Resort Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa

The setting is gorgeous, the rooms are comfortable, and the hotel restaurant’s food really hits the mark. But the staff are what set this place apart. We stayed for three nights. The other three people in our group spent their days walking, hiking, and sightseeing, while I had to stay behind with an injury. The staff looked after me so well and offered ice and help whenever I needed it. Every person there was kind, thoughtful, and dedicated to their work. Thank you so much.

We had a wonderfully relaxing stay in a beautiful hotel. Everyone on staff was friendly and very helpful, and the restaurant was excellent. We’d love to visit again, highly recommended.

The hotel and its grounds are fabulous, and the history gives it a real sense of character. The staff made the place feel thoughtful and welcoming, almost like a second home. Everyone we met was lovely and informative. It’s a wonderful hidden gem for a romantic or relaxing holiday, and I can’t recommend it enough. The spa, like the rest of the property, has been newly renovated and was a delight. We had dinner once at the nearby Michelin guide restaurant, which was amazing, but the meal we had at the hotel may have been even better. Mafalda was a delightful waitress who helped us pair wines and offered recommendations.

The grounds are beautiful and tasteful, and we appreciated the well-kept pool area and its saltwater. The spa was a highlight, especially the warm, welcoming, professional attendant. But for our wedding night, the stay fell short of what I’d expect at this price and star rating. Service wasn’t consistently hospitable, and several small missteps added up. The general manner wasn’t rude, but often felt guarded rather than warm. Smiles were rare, and interactions with the front desk, breakfast staff, and housekeeping didn’t consistently show the attentiveness expected of a five-star hotel. Service should anticipate needs and communication should feel easy. Here, it often didn’t. During a heatwave, we waited nearly two hours for drinks by the pool. The bar wasn’t staffed, though its fridge was full and locked with a literal chain and padlock, like something from a warehouse. That seemed odd, especially since the hotel had an honesty bar. There was a phone, so when my wife got very thirsty, I tried reception, the restaurant, the indoor bar, and room service, but nobody answered. It felt like I was covering for a staff shortage, and at times it seemed as if no one was in the hotel. Eventually someone came, and we could order drinks. Breakfast brought another awkward exchange. I wanted toast with butter, but the basket only had large rolls that wouldn’t fit. I asked if there was sliced bread or, failing that, a bread knife so I could cut the rolls myself. The server got defensive and gave some random excuse, then suggested I take the bread to my table, slice it there, and bring it back to be toasted. I only had a butter knife at my table. There were also some strange procedures that made things feel less relaxed. To enter several areas, including the main door, the spa, and the building from the garden, guests have to ring a bell and explain who they are and what they’re doing. I understand the aim may be security and privacy, but it felt excessive and sometimes mildly uncomfortable. When you’re already on the property or coming from your room, having to keep explaining your presence takes away from the atmosphere. We’d mentioned in our reservation that it was our wedding night, but the hotel didn’t acknowledge it. Other hotels we’ve stayed at have marked special occasions with small, thoughtful gestures, such as a note, a treat or cake, a complimentary spa treatment, or even a free upgrade if available. None of that is expected, and I’ve appreciated those gestures when they happened. Here, even a simple note was overlooked. I mentioned the occasion again at the front desk and it was casually brushed aside. It’s not about getting something free. It’s about feeling that the hotel recognizes and values your choice to spend an important moment there.