THE ALGARVE - Portugal - page 160

tiled rooms all have air-conditioning, balconies, and partial views (Sb-€81, Db-€94 mid-
July-mid-Sept; Sb-€65, Db-€72 June-mid-July and mid-late Sept; Sb-€53, Db-€65 Easter-
May and Oct; usually closed Nov-Easter, 10 percent discount with this topic, includes
breakfast, elevator, bar, tel. [phone], fax [phone], www.hotelsalema.com ,
[e-mail] ).
$$ Pensión Maré, a blue-and-white building overlooking the village above the main
road into town, is the best hotel value in Salema. It's run by friendly Bettina, who
offers six comfortable rooms (Sb-€56-64, Db-€70-80, includes wonderful breakfast) and
three fully equipped apartments (Db-€70-90) in a tidy paradise (10 percent discount
with this topic and cash if booked ahead via email, Wi-Fi, next-day laundry service-
€3.50/kilo, Praia de Salema, tel. [phone], fax [phone], www.the-mare.com ,
[e-mail] ). Bettina will also hold a room with a phone call and a credit-card
number, and her website has good Salema information.
Apartments
Renting an apartment is a popular option that falls comfortably between staying in a
hotel and spending the night in someone's home (see information on quartos, next). Jorn
and Sigrun, a Danish couple, manage a house and apartment near the beach (2-person
apartment-€55, 4-person house-€70-150, minimum 2-night stay, cash only, mobile
963-609-205, www.salema4u.com , [e-mail] ).
Quartos and Camping
Quartos provide a great way to connect with locals. Rooms abound along the main street,
Rua dos Pescadores (“Fishermen Street”). As you face the beach, the street runs to the left
from the village center.
To find a room, ask one of the locals at the waterfront, or check at the Boia Bar or
Salema Market. Prices vary with the season, plumbing, and view, but if you're only stay-
ing one night in high season, you're bad news. It can be difficult to find a room for less
than three nights, especially in July and August. Doubles cost about €25-60 (forget break-
fast and credit cards). Many places offer beachfront views, and it's worth paying extra for
rooms com vista (with a view). Some rooms are bright and sprawling, while others are
dark and musty. Quarto landladies generally speak only a little English, but they're used
to dealing with visitors. Many will do your laundry for about €4 or so. If you're settling
into Salema for a while or are on a tight budget, park your bags and travel partner at a
beachside bar and survey several places. Except for August weekends, there are always
rooms available for drop-ins. Prices can be soft, especially outside of July and August.