Smy Carlos V Wellness & Spa Alghero

"We enjoyed our stay at the Smy Carlos Hotel and Spa , but some guests with higher expectations of its 5 star rating might be a bit disappointed. The location is great - only 15-20 minutes from Alguero's pretty medieval town, Marina and lively night life of busy restaurants and bars. The west facing terrace also has spectacular views over the sea and distant rocky hills - and its aspect for beautiful sunsets are unrivalled - you will remember them! We found the hotel to be very clean - the pool and garden areas very well maintained. We had a fourth floor room, very adequate, with a balcony facing the garden, with it's large pond and waterfall, olive trees and oleanders - peaceful. The early morning sun was good to wake up to, and the balcony didn't get too hot because the afternoons were shady there. Housekeeping staff were outstanding - our room was immaculately clean and serviced properly every day. We were in a very peaceful area of the hotel. The variety of food available for breakfast was really good - especially the fresh fruit, pastries, meats and cheeses. We liked the pool area - no sunbed wars here - there was always plenty of space. The larger than average saltwater pool seemed clean and well maintained too. The staff we encountered were universally well presented, efficient, polite and helpful. The waiting staff, because of their earpieces and coiled wires into their collars and receivers could have bee CIA agents on a surveillance mission though. We visited the Spa twice, and the staff here were really helpful and encouraging, showing us how everything worked. Really clean areas and greatly recommended for a blissful break. It was definitely worth the extra cost involved. The food served in the evening at the Emparador (?) restaurant was from a fairly limited menu, but we ate there three times rather than go into town as we did on the first two days. The food was very well cooked and presented, (better than in recommended town restaurants ) and the prices similar. BUT. There are significant issues with the hotel's ageing infrastructure. We had no hot water for the week of our stay ( a widespread issue, I think) and our air conditioning system leaked through our ceiling one night. It looked as though this had been happening for a while. Fixes were promised several times but never happened. The "hot" options for breakfast - eg. eggs and bacon were often barely warm - although the hard working omelette chef did his best to meet the needs of the queues which formed at his station. (He needs an assistant) .I think coffee shouldn't come from inadequate coffee machines (more than one needed) and the establishment would be classier if this was served from hot silver pots by staff as in other five star places. At other 5 star hotels, someone would help you with luggage to your room and show you how things in the room worked. Managing the light switches was still a puzzle on Day 5 and the safe really didn't work even if we followed the instructions, and no English TV channels could be found. (But then we are ageing non teccies.) Life's too short to be over pernickety, and we would go back again - but would need to be sure room choice wasn't a lottery for quality of experience."

"We just left this hotel. The location is lovely and a perfect 15 min walk into the old town. The staff is very friendly and helpful. This hotel is extremely dated… the restaurant on site feels like a cafeteria. We had lukewarm water for our entire stay in the shower. We left the property one day early , and I was happy to be on my way. I don’t usually write reviews however I feel that this property should not be classed as a 5 star hotel. I would not recommend staying here unfortunately."

"So disappointing beds are so hard. There’s a terrible stinky old smell in the room in the hallways. It’s almost like a mold we ate in the formal dining and found the head waiter to be extremely overbearing. He thought he was being totally cool, but he wasn’t wish we weren’t here for two more nights if you’re booked cancel and go somewhere else."