Occidental Faro is a modern 4-star hotel operated by Barceló Hotel Group — the European hospitality giant founded in 1931 in Mallorca — and one of the most central addresses in the city. The hotel occupies a corner of Praça D. Francisco Gomes, the historic square that connects Faro's Marina, Jardim Manuel Bivar, the Arco da Vila and the entrance to the Old Town (Cidade Velha). Step out of the lobby and you are immediately at the heart of historic Faro.
The property has 89 contemporary rooms (some sources count 108 across all categories), designed in a modern style with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms, in-room safes, and choice of city, square or rooftop views. The rooftop is the hotel's signature space — a swimming pool with sun terrace and the Cosmopolitan Bar, which serves cocktails, snacks and live music in the evenings. The view sweeps across the marina towards the Ria Formosa Natural Park; sunset and after-dinner hours are particularly popular and the bar is open to both hotel guests and visitors.
Dining is taken seriously. The B Heaven Faro restaurant is the hotel's signature dining room with a contemporary tasting menu. The Ria Formosa Restaurant on the rooftop combines traditional Algarve flavours with avant-garde techniques and offers daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with the open view. The Cosmopolitan Bar handles cocktails, light bites and live music.
A distinctive feature for an urban hotel is the exclusive Sal'mare Beach Club arrangement on Praia de Faro, 9 km from the hotel on the Ilha de Faro barrier peninsula. Guests get a free shuttle to the beach club, exclusive discounts on food and drinks, and reserved sun-bed access — effectively giving urban guests the benefit of a beach-resort base.
The hotel also has a full-service spa with Turkish bath (hammam), sauna, chromotherapy shower, and gym, plus four fully equipped meeting rooms for events and business stays. 10 minutes from Faro Airport; walking distance to train and bus stations.
Best for: travellers wanting Barceló reliability with central location, a rooftop scene, and beach access without sacrificing city walkability.
Highlights
- Modern 4-star Barceló hotel directly on Praça D. Francisco Gomes
- 89 contemporary rooms with city, square or rooftop views
- Rooftop pool, sun terrace and the Cosmopolitan Bar with live music
- Two restaurants: B Heaven Faro (signature) + Ria Formosa (rooftop)
- Exclusive Sal'mare Beach Club access on Praia de Faro with free shuttle
- Spa with Turkish bath (hammam), sauna, chromotherapy shower, and gym
- Four fully equipped meeting rooms for events and business
- Walking distance to Marina, Arco da Vila and Old Town
- 10-minute drive to Faro Airport
Amenities
✓ Rooftop swimming pool with sun terrace
✓ Cosmopolitan Bar — rooftop cocktails, snacks, and live music
✓ B Heaven Faro restaurant — signature contemporary dining
✓ Ria Formosa Restaurant — rooftop, traditional + modern Algarve cuisine
✓ Daily breakfast buffet served on the rooftop with marina views
✓ Exclusive Sal'mare Beach Club access (free shuttle to Praia de Faro)
✓ Full-service spa — Turkish bath (hammam), sauna, chromotherapy shower
✓ On-site gym
✓ Four fully equipped meeting rooms
✓ Free Wi-Fi throughout
✓ Limited valet parking (additional charge, reservation required)
✓ 24-hour reception
✓ Air conditioning in all rooms
✓ Family-friendly configurations
✓ Disabled-access rooms available
Room types
- Standard Double Room (square or interior view, 22 m²)
- Superior Double Room (marina view, upgraded amenities, 26 m²)
- Family Room (sleeps 4, 32 m²)
- Junior Suite (sitting area, 35 m²)
- Suite (separate living room, 50 m²)
Frequently asked questions
How close is the hotel to Faro Old Town and the marina?
Steps away — the hotel sits on Praça D. Francisco Gomes, the square that connects the Marina, Jardim Manuel Bivar, and the Arco da Vila (entrance to the Old Town). You can walk to the Cathedral (Largo da Sé) in 7–8 minutes, to the Arco do Repouso in 12 minutes, and to Faro train/bus stations in 5 minutes. The location is one of the most central in the city.
What's the Sal'mare Beach Club arrangement?
Sal'mare is a partner beach club on Praia de Faro (Ilha de Faro), 9 km from the hotel on the barrier peninsula. Occidental Faro guests receive a free shuttle service to the beach club, exclusive discounts on food and drinks, and reserved sun-bed access. It effectively combines an urban hotel base with beach-resort benefits — useful if you want both Faro city culture and beach time on the same trip without changing hotels.
Are the rooftop bar and restaurants open to non-guests?
Yes — both the Cosmopolitan Bar and the Ria Formosa Restaurant welcome non-guests by reservation. The rooftop scene is one of the most popular evening spots in central Faro, especially during summer for sunset cocktails and live music nights. Dinner reservations at the Ria Formosa Restaurant are recommended 2–3 days ahead in peak season. The pool is for hotel guests only.
How does Occidental Faro compare to Hotel Eva and 3HB Faro?
Three different positioning in central Faro. Hotel Eva (4★) is on the marina with marina-focused views and a long-established reputation; Occidental Faro (4★, Barceló-operated) sits on the central square just inland with rooftop pool, two restaurants and the unique Sal'mare beach-club arrangement; 3HB Faro (5★, Michelin Key) is the most contemporary luxury option with a rooftop infinity pool and higher price point. All three are walking distance to the Old Town. Choose based on whether you prioritise marina view (Eva), rooftop scene + beach club shuttle (Occidental), or full luxury (3HB).
Is there parking available?
Limited valet parking at the hotel — reserve in advance, especially in summer. Public parking is available at the nearby Mercado Municipal garage and the Largo de São Francisco lot, both 5 minutes' walk. Many guests don't drive in Faro — the location is walkable and taxis are abundant. Bus 16 from Faro Airport stops near the hotel for those arriving without a car.