The Alvor Praia’s luxurious atmosphere could be seen as early as the lobby, with its wooden ceiling and marble staircase, featuring a mother-of-pearl chandelier. For the more athletic, there was a diving pool, for the more laid back, a lift down to the beach.
Before being bought by the Pestana Hotel Group, the Alvor Praia hotel had first opened in 1967, becoming part of the wave that put South Portugal on the European tourist map. Previously, Alvor was very much a fishing town, but Faro’s new airport changed everything, with the jet set flying south to stay at a five-star beach hotel.
The marble staircase and the mother-of-pearl chandelier.
Detail of the wooden ceiling.
The indoor pool.
The restaurant, with a panoramic view of the sea.
The Alvor Hotel chair, designed by Daciano da Costa.
Daciano da Costa designed the restaurant and café with straight lines, while the iconic Alvor stools and chairs got the curves. So striking was the chair that it was revamped in 2004 for a Casa da Música project, in Porto.
The 2000s saw a history-inspired renovation, as well as a 21st-century upgrade. Times change, but ready beach access does not: the lift still works.
