Palotel Gouvia Hotel

The kind staff are about the best thing this hotel has going for it. In my view, the three-star label no longer reflects the place, and it feels as though it’s slipping toward a two-star budget hotel. There’s no restaurant or bar, and the shared pool area looks neglected. The website gives a much glossier impression than the reality. Some rooms are small and tucked into corners, with little of the day’s sunshine, despite the marketing showing large rooms. The bathrooms have cheap-looking shower curtains that add to the tired feel. The whole place seems to need some care, much like Gouvia itself. The staff are lovely, but that doesn’t hide the signs of decline.

The pool is a good size for everyone, going from 2.5 metres at one end to 0.8 at the other. The problem is that the area around it was dirty and uncared for, with rubbish and cigarette ends around, plus grimy loungers and umbrellas. The drain grate is broken and missing pieces and needs replacing. The rooms were pleasant enough, bright and clean, and breakfast was nice.

Most of the staff were brilliant, and the eating areas were good too. The hotel and pool need a proper deep clean, though. It’s rated three stars, but I don’t think it’s close to four. To me, it’s actually heading toward two.

The rooms had everything we needed, and breakfast was fresh, tasty and a real standout. The staff were the best, so professional and genuinely lovely. We met the owner on our last night, and she’s doing a great job. A 10/10 stay, highly recommend.