"It seems that cost cutting has been the recent focus and feature of the Valentin operation at Sancti Petri. Many small changes become unmissable in the end… from food service - slow replenishment at popular live cooking station items, slow or non-replenishment of other popular food items meaning a wait of sometimes 15 minutes and if one didn’t take dinner on or around opening time, it could be hit and miss getting what was advertised as available on their website menu.
Dinner time shrank from 19:00 - 22:00 to a 21:00 finish during our stay. The quality of live cooking station items was sadly too often poor; overcooked and dry meat (the calves liver was of shoe sole quality) resulting in much of it left on the plate.
Fish portions were often child sized, meaning that once the queue of 10 people waiting took what they wanted, all items were gone and again you faced a wait for replenishment.
Fresh seafood used to offer a decent variety of choice but even that has now been pared down to just 3/4 items.
Traditionally, Sekt was put out on Sunday morning breakfast services. No more.
In summary I would class the food as just a step higher than that of a company canteen… not a 4 star hotel.
On the plus side, there were free cooled tap water dispensers around where you could fill glasses at dinner or small bottles for the pool etc.
There seemed to be fewer waiting staff around dining halls this time and it was obvious that many were stressed out and were making mistakes on drinks orders or dropping plates or cutlery.
Whilst you may think I’m being overly fussy about the food in general then remember, this was our 4th visit to this Valentin so it’s not like we didn’t have a comparison. This is a 4 star hotel. And food features highly in most people’s expectations. It should have been better all round.
The estate itself has been well maintained, undoubtedly. The pools & pool areas were clean, sun loungers decent and the towels provided (with a €20 deposit per towel) were good quality & large. You could change them daily if you wanted to.
Our room was pretty much as expected and functional, with a small fridge. Away from any noise and a decent balcony view to the sea. However, no items such as paper, pen or information booklet were provided. Everything about the hotel was only accessible via your Smartphone and a QR code… maybe tough for some elderly guests or if you didn’t happen to have a Smartphone but it certainly saves Valentin hotels a few €s. Beds OK, balcony OK, bathroom OK albeit that what used to be provided as toiletry items has been trimmed down to just shampoo & shower gel. No conditioner nor body lotion any longer. But again a saving for Valentin.
The WiFi in general worked OK with a few issues around the pool when it did seem to drop out every now again but no biggie.
We didn’t really bother with the evening “entertainment” as from what we heard from our one visit was truly awful.
On the positive side, the estate itself was very well maintained and clean throughout. The pool & pool bar staff were very helpful and pleasant. Drinks prices by the pool bar weren’t unreasonable with under 5€ for a 50ml beer (Mahou, not my favourite but served cold) A Campari & soda at 7€ was OK. A decent sized G & T at an indoor bar (quality Gin, quality Tonic) at 9.50€ was pricey but worth it.
Front desk service personnel were very helpful. Waiting staff were pleasant and helpful.
This was our 4th stay at Sancti Petri and there’s no doubt there have been significant cutbacks. Particularly around food quality and quantity. Other things too, as mentioned previously above.
After this latest experience, I doubt we’ll return for a 5th time. It doesn’t represent best value for money anymore."