Palotel Gouvia

The staff are lovely, but that's about the only thing covering up how run down this hotel feels. It is still advertised as three star, though those days seem long past. There is no restaurant or bar, and the shared pool area is neglected. The rooms shown in the marketing look large, but many are small and tucked into corners without much sun during the day. The bathrooms have tacky shower curtains that show the decline. The hotel feels like Gouvia itself: sad, tired, and in need of care. Don't be fooled by the three star rating. At best, it might work as a two star budget hotel. The glossy website doesn't match the reality.

The rooms were bright, clean and perfectly nice, and breakfast was good too. The pool itself is a real plus, with a shallow end at 0.8m and a deep end at 2.5m, so it works for the whole family. The area around it needs attention, though. There was rubbish and cigarette ends about, the loungers and umbrellas were dirty, and parts of the drain grate were broken or missing. A bit of care would make the pool area much nicer.

We had a 10/10 stay and would happily recommend it. The buffet breakfast was fresh, tasty and excellent, and our room had everything we needed. The staff were lovely and very professional. We met the owner on our last night and thought she was doing a great job.

The staff were mostly brilliant, and so were the dining areas. The rest of the hotel and the pool need a deep clean. It's rated three stars, but I can't see it reaching four; to me, it's heading closer to two.