Hotel Faro, a Lopesan Collection Hotel

A few things could be better. Some people might find the beds a bit hard, though you can ask for a softener, and be ready to wait for the lifts. Low-level music seemed to be playing in lots of places, and I'd prefer better music or none. The shower isn't properly separate from the bedroom, so its noise and light can bother anyone else in the room. Still, we recommend it. The seaside location is superb, and there are lovely easy walks from the hotel, including after dinner. The guy with the white hat around the pool was superbly helpful, and staff in general were very friendly and good at their jobs. Breakfast and dinner were fresh and excellent. When they offer orange juice, ask to order something that's not on the buffet. That's the best plan. There's a good cocktail bar, and some rooms have great views. The dunes are a seven-minute walk away, especially nice about an hour before sunset if you go down the side of the ‘reservoir’.

The toilet, shower, and washbasin arrangement feels very impractical, and the corridors, stairs, and room are poorly lit. I also find the turndown service at around 5:00 pm awkward. You come back to a dark room with the curtains closed, or you're in the shower when they arrive. The interior design isn't quite to my taste, though that's not an issue. I'm staying for a few more days and would be happy to explain the layout in more detail if needed 😊 The promenade is right outside, with the sea and dunes nearby, and breakfast on the terrace comes with a beautiful view. The breakfast buffet and menu options are excellent. Most of all, the staff are genuinely friendly and helpful, every single one of them. For that alone, the hotel could deserve more than five stars. Despite those few things, it's an excellent hotel.

We've had some amazing holidays here, but after this visit I think it's time for a change. We've been four times in just over four years, and this may be our last. Standards seem to have slipped since we were here before. There were a lot of letdowns: the shower flooded the room, though reception sorted it after we told them, and hot drinks arrived lukewarm or were the wrong ones. We had to ask three times for glasses in the room. The pool was cold despite supposedly being heated, and the à la carte menu wasn't as good as it used to be. We also thought the singers were very poor. We used to sit in the bar and listen, but not this time. We both booked reflexology in the massage room near room, but it was really just a light foot rub, and the man doing it was on his phone constantly. Avoid it, it was a total rip off. You don't expect that kind of problem at a 5 star hotel.

The rooftop pool was such a vibe, with great music, lovely views, and cocktails that hit just right. Breakfast was fantastic too, with buffet favorites like bacon, pastries, fresh juice, and sparkling wine, plus à la carte choices including omelets and Eggs Benedict. Hotel Faro exceeded my expectations. Its location on Boulevard El Faro is about as perfect as it gets, close to shops, restaurants, and even a taxi station right outside. I also appreciated the thoughtful extras in the room: a beach bag, towels, and sandals. I highly recommend it and can't wait to return.