Laias Caldaria Hotel Balneario

The room itself was roomy, though dated, with old-fashioned furniture and a bathroom that could use work. The air conditioning was fine. We could hear people next door talking, and doors slamming from 7 AM made it hard to rest. The hotel sits by the Minho river, but our room faced the road. The spa water was very good and its staff were correct, though the equipment needs maintenance. What made the stay so bad was how our group of around 30 was treated. We booked a thermal program through the Diputacion de Ourense, and had spent three days at the first hotel in Melgaço, which was wonderful. At Laias, staff from reception to the buffet and New Year's entertainment were unfriendly. I have nothing to say about the thermal treatment staff. The New Year's dinner was unlike anything we'd experienced at a hotel, and especially not what we'd expect at a four-star hotel. We felt set apart from the other guests, who had a separate dining area and a different menu. I don't know if theirs was better, but the separation felt discriminatory and was the worst part. The entertainment also felt degrading, especially given the ages of the people involved. We don't want to be treated that way when we're older. At the first hotel everyone was treated equally and we felt included. We left after one night, on January 1. They initially tried to bill us for the full stay at both hotels, then charged the three nights correctly, though sorting out the bill was stressful. We'll complain to the Diputacion de Ourense and leave the program. We paid 240 euros for the one night, and are posting the bill so people know this review is real. A firm 1 for Laias Caldaria hotel, since zero isn't an option.