Santos Las Arenas Balneario Resort

"Comfortable stay. More a 4 star hotel than a 5 star because it is very big so it lacks that personal touch. Some of the staff were rude and unhelpful, for example being ignored when seated at breakfast, waiters would walk past as if we were invisible after 10 minutes I had to ask for tea and coffee and food off the menu. We asked for a late checkout but this was not available so we were told to use the changing room but the lady on reception omitted to tell us we needed to book it! The main pool does not accommodate many sun loungers for the number of guests staying at this resort hotel. There are signs asking guests not to reserve sun loungers but this is not enforced at all. Pool does not open until 9am and by 9.45am all beds are taken, majority are reserved with towels and belongings, the guests do not appear for 1-2 hours to use them. This is very frustrating if you want a leisurely morning and not get to the pool until after 10am. There are sun loungers by the children's pool but to use the adult pool you have to go up a flight of stairs and your belongings are out of sight. This aspect is not 5 star. Overall good value and lovely location."

"We loved this hotel. It was so great to come back to after spending time exploring the city. The staff were all incredibly welcoming and courteous, without exception. The pool was fantastic. The breakfast was excellent. The housekeeping was exceptional and the turndown service with chocolates was a really nice touch. It’s a little out of the central old town area, but the taxis are reasonably priced and easily available, so we never had any issues getting around. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Valencia."

"We had a really nice stay at the Arenas in early July. It's a pretty solid 5 star luxury hotel by the beach. I stay in a few good hotels for work, but rarely when I travel. It's really very good, but not perfect. Let me explain.... Its an attractive and imposing building, with great reception and lounge areas. Front desk staff were friendly and eager to help. We got a great room, beach side, 4th floor. Room was large, clean and comfortable and well serviced. Loads of USB ports! High end shower products, good complimentory bathroom add ons, all good. Room was serviced twice a day by attentive and friendly staff. Nice balcony area too. 9/10. We had the breakfast option. There is a good range of fruit, cold meats, hot options, yoghurt juice, etc. Bottle of Cava if you want to get an early buzz. Lots and lots of sweet treats, which is traditional in Spain, and some gluten free options too. Its all there, but just laid out so its difficult to get to in these 'two tier' help yourself cabinets. Breakfast can be busy too, and the lay out sometimes made it a bit painful to get what you wanted quickly. First world problems I know. Brekfast service was sporadic. Coffee and juice was offered upon arrival, after that you are on your own. Self service coffee machines were tempramental. On our last day all 4 went down, I'm sure they were fixed quickly, but in other 5*s, the waiters on on it with the top ups. You can take breakfast inside or outside, in the sun or the shade, that was a welcome option. 8/10 The pool area was busy during the week, exceptionally busy at the weekend, so get a place early. Loads of umbrellas and the pool folks were attentive in helping out. Good poolside drinks service. 9/10 There is a gym, which is fine, but not the size or range of say a Middle Eastern gym. Single rower, bike, treadmill. Small area for yoga, dumbells, a few machines, Smith machine. You step out of a side door near the pool, and you are on the paved promenade strip, beach side. Probably 4k, from the Port to the South to the end of the pavement in the North. A few shops and restuarants, buts its not Marbella. Opportunity for future development. Between the hotel and the port are 5-10 restuarants and bars offering breakfast and dinner options. OK, if you are with me this far, then you need to know at the end of this strip is a beach club. This should come with a health warning, and Valencia town council needs to do something about it. The noise pollution (music) from this place is wild. If you sit outside at one of the nearer resturants it will ruin your evening. If the wind is blowing north, you could hear it in the hotel. I slept fine, but if you were a light sleeper in the wrong room, it could be upsetting. Go take a look at some YouTube videos and you'll see what I mean. The beach is about 20 minutes from Valencia old town. Buses outside the hotel, loads of cabs, Uber and Cabify. Valencia cabs are quite fast and furious, first time I've seen this type of driving in Spain. Uber from the airport took about 30 minutes. Valencia airport is small. The hotel is in an urban/industrial location. If you are just there for the pool and beach then you are fine. There are no local upmarket shops, thats a cab ride into town. We had a lovely time at Las Arenas. Relaxing and enjoyable. We were there with friends, so made our own company and kept busy. It is a bit out of the way if you want to see the Old Town."