Hotel Valdepalacios y Restaurante Tierra — Hotel in Torrico

We were traveling from the UK to Granada via one stopover in France,and two stopovers in Spain.||This was the third hotel we chose following two wonderful experiences in the other two overnight stops on our journey,||We arrived about 17.30 and after enjoying a glass of complimentary Cava and a guided tour of the building were led through the grounds to our accommodation. It seemed like a converted stable or similar out building to the main hotel.||||We confirmed our dinner reservation for 7.30 and were told that the particular restaurant did not start service till 8.30.. we asked if there was an alternative and the concierge said he would speak with the kitchens to see if we could be accommodated in the second restaurant in the hotel. ||We were told that they could do so for 8.00pm.||Whilst we were not overjoyed with that the alternative of a sandwich or going out for dinner did not appeal to us.||We also enquired about internet and were informed that the hotel was experiencing technical problems at present but were hoping to fix soon.||||We decided to go to dinner and perhaps enjoy a drink before dinner. ||||We settled down in a completely void room and were enjoying our drinks when as if by magic at precisely 8.00 a waiter appeared and having presented us with the menus went about his duties.||We placed our order and something must have been lost in translation my wife's dinner was a complete muck up. My wifes dinner was not charged for.||||We finished our meal ordered some more drinks and retired to one of the reception rooms with a log fire. Cosy. ||||We made our way to our room and saw that the-maid had serviced the room. My wife chose to take advantage of Jacuzzi spa type bath I opted for a shower.||Upon turning on the tap ti fill the bath she was met with a stream of black dirty water, which after running for a few minutes changed through various hues of black to brown to eventually clear. ||After clearing the dead insects from the bath perimeter she turned on the “bubbles” that didn't work either. Not a good start.||My shower was cold oh what a disappointment this is not going well.||||We were tired so head on pillow and go to sleep.||Sleep disturbed by a screaming child. Arghhhh. ||This was the same in the morning only it seemed like the child was confined and was screaming the place down.||||Get up open the blinds which fell off the wall. ||Wipe the condensation off of the window only to have my hand covered in damp nicotine residue. Yuk.||||Lets pack, have breakfast and leave but not before calling upon the duty manager (non english speaking) to make our reservations and complaints known.||||Over coffee and with the assistance of the waiter who could speak poor english we completed a complaints form. ||||On check out we submitted the complaints form and were told that the Manager was not at the hotel in fact he or she was traveling and should be there during the day.||We were not prepared to wait as we had a 300 mile drive ahead of us.||||We said that whilst we were prepared to pay for ancillary items, meals, drinks etc but would like to wait for the managers review of our complaints before paying for the accommodation part of the bill. We were asked for our Amex Card and asked if we objected to the manager taking a Photo copy and allow the errant Manager to make any adjustment that he or she thought fair under the circumstances.||We took a photo of the complaints form which they say they never received.||||We agreed to the above and thanking them left. This has taught us a harsh lesson, don't trust Spanish hotel staff, they lie!||||I wrote direct to Chateau Rellais as I could not get any response from this hotel in their group. To this day the only communication has been between American Express and the Spanish equivalent of Fawlty Towers.||||Overall the hotel may be historic, the service matches, who ever gave this establishment a 5* rating must have been under the influence of alcohol or...

We have just returned from a 3 night stay booked through Secret Escapes and throughly enjoyed our short break. The hotel is situated in the heart of the countryside, so a car is essential. We drove from Madrid airport in just over an hour and a half, the drive is easy, don't be put off at the thought of the journey.||As others have already said, the hotel could do with some renovations but this in no way affected our stay. We had a huge room with a comfortable bed, sitting area, lovely bathroom and air conditioning. There are lovely Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom and plenty of still and sparkling water in the fridge which is complimentary.||We were at the hotel during the week when the hotel was extremely quiet, so we were treated to having the pool and patio area to ourselves. The staff were unobtrusive but appeared regularly to see if we needed anything, they were all very welcoming and helpful with most speaking a little English and some almost fluent.||The highlight of our stay had to be the Tasting Menu in the Michelin star restaurant. Despite the restaurant being quiet on the evening we dined, we were treated to the full experience with the chefs coming to the table on several occasions to explain about the dish being served.||We also took the opportunity of the local wine tasting which Garcia kindly organised for us which gave the opportunity to taste some delicious local wines.||The breakfast is excellent, plenty of it and freshly cooked to order with first class pastries and coffee too.||In our opinion the lunch is over priced and not worth the money, we had it on the first day, but on subsequent days didn't bother, there was so much to eat at breakfast you don't really need lunch.||Carmen, the General Manager took the time to come and find us to check everything was good with our stay. We cannot single out any of the staff in particular as everyone we met in all departments were helpful and sorted out any minor problems we encountered.||We would certainly recommend the hotel and plan to have another...

This Relais & Chateaux property arial photograph looked like a beautiful estate and was perfectly situated for a stop off on our drive south. The R & C badge generally gives comfort that we are in for a treat. As soon as we drove up to this somewhat dilapidated property we had our doubts. Gardens were totally overgrown and many window frames rotting. if you were being kind it could be described as faded charm. Our room was pleasant enough but a bathroom within the bedroom is not ideal. It was however comfortable with wifi and air con. This room was Euros 400 per night - room only. ||||The pool and terrace area was looking poor but to be fair a massive rain storm had blown through so cushions and towels had all been removed to dry out. This left the furniture again looking old and somewhat shabby.||||I have to agree with the last contributor that the most off putting aspect was a feral cat who was terribly injured with its ears and along its spine torn to the bone. I am horrified that management had not seen fit to get veterinary help for this animal even if it is just euthanasia. We offered to pay for this help but were told it was up to the manager who was no where to be seen. Shame on you.||||On the plus side all the staff we met were absolutely delightful. Could not fault them. As we left early in the morning they even opened dining room at 8am - one hour before the usual time for breakfast. ||||Dinner at the 1 Michelin star Tierra was a disappointment. Pretentious cooking of a piece of tasteless dough on the table in front of us was nonsense. Truly good food does not need this theatre. The turbot was only luke warm but as dining room did not open till 9pm by this time we could not be bothered to send it back. We saw all the lovely vegetables growing in the garden but did not see any sign of them on our plate... ||||We booked (and paid for 2 nights) but left after one. Perhaps that best sums...