Hotel Leal La Sirena

The location was great, but the rest of our stay was horrendous. The hotel is being renovated, so some rooms are new and nice, while others are straight out of the 70s, with uncomfortable beds and tiny, ancient bathrooms. Booking has lots of photos of renovated rooms and only a couple of the older ones. Those few were shot in amazing light and probably edited, because our room didn’t look like the photos at all. There was no AC or even a fan, and it smelled really weird when we arrived. We stayed because we’d already paid. The room was old but clean. Once night came, the walls seemed extra thin. We heard every person in the corridor, countless kids crying on the floor, drunk people coming back from partying at 4 am, and people going to the bathroom and flushing toilets. The hotel allows pets, but pets can’t choose their owners. We saw a dog urinate on the newly renovated terrace. It looked like the owner had let it out of the room specifically to do that, and it wasn’t the first time because the terrace smelled bad. Breakfast was fine, but the coffee was absolutely undrinkable, so we went to the café next door. Check Booking for bad reviews with pictures to see what you might get if you’re given an old room. As I understand it, people who rated the hotel 10 were in the new rooms, away from screaming kids and peeing dogs.

Getting a 4euros-per-night discount by booking directly over the phone was a nice touch, and the staff were friendly throughout, from reception to the kitchen and cleaning team. The location is great, just over the bridge, and for a one-star hotel it was better than I expected. The main problem is how much noise carries through the thin walls: you hear doors, chairs, and even other guests using the toilet. The beds feel low quality and are usually 1,35, though we asked for two 0,90cm beds pushed together. Some rooms have been updated and look more modern, but the noise still gets through.

The beach is just 30 seconds away, and I had one of my best nights' sleep here. I ended up staying during my Camino after I had to switch Albergue. The owner was so kind, she even picked me up by car from the main town. My room was clean and restful, with a lovely view and an amazing shower. Breakfast was delicious too, with plenty of fresh cakes and fruit, and everyone working there was really friendly. I loved my stay.

We arrived as two dusty pilgrims and were welcomed so warmly. The receptionist was exceptionally kind and helpful, I'd give her 10 stars if I could. The location, rooms, and beds all made for a restful night's sleep. Such a lovely hotel, I'd happily recommend staying here.