Hotel Envia Almeria Spa & Golf

The room was very dirty and smelled awful. The staff weren’t pleasant or helpful. At check-in, they gave me paperwork with someone else’s name on it. When I asked about it, the receptionists checked and said, “Oh, I saw she was Polish like you, so now I need your documents again.” The other name was Russian. That felt like a serious disregard for privacy. They only handed me a key at check-in, without explaining anything about breakfast, the garage, or the hotel’s attractions. I had to ask about all of it. Staff also came into the room even though the “Do Not Disturb” sign was hanging on the door. There was a problem with the water installation that caused a terrible smell, and the bed sheets smelled of pee. Shocking. Be prepared for lots of stairs to reach your room. There’s no lift, and staff didn’t help with the suitcase. The live cooking at breakfast was brilliant, and the only good thing about the place.

The staff were really friendly, and the spa facilities were very good. I’d allow at least two hours to make proper use of them. Each feature is numbered to show the best order to try things, with descriptions in both English and Spanish. You need flip-flops, a towel, and a swimming cap, but you can rent them at reception.

Dinner was good, and the staff were very nice. This place was a good find. I especially loved the magnificent interiors, which felt like they belonged in a period movie.

We stayed the week before Easter, and the hotel was nearly empty. The apartments were clean and comfortable, and the reception staff were very helpful. The cleaning staff were efficient and polite, too. But the pool and shuttle bus weren’t running because it was out of season, or so it seemed, and without a car we felt cut off. A taxi to town cost €60 and the nearest shops were €30 away by taxi. The buffet was standard. You had to arrive early to get hot food. The waiters made meals less pleasant: they didn’t interact, clear tables, or seat guests, and generally acted as if we were an inconvenience before they could head home. The one exception was a cheerful woman of colour who made omelettes, eggs, pancakes, and the rest at breakfast. She was a ray of sunshine in the dining room. The golf course was almost always empty, which was a shame because it’s a good course with challenges for all levels. Like the hotel, it seems past its heyday. Empty water features, scrubby patches, and broken cart paths took away a little from what could have been a great experience. If you’re after a clean, quiet escape with a couple of rounds of golf, it’s okay. For anything more, bring a car or stay somewhere less remote.