Felix Hotels – Residence Hotel Costa Serena

Good swimming pool, but the place feels abandoned and the breakfast was bad.

I had my own one-bedroom apartment with a small kitchen and living area. The hotel is a large complex, with a relatively new pool. It’s a nice place, though a little outdated in my opinion. You’ll need transport to get there and back to Palau, which is about a 10-minute drive away. It was an okay stay.

The breakfast staff were exceptionally friendly, attentive, and helpful, and spoke German and French. Coffee from the espresso machine was very good, and the croissants were excellent, though the selection was limited and not what I’d expect from a 4-star place. The rooms were clean, with new beds and good mattresses. Our small kitchenette had a new fridge and microwave, which were handy, but the decor was old-fashioned. Room service was unavailable on two days, which affected the stay. A €100 security deposit was required in cash or by card, with no explanation. It was returned at checkout, but the process seemed unprofessional. The complex was built in 1990 and sits on the seafront, though there’s no beach of its own. The nearest beach is about a 15-minute walk. The exterior looks dated and uninviting. The landscaped promenade, unlike in its heyday, now has only empty shops and a closed Spar supermarket. The new pool in the middle is a plus, but the green spaces need more care. The rooms had new beds and comfortable mattresses, so overall it was decent, with room to improve its appearance and service. Free Wi-Fi: Download 13 Mbps, Upload 36 Mbps.

The staff were exceptionally friendly, and we’d book here again. We stayed for 10 days at the end of May with our two children and felt very comfortable. It’s a quiet, relaxing place. The building is older and a bit noisy, but the beds and bathrooms have been renovated. The new pool and sunbathing area are beautifully designed.