Eurostars Gran Hotel La Toja

Las instalaciones, las vistas y la atención de la gente

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What a trip back to another time... and generation (or two or three). This is a classic, older hotel that's seen fancier days (as recently at the late 80s, with major conferences held here) but is still hanging in there with current management (for the most part). And it remains very, very photogenic! Some photos are attached. If you're in the area, THIS is the hotel to stay at. Really enjoyed our visit here because Gran Hotel La Toja is so utterly unique. The hotel itself was obviously built to be grand and is still a little grand... it was very enjoyable to see some older guests who have obviously coming for decades get a special welcome. That said, don't expect a modern-day five experience (for instance, a Four Seasons or even a Ritz-Carlton), even though in its day I'm sure it could have kept up. It's located on a charming, small island linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Half the island is a bit trashy, half has very nice resort-y vibe. There is a small shopping "center" in the middle of the island as you drive in with a small grocery store so you can get snacks (and more) but mostly it's just empty storefronts and fading restaurants. Hotel parking was easy... there are no gates anymore. (As I said, it's not as fancy as it was). Check-in was friendly. We were generously offered their best room... high floor with a great view of the bay (facing east) and pool. Alas, it smelled a little funky. It was clean... just the air was a bit mildewy? Bad air-con? We asked for another room (I believe from Rodrigo, who was very accommodating) and got a better one with a lesser view (still nice but not as good, facing north and located over the service entrance), but more importantly, it smelled fine. The pool waters are truly healing (which is why this hotel was built on this small island initially)... I can only imagine what the spa is like. The morning buffet was quite lavish served in a beautiful glassed-in sun room and the lawn area around the pool was utterly beautiful with great views across the bay featuring vivid, vibrant yellow umbrellas and lounge chairs that were obviously brand new. A nice touch that made everything feel fresher yet classic. The main restaurant and bar did not appeal to us at all (too brightly lit at night, too fancy a menu), so we got sandwich fixings at the grocery store on the island for dinner. This area is not quite as scenic as it once was due to some dubious development over the years and weather-wise it is a bit rainy on this coast in summer. That probably makes it less desirable for high-end summer travel (it was kind of empty in July) and harder to keep going at a certain quality level, but they do somehow manage and it was one of the most memorable stays I've had in years. BTW... the hotel is very well maintained (minus the AC smell in our first room)... I want to stress that. Everything looked newly repainted. In fact, they were repainting the front facade while we were there. I highly recommend the Gran Hotel La Toja even if I don't really want to give it 5 stars. How's 4.5? I rounded up because it was so memorable. If you're in the area and want to experience old-fashioned charm that is still holding on and almost impossible to find elsewhere in Europe at this price point (or any other, really)... please plan a visit soon.

La decoración desfasada de las habitaciones y la moqueta anti higiénica

We liked everything

Pequeno almoço muito abundante e variado. Não tinha bebidas vegetais e foi a única coisa que notámos em falta.

Uma chávena de chá usada e que não foi reposta para o dia seguinte. Também ficava bem a reposição da garrafa de água para o dia seguinte.