Ritual Torremolinos — Hotel in Torremolinos

Great Holiday at Hotel Ritual

Just back home from a lovely week at Hotel Ritual in Torremolinos at the end of January 2018

Check in was easy and we were warmly welcomed by David. Having read other trip advisor reviews I knew to ask for a key (actually a key and passcard) to the nearby private lift down to the seafront. There was a 20 euro deposit and was invaluable on holiday as it was great to get down to the promenade along the front and restaurants in Carihuela, and without the gruelling climb back up.

We were allocated a sea facing room on the 5th floor overlooking the outside sun deck and pools. Unfortunately the pools were emptied, but the rooftop has an infinity pool which was in use. In the basement is a gym as well as spa. the spa has a large jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, small pool and massage room. To use it residents paid 2 euros for a towel and pair of flip flops which I don't think was bad value at all, not sure if it is open to non residents.

Our room was standard. There was a sliding door which was locked across a small alcove kitchenette which I guess had a sink and hob. A sign said an exciting change was to happen, but I would have preferred it unlocked and useable. Because of this alcove and its sliding door, that wall space could have been put to better use with a fitted wardrobe. The wardrobe in the room was small with hanging space with just 6 hangers..... Not enough for two gay men for a week! I did however bag a few more hangers from the cleaner. Again the mirror was on the wall across the room and not above the dressing table, where it would have made sense. The rooms interconnect and this makes for poorer sound insulation. These are small niggles, as we were given FREE wifi, fridge and safe, all of which we have had to pay for on holidays elsewhere, potentially saving 50 euros or so.

Staying at this hotel at the end of January meant we were in fact part of probably less than 30 guests staying, not all of whom were half board, although the hotel got busier during the week we were there. The breakfasts were buffet style and were great including smoked Salmon each day. We rarely needed to eat during the day. Dinner because of the few guests was for the first part of the week by menu with 3 choices per 3 courses and were a bit limited and monotonous, but cook freshly for us. During the week we went over to the evening buffet. Again because of fewer residents the food was fresh and much better than that served up at large hotels in big batches. Again the male servers earlier on in the week because of the few diners seemed more preoccupied with their mobile phones during service which I did not appreciate. However they were standing in for the lovely Maria who was friendly and made mealtimes enjoyable with her humour.

Despite the poor weather, it was a fantastic holiday as there is so much to do with trips possible to Gibraltar (from 15 euros) etc. Twice we went to Malaga by train (station 5 minutes away) where a regular train gets you there in 20 minutes for 4 euros or so return.

On checking out, I did ask if the Hotel offered a loyalty scheme for returning guests, which they will be starting. Thank you Hotel Ritual for a great stay and facilities and we look forward to our next visit.... a must when visiting Torremolinos. Definitely more than a...

Dear Hotel Ritual,

I first want to thank you for the nice stay in your hotel. We really enjoyed it. The staff is overall really friendly and helpfully. The breakfast was nice with enough difference and nice bread! Lunch and dinner were ok. Mostly enough choice, but a lot of times fried potatoes or fried chicken or fish, so maybe that could be a bit better/ healthier. About the desserts: sadly every single day the same pieces of pie… That could really be better… certainly for people who likes desserts like me… ;)

A tip for the restaurant: make your breakfast till 12 a.m. At the end, it’s a gay hotel, and most of us go out and come back late at night or in the early morning… And knowing that there are hotels that offer breakfast till 12 a.m. I guess for this kind of hotel, this should be really nice. Of course then you have to make lunch and dinner also a bit later…

An extra tip could be an outside part to eat… because of the nice weather a lot of times. It’s really nice that the windows can be opened in the restaurant, but sitting outside can make it even better.

A little word more about the accommodation… In our room was a “hidden” wall with a “kitchen” behind…  I can understand that they are working in the hotel, but is it not better to don’t use those rooms then? Like this it looks like they wanna offer a kitchen, but they hide it behind a wall… The room is for the rest nice. Beds are too hard… and walls too thin… But except of the beds, the rooms were overall really ok! I didn't care about the walls... :)

About swimming pool and SPA: please, having a swimming pool in the south of Spain requires really a warm pool… and not just cold water! It would bring much more people to the pool and more consumption at the bar! The SPA is great, but why paying?? This is not from this time anymore…  just try to include that in the price of the stay. The price of the room was overall good for our stay and for the accommodation! However I was compairing the prices for example in oktober and then they are much higher than during the “delice dream” week…  So in the period we were there, we found the price ok, but paying much more for example in oktober would not be an option…

So… overall I’m really satisfied, but there are some points to try to chance… I’m a frequent traveller and can compare with similar hotels like for example Axelbeach in Gran Canaria etc…. The Ritual Hotel is a bit similar and can really be next to it… but some small chances should be made… I would give 3,5 stars, but I didn't have that option... ;)

Many greetings!

Koen...

*Staff is friendly and helpful, which is a huge plus. * They employ queer staff not excluding trans individuals, which is marvellous. It made me feel better to support this policy as they may have a harder time in finding jobs. *The pool is unbelievably tiny for a hotel of this size. *There are not enough places in the terrace. *The umbrellas around the pool are not enough. *The overall cleaning is OK but they can pay more attention to details . The stuff should clean the rooms better. They don't check everything in the room during regular cleaning operations. For example they don't renew the used glasses/mugs or check the ashtrays on the balcony. On the arrival date the table on the balcony was covered with a disgusting layer of dust. *There are not enough ashtrays in the smoking allowed areas such as around the pool. *The location is great. *Lift access to and from the beach is very good but the reception gives you the keys only upon request. The information upon arrival should be more comprehensive. They could give leaflets for information about the facilities and services. Otherwise the customers always have to ask for available facilities services. *Food is good but bacon in the breakfast is not well cooked. Green olives are seasoned very badly with an overpowering taste of herbs (in contrast to usually well-seasoned Spanish olives). *Sunbeds maybe cleaned but as they are stained they don't seem so. They also stained all the towels in the hotel. It does not feel good to dry your face with stained pool towels. *Laundary services are overpriced: you can buy a pair of socks for one euro instead of giving them to laundary for two euros for each pair! *The body lotion and shampoo are fine but shower gels are not good. *Jacuzzi beds are available only for 30 euros of consumption from the bar, so they are always empty. Making them available for a better bid may improve the poolside atmosphere. *Music by the poolside is good and it appeals to the age range of the customers. The volume is kept at the right level. *Deposits for lift keys and towels have to be paid only in cash. It should be in the room account and paid if the items are...