Disappointing experience at Villa Laranja, Castro Marim – poor maintenance and inadequate response
We stayed at Villa Laranja in Castro Marim, managed by SmartaVillas, for a family holiday and unfortunately the experience was far below our expectations, especially considering the price paid.
On arrival, we found several cleanliness and maintenance issues. The toilets were not properly cleaned, there were cobwebs in the living areas and kitchen cupboards, dirty window tracks, a dirty freezer, ant problems, torn textiles including a bath towel, and outdoor furniture in a very poor condition. The outdoor area, which was an important part of the property, had damaged cushions with exposed filling, worn furniture, splintered wood and clear signs of lack of maintenance.
We reported the issues during our stay and SmartaVillas arranged cleaning interventions. However, despite these attempts, the problems were not fully resolved. The agency later acknowledged some shortcomings, including cleaning issues and the need to replace or refurbish some outdoor furniture.
What was most disappointing was the way the situation was handled. Instead of fully recognising the impact these issues had on our holiday experience, the problems were minimised and treated as normal wear and tear. A property should not be offered to guests in this condition, especially when maintenance issues are already known.
For a villa costing €3,884.61 for 10 nights, we expected a high standard of cleanliness, comfort and maintenance. The villa has potential and is located in a pleasant area, but much more attention is needed regarding quality control before guests arrive and the way complaints are handled when problems occur.
We hope the improvements mentioned by SmartaVillas are genuinely implemented so that future guests receive the quality of accommodation they expect.








