MotoGP Potimao - Where to stay?

[Dick Seaman]

Morning, I'm going to the Portuguese round of MotoGP this year, 20-22 Nov, at Portimao.

Does anyone have any tips on where to stay? I won't have a car or bike so the main concern is finding a place that allows decent access to the circuit using public transport or taxis.

Thanks

[dukeboy749r]

If I can sort timings out, this would be a great event and I’d probably approach it the same way - get accommodation close enough to the circuit not to worry about my own transport.

[stevemcs]

If you find anywhere post it up, I’d be interested in knowing too

[dukeboy749r]

I’ve just done a search - on Vivaldi, which may skew the results, but anyway: https://av-eu.startpage.com/__av/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc...

Would you rent a car to get to and from the airport? Or just pay for a taxi?

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Let us know how you do. Last time I went to the Algarve public transport was limited outside of Faro. I also would suggest alternatives to Klass Wagen car hire. Given the low standard of motoring locally I'd be loathe to cycle either!

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Stayed near Alvor recently for WSBK, hired a car for the race days. Alvor is also absolutely lovely.

[hiccy18]

A quick look suggested no public transport on Sundays, not sure if that's different on big race days.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

I did read that for MotoGP there are buses on, there was meant to be for WSBK last year but.... there weren't! Lots of threaders racegoers.

[stevemcs]

I think I would hire a car and pay for maximum insurance

[black-k1]

My recommendation would be to stay in or around Lagos. Sidecar32 in Lagos rent bikes.https://sidecar32.com/en/rent-scooter-moto/ I've got a couple booked booked for me and my cousin from Canada in September.

When I fly into Faro I normally use www.carjet.com for car rental. Less than €100 per week hire costs at that time of year.

[RammyMP]

Stay near Praia Da Rocha, get a transfer to and from the airport and Uber to and from the track. There are plenty of airport transfer firms, Yellowfish are a big one.

[Timbo_S2]

For Portmiao, I usually stay at the NH marina. Nice hotel, great views, easy to drive to the track...

[black-k1]

stevemcs said:

I think I would hire a car and pay for maximum insurance

Get excess insurance in the UK before you go and pay for minimum insurance when there - much cheaper.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

black-k1 said:

Get excess insurance in the UK before you go and pay for minimum insurance when there - much cheaper.

I did this to the dismay of the car hire provider I used. They were threatening me with big bills if the engine were to fall out...disgraceful scare tactics.

[black-k1]

Marquezs Stabilisers said:

black-k1 said:

Get excess insurance in the UK before you go and pay for minimum insurance when there - much cheaper.

I did this to the dismay of the car hire provider I used. They were threatening me with big bills if the engine were to fall out...disgraceful scare tactics.

I've had such discussions many times as I travel to Faro a lot and have an annual excess policy. As you say, disgraceful scare stories. All you need is a credit card to secure the excess amount against. I've had to claim on my excess insurance twice in the last 6 years and on both occasions I received the money from the insurance company before the credit card bill became due.

[RammyMP]

black-k1 said:

Marquezs Stabilisers said:

black-k1 said:

Get excess insurance in the UK before you go and pay for minimum insurance when there - much cheaper.

I did this to the dismay of the car hire provider I used. They were threatening me with big bills if the engine were to fall out...disgraceful scare tactics.

I've had such discussions many times as I travel to Faro a lot and have an annual excess policy. As you say, disgraceful scare stories. All you need is a credit card to secure the excess amount against. I've had to claim on my excess insurance twice in the last 6 years and on both occasions I received the money from the insurance company before the credit card bill became due.

I’ve never had the insurance hard sell, I get asked if I want it, say no and that’s the end of it. The last few times I’ve used Zit, they are a bit more expensive but they have the car for you at arrivals instead of hiking to that hut miles away and fighting your way through the dozens of firms working out of it. Got one of their cars at the moment, literally took 10 minutes from leaving departures to being away and on the road.

[Dick Seaman]

Thanks for all your hints and suggestions. Things are evolving. What was originally going to be just a long weekend to watch the race looks like it might become a relaxed couple of weeks away from the gloomy UK in November. Flights were cheaper than expected, Airbnbs likewise and the car hire is very cheap, cheers for the advice above on that, and insurance. Anyway, work in progress.

So, does anyone have experience of driving from Portimao town centre to the circuit over a race weekend? Traffic, best times, parking there etc

Thanks again

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Dick Seaman said:

Thanks for all your hints and suggestions. Things are evolving. What was originally going to be just a long weekend to watch the race looks like it might become a relaxed couple of weeks away from the gloomy UK in November. Flights were cheaper than expected, Airbnbs likewise and the car hire is very cheap, cheers for the advice above on that, and insurance. Anyway, work in progress.

So, does anyone have experience of driving from Portimao town centre to the circuit over a race weekend? Traffic, best times, parking there etc

Thanks again

I drove from near Portimao to the circuit for WSBK, absolutely no problems and there is HUGE amount of parking. Bikes literally as far as eye can see. Cars are a bit of a walk away but can drop off nearby then park up. It is a bit silly as to get from the main grandstand to Paddock, you have to go out the circuit, along the wall, and back in.

[black-k1]

Dick Seaman said:

Thanks for all your hints and suggestions. Things are evolving. What was originally going to be just a long weekend to watch the race looks like it might become a relaxed couple of weeks away from the gloomy UK in November. Flights were cheaper than expected, Airbnbs likewise and the car hire is very cheap, cheers for the advice above on that, and insurance. Anyway, work in progress.

So, does anyone have experience of driving from Portimao town centre to the circuit over a race weekend? Traffic, best times, parking there etc

Thanks again

I've not done MotoGP but have done WSBK from near Lagos. Loads of parking at the circuit. Some traffic delays over the last few miles getting to the circuit but nothing too horrendous.