stay here via Booking.com or Agoda.
• Rates for double rooms start at €55 (£50) in low season and €250 (£216) in high season. 
• The price includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

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