Hotel Hoyuela

We stayed for three days, and every night was the same. You could hear all the noise from the next room, and it was impossible to sleep. The worst hotel ever.

The location was a real plus, with the beach and restaurants a short walk away, and we found free street parking outside. The staff were helpful and friendly, and the hotel looked clean. The rooms, though, are very outdated. The bathrooms seem to have been updated maybe 10+ years ago, but the flooring, beds and furniture have all seen better days. Breakfast could use improvement too. We only ate there on the first morning and went elsewhere for the rest of our stay. The owners need to reinvest in the property, like they have at their sister hotel across the street, the Grand Hotel Sardinero.

The views over the Bay were excellent, and the staff were well trained. Although it was built in 1995, the hotel captures the Interbellum spirit of the time when Santander was the Spanish royal family’s summer residence. It’s very close to El Sardinero beach. This may suit more mature guests than a young crowd of surfers, but that didn’t bother me. A nice place to stay, where a few minor flaws don’t spoil the quiet elegance.

I had lunch in the restaurant and everything was first rate, from the food and service to the elegant setting. I can only imagine the rest of the hotel lives up to the same standard.