Aldebaran Hotel & Spa

The spa was underwhelming, and the Scottish shower didn’t seem to work. We arrived in time for dinner but the chef wasn’t there, so the menu was very limited and basic. The food was average, and although the staff were friendly, they seemed understaffed while we were there. They’d messaged just before check-in to ask about allergies or intolerances, but there weren’t many gluten-free choices for one of us. The building is beautiful, set above the lake, and some of the rooms are spacious and clean. It could use some TLC, though. I loved parts of the hotel, and with fresh paint, staff who know the place better, and more attention from the owners, it could be a much nicer stay.

The design is beautiful and thoughtful, the rooms are spacious with lovely views, and the beds were very comfortable. Still, for the price, the stay left me underwhelmed. The property seemed understaffed. It was sometimes hard to find someone to answer questions, and meal times felt overwhelming for staff, though some people there were especially helpful and gave outstanding service. WiFi was slow and spotty, and the childcare advertised on the website turned out to be prohibitively expensive. Meals were a disappointment: only 2-3 entrees were available during our stay, several other items had run out, and the food quality and portions didn’t match the high prices. Pool and spa hours, 11 AM-9 PM, were inconvenient given how central those facilities are to the property. When we stayed in one day, the outdoor pool section wasn’t open, leaving little to do on-site, so we spent our other daylight hours elsewhere. Families should know there aren’t many activities for toddlers, and lots of things in the hotel are fragile. They did provide a crib, which we appreciated, but the place seems better suited to couples or adults. It has potential for a romantic one-night couples getaway, but fell short for a longer visit, especially with a family. At this price, the value wasn’t there.

This small, high-end boutique hotel by the lake feels like heaven, an oasis away from the city where you can switch off. The staff are marvelous, the restaurant is good, and a massage is the perfect extra. You may never want to leave. The one thing I missed was a gym. Forget the other options.

The hotel is beautiful, with lovely views and the lake close by. The stonework in the rooms makes you feel connected to the surroundings. It’s a small boutique place on the San Pedro península, with incredibly welcoming and dedicated staff. It is quite far from the city, so keep that in mind. I’ll definitely go back.