Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso and Hotel

Amazing hotel and amazing staff, I would definitely recommend.

We were extremely excited to stay at this hotel as all the reviews and photos looked amazing. When we first arrived, we were checked in by Luis, who was lovely. As our room wasn’t quite ready, we had a look around the hotel and something to eat. Once we were given our room, we were pleased to find it clean, spacious, and with a lovely sea-view balcony.

Unfortunately, this is where our experience took a turn for the worse.

At around 11:30pm, my partner and I were asleep when a member of staff unlocked our room door and walked straight in without knocking. My partner was startled awake, and we were both left shocked and confused. The staff member left immediately, but no explanation was given as to why they had entered our room. It is even more scary as if I was staying alone I wouldn’t have heard him come in!

Feeling extremely unsettled, we went straight down to reception. Rather than addressing what had happened, we were asked whether our safe or room key scanner was broken, which was completely unrelated to the issue we were trying to report. We were then told that, according to the hotel’s computer system, our room had not been assigned to anyone and was showing as empty. This came as a complete shock, considering we had completed the check-in forms and our passports had been scanned on arrival. We were told to bring our passports back down the following morning, given new room keys, and sent back to our room. At no point did anyone properly acknowledge the seriousness of the situation or reassure us that it wouldn’t happen again.

The following morning, I returned to reception with our passports and explained everything again. The receptionist appeared genuinely shocked and began writing down what had happened. However, another member of staff interrupted and explained that the incident had occurred because our details had never been assigned to the room on the hotel’s system. Our passports were scanned again, and we were simply told that the issue had now been resolved. While we appreciated that the problem had been corrected, there was still no meaningful apology or reassurance, despite how distressing the experience had been.

Later that day, I spoke to a regular guest who suggested I ask to speak with the hotel manager, Anna. She explained that when she had experienced a minor maintenance issue during a previous stay, the hotel had apologised sincerely and offered a late check-out as a gesture of goodwill. As we still felt uncomfortable and had spent every night sleeping with a suitcase pushed against our door because we no longer felt safe, I thought it was worth speaking to the manager.

The following day, I went to reception and asked if I could speak with Anna. Instead of being able to speak with her, I was questioned about why I wanted to see her. A member of staff disappeared for around five minutes before returning to tell me that all they could do was apologise and no gesture of goodwill could be offered.

We completely understand that mistakes can happen. However, a member of staff entering an occupied room in the middle of the night without knocking is simply unacceptable. Hotels should have procedures in place to prevent this from happening. It left us feeling anxious for the remainder of our holiday, constantly worrying that someone could walk into our room again. No guest should ever feel the need to barricade their hotel room door with a suitcase in order to feel safe.

Despite this, there were many positives. The hotel is in a beautiful location, our room was cleaned to a high standard every day, fresh towels were provided daily, and the housekeeping staff did an excellent job throughout our stay. The pool area was clean and well maintained, with fresh pool towels available each day, and we really enjoyed the breakfast.

We were, however, disappointed with the all-inclusive package. Many items, including milkshakes, smoothies, ice creams, numerous drinks, and various food options outside the buffet, were not included. While a 30% discount was offered on these items, we felt this was disappointing given the amount we had paid for an all-inclusive holiday. We also found the service at the pool bar to be inconsistent. For example, one day I ordered a ham and cheese toastie, which arrived toasted and served with fries. The following day, I ordered exactly the same meal, but it arrived untoasted and without fries. On several occasions, we were also left waiting quite a while before anyone came to take our order.

Overall, this could have been a fantastic holiday, but unfortunately the incident of a staff member entering our room in the middle of the night overshadowed everything else. Feeling safe and secure in your hotel room is one of the most basic expectations when staying away from home, and sadly that was not our experience. I sincerely hope the hotel reviews its procedures and staff training to ensure that no future guest has to go through what we experienced.

Booked as a family holiday which we saved hard for and very disappointed. Had to change rooms as electrical sockets not working, bathroom door wouldn’t close and sockets hanging off all the wall.

Rooms seem small for a family of four. Cramped into one room which was difficult with 2 teenagers. Had family who had the same size room for just two adults.

Entertainment not great for the money you pay. Never been to a hotel as all inclusive and feel like you are being monitored on how much you drink at the bars. Bands you have to wear are pointless as have to scan for every drink you order.

Was told 3 days in a row by reception they could give us late check out as collection for return flight wasn’t until 6pm, but have to pay on the morning. When arrived on the morning was told suddenly unavailable, couldn’t offer us any room in the whole hotel to keep my son’s medicines in which have to be refrigerated. All they could offer was a fridge at the bar which they couldn’t guarantee wouldn’t be mishandled. Only one courtesy room available to shower, with one hour slots and nothing available to book.

Food hit and miss. More choice at lunch than in the evenings.

Really disappointing stay. Payed a lot of money to stay here, and upsetting when you work so hard for a holiday and the it doesn’t even meet basic standards.