Having previously read a review of this hotel by Joymiles from 2013, and having visited it ourselves in 2017, I decided there was much more that Silver Travellers might like to know.
When we arrived there in September, we were told that we were lucky to have booked that hotel, as it had just reopened after a multi-million pound (euro??) makeover. Well, yes, it was very nice, looked very modern with reception areas and bedrooms all having been upgraded. However, it soon became apparent that not all was as perfect as it seemed on the surface. Our room, on the 6th floor, was delightful with excellent views across the bay. (Joymiles’ comments about the floors below 3rd remain valid!). I will attach a photo looking into the room from the balcony, and you may notice something unusual. In an attempt to modernise, the walls of the bathroom have been removed. The shower and toilet now form an integral part of the room, separated only by a glass screen/door which is only partly opaque. You really need to be on close personal terms with the person you’re sharing with, as there is no privacy at all! My wife and I didn’t mind this, but we did mind the smell of drains coming from the air con system. We complained and the management tried to fix it, but left instead a chemical odour. It seemed the air con had been omitted from the upgrade! We eventually left it switched off but subsequently spent some rather hot and uncomfortable nights.
It was good to be on the 6th floor but only when the lifts were working properly. One of them was out of action during the whole of our stay. The toilet facilities for the pool were poor or occasionally non-existent, as those in the reception area were frequently closed for repair, as were those down some rather steep steps to the not-yet-reopened spa. All-in-all, the hotel was probably not quite ready to receive guests after the refurb!
On the plus side, there was much we enjoyed. The pool and bar area is excellent, but like many such hotels needs more sunbeds as, even in September, people were going down there very early to reserve with towels. We witnessed a near break-out of world war 3 with a heated argument between a German and a Russian guy who almost came to blows over who was there first! The terrace overlooks the beach and bay of St Agustin, which are well worth a visit and were the venue for our post-breakfast paddle! The food and drink provision was excellent, with a new restaurant just opened and entertainment was provided on most evenings. Best of all, even in September, the weather was hot and sunny – which is why we went there if the first place!
I am sure by now that most of their post-upgrade teething troubles have been resolved, but if you go there, be ready to shower and toilet in public!
“Hotel website”:https://www.hotelesdunas.com/en/hotel-dunas-don-gregory/
