Hotel Luze El Toro

The receptionist was lovely, and the hotel itself looks good and sits in a convenient spot near Pamplona, away from the bustle. Those were the bright spots in a one-night stay that was enough to put us off coming back. Getting around with luggage was a pain: there’s no elevator, and the ramp leads straight to a flight of stairs. I couldn’t see how that helped with accessibility. The dog-friendly policy also meant our suitcase picked up a coat of fur, which made me question how thoroughly the room had been cleaned. Anyone with allergies should be aware. At breakfast, one guest let his dog run loose in the lobby and then into the breakfast room. It jumped on the lobby furniture while staff tried to catch it, which wasn’t the atmosphere I wanted. The “Spa” was a small jacuzzi pool with a 15-euro entry fee, so the price didn’t feel justified. There was also an odd smell in our room, faintly like sewage, that came and went but was hard to ignore. The receptionist’s warmth and the attractive setting couldn’t make up for all of that. We’ve had the experience once, and that’s enough.

We had a great stay, and the dog bed and bowls in our pet-friendly room were a thoughtful touch. We’ll pick this hotel again next time we’re in the area.

The drive out from central Pamplona is a little way, but the hotel was worth it. It’s a lovely place with character, the food was excellent, and the service was really good.

After a long drive, this was just the kind of place I needed. I felt at ease as soon as I arrived, and reception gave me a warm welcome. The rooms were lovely, the outdoor bar area had a relaxed feel, and the hotel gym was genuinely good for a hotel. I drive from the UK to Spain a couple of times a year with my dog, and this route brought me to the best hotel I’ve stayed at on those trips. Someone quickly brought water and a treat for my dog, and there’s a separate dining area where people can eat with their dogs. The food was amazing, and breakfast was first class too. Every staff member was friendly and seemed happy to work there. It’s a great hotel whether you’re travelling with a dog or without one. We’ll definitely be back, probably on the way home. Thank you!