Hotel Arha Potes & Spa

The location is awkward for unloading: the entrance is up a very steep, narrow lane, and “free parking” means finding a spot on the street or using public lots a few minutes away. I was lucky to get a mountain view, but the basic room and bathroom let through every sound from next door. Breakfast was cheap, and handy before a long hike, though you’d find better quality elsewhere or at a grocery store. The Wi-Fi was poor in the first-floor common room and absent in my room and the breakfast area. I’d only just checked in, so I asked to move to a room near the elevator, where the signal seemed stronger. The person at reception rudely refused. I’d read the other bad reviews and thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t. At 65 euros a night, I can’t recommend this hotel. The hospitality was awful. I wish I’d checked out and gone somewhere else instead of having to write this warning.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and there are plenty of cafés and bars a short walk away. It feels like the centre of town. I even tried to book another night after my Thursday stay. For about €53 including breakfast, the twin room was outstanding value. The beds were clean and very comfortable, and although the bathroom suite looked old-fashioned, it was spotless and in like-new condition. The shower pressure was immense. There’s an elevator, and the corridor carpets do a good job of muffling noise. The room window looked out toward the nearby mountains. I liked the unusual lounge too, with books and games for kids if the weather turns bad. Breakfast was a generous, good-quality continental buffet, with lovely filter coffee in jugs instead of small machine servings. There’s no parking at the hotel. We managed to leave our motorbikes nearby out of the way, which was satisfactory. By car, you could unload near the entrance and park a few hundred metres off. As is common around Potes, the approach is uphill. Recommended.

The staff caused us no problems, but the room itself had serious issues. It cost 95 euros, which was a joke for what we got. There was no hand soap or shower gel, and privacy was almost nonexistent because the window opened at street level, right by passersby. The bed frame felt very loose, nearly broken. Chlorine from the spa opposite made the room stink all day, while a huge spa ventilation fan just outside brought in unwanted heat. After only three minutes in the shower, water had spread across the whole room. There was no slope or barrier to stop it.

The room was spacious enough, and breakfast was excellent. Still, one night was plenty for us.