Penafiel Park Hotel & Spa

We didn't get the cot we requested and had to use a sofa bed instead. The children's playroom also had sharp corners, low exposed electrical outlets, and an exit onto steep steps without proper separation. The restaurant high chairs were another worry: despite the hotel's assurances, they seemed unsafe for toddlers, who can't be expected to sit still or use a chair correctly all the time. Saying they're “safe if used safely” doesn't address that risk. At the bar, we were served undercooked burgers, which can be a serious health concern, especially for children and vulnerable people. When we raised it, staff focused on how long we'd waited instead of addressing the food. These problems, along with the dismissive response to our concerns, made for a deeply disappointing stay. The hotel needs to reassess its safety standards and act to protect guests.

The staff were genuinely kind throughout, which was a bright spot. Still, I spent five days riding an elevator with the same dirt on the floor, and when a third tour group arrived, breakfast supplies had run out. There was only one attendant, who seemed completely lost. My work trip was uncomfortable from the start. The room looked dated, with scratched old furniture, very little light, and a wallpaper image of a working woman that made me uneasy. It smelled musty. Staff kindly showed me another room, but it was just as bad, though it smelled better and had a nature painting on the wall. I had to wipe dust off it. The bathroom door wouldn't close properly, and the door jamb putty was falling off. I also couldn't get an iron, so I had to use the laundry service. Dinner on my first day was a risotto that was extremely salty. I wondered if it was a joke since I hadn't asked for a bottle of water. There was also a hole in the restaurant floor behind my chair. When my laundry came back, my skirt was completely wet. I was so tired of complaining that I just laughed.

Breakfast supplies disappeared quickly, and we worried there wouldn't be enough for us. The hotel seemed short staffed. Our room was very dark, with no lamps; no other room was available, so I asked the receptionist to replace a dead bulb. It helped, but the room still felt too dim. The twin beds were so narrow my husband nearly fell out. The showerhead was damaged, and I had to hold it while showering. After seeing the room, I decided not to try the spa.

The food and service were a real highlight, especially the fish, which was first rate. The evening buffet and lunch both had a good range and quality. I also had a very good spa massage, and the facilities made for a lovely space: jacuzzi, indoor pool, steam room and sauna. Outside, there's a good-sized pool surrounded by mature greenery. Road noise didn't bother me, and parking on site was easy. I stayed five days. On arrival, reception were brilliant. Friends dropped me off with a small dog, and the hotel let the dog stay on the end terrace so we could have lunch together before they left, while my bags were taken up to my room. The room had some tired touches and needed a few fixes, including a sticky safe door and loose towel rail above the bath, but it still had a wow factor: huge bath, really comfy bed, Juliet balcony, plenty of storage, and an original design with a glass wall so you can watch TV from the bath. I'd stay again, or visit the spa and restaurant if I'm nearby.