Hotel ITC Ciudad de Haro

We walked into town for dinner, and although the hotel isn't central, getting there was easy with safe parking and a pool. Our twin room had generously sized single beds, crisp clean sheets, and a shower with great pressure. The staff were really friendly and helpful.

Breakfast was a mess, with dirty dishes and half-eaten food left on most tables and no staff around to clear anything. Outside, the unused pool had green algae, and there was a large pile of dirty sheets by our door when we arrived. The room itself felt worn out too, with tired furniture, a grubby shower curtain, and lights that didn't work. The receptionist was lovely at check-in, which briefly gave us some hope. But the hotel looks past its best and sits among industrial buildings. If you're visiting the beautiful Rioca vineyards, I'd look for somewhere else to stay.

Getting around was a real problem. We spent more than an hour trying to get a taxi with help from the hotel staff, and no buses or taxis seemed to come out this way. We had to walk 30-50 minutes to the bus or train station. Our room was also filthy, and we couldn't tell whether it had been cleaned. There was urine in the toilet when we arrived, and the lights didn't work. Staff were extremely thin on the ground. The woman at the desk seemed overwhelmed almost every time we saw her in the lobby. I used to think the reviews were too harsh, but after staying here, I know they were right. Don't stay here if you come to Haro. A very poor experience.

For the price, it's really good value and the meals give you plenty to choose from, with good home-style cooking at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The room was very clean, though a bit dated. The shower is new and very powerful as a handheld, but it's too big for the wall fitting. Still, no complaints.