Nice rooms, good food, and very friendly staff (especially the restaurant and bar staff), but if you're accustomed to cold and unlimited A/C, beware...
They (like most of the hotels in Spain seem to do) turn the A/C off and back on whenever they like, for hours at a time. We can easily hear and feel the difference in the room. Sometimes it's very, very warm and humid, and other times nice and cool, but the only way to get it really cool is to tell them that "the A/C" isn't working (even though we know it's because they turn it off to save electricity). They then say "we'll send a technician," but not until half an hour after they turn the A/C in the room back on so that when he finally shows up, it's very cool and he says "it feels great in here! It's working wonderfully." Then we say "sometimes it is off and gets very hot, especially when we're sleeping," and he'll persist that "It is ALWAYS on and ALWAYS working." It's very obvious what they're doing.
As I mentioned, very friendly staff (aside from the "technician"), nice rooms, great food and drinks... but you will sweat in your room and in your bed unless 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit is comfortable for you.
And also, the wifi is less than 1mb/second download speed unless you're using it between 3:30 and 7:30 in the morning. You won't be able to stream, really.
UPDATE
Had to change from 4 stars down to 3 stars. Whoever from maintenance came to our room last night to "check the thermostat" not only basically told us that the thermostat "doesn't do anything," but he proceeded to turn it to "heat" instead of "cold"..... in June. So even if it DID work, it was on heat all night. My friend and I woke up SWEATING in our beds and had to get out of our beds and get dressed so that yet another person could come to our room. At least this time, he may have ACTUALLY done something to help us: fix the last person's mistake...
This is unacceptable. We have been here for nearly three weeks in one of the top tier rooms of the hotel and have been putting up with heat and sweat in our rooms the entire time, even though it has been a HISTORICALLY COLD SUMMER. Please stop forcing us to open our windows to not be suffering from heat when 1. We are paying for A/C as described on your website, 2. opening the windows results in unwanted humidity, mosquitos (yes, they are here in Spain, even though someone at the front desk said they don't exist here), and noise, and 3. it would cost you so little compared to previous years to not disable our A/C.
The hotel manager responded to my review saying that it would be a "pleasure to help me"... Well, please, follow through. We are still here and...
Read moreGood, comfortable hotel close to Ondarreta beach. Safe choice when you visit San Sebastian.
Strong points: decor and comfort of the rooms, amenities, location close to the beach and the boulevard, breakfast.
Weaker points: a few years after my first visit to this hotel, it is clear that some maintenance work is needed - some cracks in the ceiling, inadequate temperature control, common areas start to look outdated.
Location: beware - this hotel is located a 30-minute walk or 10 euro taxi drive from the city centre with its tapas bars and historical points of interest. The area itself is nice and quiet.
Service: correct but rather impersonal; not really what you're used to as a frequent visitor to Spain. Before your arrival, you will get a lot of e-mails from 'guest relations' offering you the possibility to check-in online, but there is no separate concierge desk, so this seems odd. Also, when you check out, no one will ask you if your stay was to your liking. For a hotel presenting itself online as being concerned with their guest's satifaction, this is a minimum. It's the hospitality business after all.
Breakfast: many choices and options for egg-dishes made to order. There is even a small pintxo-stand offering the famous gildas. Healthy ingredients are available.
Rooms: I booked the Executive Room, with extra amenities such as a kettle and coffee maker. Nice decor. During my stay, there was a weird odour (plastic or rubber) in my room. Blankets are far too hot, even in winter. No option to adjust the room temperature. Small window. Good bathroom with tub, rain shower and massage shower.
Would I stay again? If they take into account the genuine feedback of repeating guests, yes. It is still a good hotel in a...
Read moreTitle: Mixed Experience at Hotel NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu
Location:
Far from city center and tourist attractions However, quiet and peaceful area with nearby parks
Hotel:
Modern design and architecture, but showing signs of wear and tear Lacking in maintenance and upkeep, with visible stains and scratches No apparent renovation plans or efforts to improve the property
Room:
Spacious room on upper floor with large king size bed (as requested) Clean and comfortable bedding and pillows Small but functional bathroom with basic amenities
Parking:
Expensive on-site parking (€25/day) Nearby free parking options available from 9 PM to 8 AM (a short walk away)
Issues:
Mini fridge in room did not work, spoiling our food for breakfast at sea beach Coffee machine in room was not working Lack of soundproofing and insulation in room
Staff:
Helpful and understanding staff provided complimentary breakfast and coffee as compensation of issue with mini fridge Friendly and accommodating front desk
Breakfast:
Good selection of hot and cold breakfast items Fresh fruit, pastries, and cooked-to-order eggs
Overall:
Despite issues, staff's understanding and assistance made up for it However, due to the problems and lack of maintenance, we cannot recommend the hotel in the future The hotel needs to address the issues and renovate to regain its former glory
thanks to the hotel staff for...
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