Hotel Santamarta

Stayed here for two nights as we were attending a family wedding locally. It was the hotel we were told to book as others were staying here but I later saw the previous reviews. Please be aware that the rating is based on some very old reviews and some recent reviews which I feel is unfair. The hotel itself is fresh and clean when you enter. Staff at reception are efficient and polite. Our room was lovely and the bed was one of the most comfortable I have stayed in. Air conditioning was great. Large wardrobe space. The pool whilst small is cool and fresh which is what you need. It wasn't overcrowded as many guests chose to go to the beach which is a very short walk away. There is a small supermarket close by and a few restaurants which we didn't get a chance to try due to being at the wedding. There is waiter service at the pool for drinks which are reasonably priced. The buffet breakfast is good and better than some hotels I've stayed in which claim to be 5 star rated. Every afternoon, there is tea, fresh orange juice, jugs of iced water, a bucket of ice and some afternoon sweet treats in the reception area. They have a great bar area which is cool and comfortable seating. If I wanted something to improve at the hotel, it would be a larger safe considering the size of laptops and a better lunch buffet as we chose to eat here on one day and it wasn't great. Someone mentioned the music was loud but we were on one of the higher floors so maybe this didn't affect us but the hotel would no doubt listen to guests if they offered feedback forms and the consensus was for quieter, chilled music. One older review stated that the hotel charged for parking but this is not the case as we were able to park in the areas outside the hotel for free. Even though, I still stand by the 5 stars I have given them and would happily rebook another stay.

A delightful hotel. Welcoming staff, who couldn’t do enough for us. It’s predominantly Spanish people holidaying with family here, which adds to its charm and a great way to avoid the noisy Brits and practice your Spanish. It’s clean and has a lovely pool area. Superbly situated right within access to beautiful beaches. My only little quibble would be that it would be good if the bar, by the pool, that served drinks only, would provide some light lunches and snacks. There is a lovely restaurant and we dined there for breakfast and dinner on a half board basis, but still I think it needs a snack bar/cafe. Thoroughly recommend that you do half board as the good is wonderful. Lots of choice and fresh food on the griddle daily. The hotel is a good 20 minute walk along the sea front brings you to bustling restaurants, and pop up shops etc, and not much open for lunch.

The hotel is quite big and very close the beach. The rooms are also quite spacious with good size terrace and have all the basic amenities apart from more sockets in the room - we had 2 in ours and struggled to charge a few of the electronics at the same time. Offering for breakfast was average - we would have expected more from a 4* hotel though.