Hotel Balneario Playa de Coma-Ruga

The room was one of the better parts of my stay: it was clean, spacious, had plenty of wardrobe space, and a nice balcony. The ensuite was roomy too. The TV was a little small, though adequate, and there weren’t the usual complimentary items I’d expect from a four-star hotel. Breakfast was a real letdown. The food tasted cheap and bland, the orange juice was more like cordial, and the layout for food and condiments made little sense. I wouldn’t recommend eating breakfast here. Check-in went smoothly, thanks to a professional receptionist who explained everything clearly. In general, though, reception staff didn’t seem very interested in helping beyond basic duties or dealing with guest concerns. I saw people taking cutlery and a salt shaker from the breakfast restaurant and mentioned it to a receptionist, who seemed uninterested. I detest stealing, so it bothered me. Later, when I asked another receptionist about spa treatments, she gave me a look of disdain. Not impressed. There wasn’t a cafe or anything open in the hotel during the day, which seems unusual for a four-star place. In my opinion, the stars come from the Balneari. Without that, it would barely be a three-star hotel. I don’t recommend it.

The breakfast was genuinely good, and the staff were kind. The location is convenient, but finding street parking was awful, while parking at the hotel costs €15 a day. My room had very dirty carpets, the air conditioning never worked during my stay, and the balcony door wouldn’t lock, so the room was always open. The hotel also feels old, with no improvements since the 80s.

The room was clean and roomy, and I slept well. We were there for two nights in the quiet season. The hotel feels old, almost like somewhere in Torquay. Meals are limited to buffet breakfast and dinner, and the food wasn’t very nice.

The spring-water pool and spa were relaxing, though you do have to wear a bathing cap. There are at least two local bars or restaurants right next door, plus a grocery store and drugstore. The hotel’s own Jazz bar stays open all night. My room was okay but needed some repairs. The place seems like it would have been a good hotel about ten years ago.