Booked this hotel through Brittany Ferries who we have travelled with many times - we really rate them so were so disappointed with this bizarre OTT hotel. Stayed one night prior to getting ferry back to UK. Palacio ''del Mar'' is actually quite a few blocks back from 'del Mar' with no views of the sea (and no views at all of anything from the basement bars and dining rooms which have no windows and are internal rooms) Whilst Reception and our huge well equipped 80s style bedroom was great (and clean) with lots of space and a big bath and powerful shower, it did remind me of a set out of Footballers wives with plastic fantastic flowers in the bathroom and mirrored fitted wardrobes. The tacky Footballers Wives theme extended to the horrible ballroom/dining room where we ate breakfast - it was just depressing. For an expensive four star hotel, the breakfast was disgusting - very limited choice and a plate of 'sweating' shiny cheeses that had clearly been brought out several days in a row. All the glasses for fruit juice and water were grubby and dusty and the fridges where the fruit and yoghurts were stored were very dirty and could not have been properly cleaned for weeks. The waiter proceeded to strip tables of the their 'table cloths' whilst many guests were still eating (they were by the way throwaway paper covers) revealing the bashed cheap furniture underneath. We would never go back. However we did have a few good belly laughs at the hotel magazines/annuals all over the hotel like 'Hello' life style magazines advertising all the social events that had been held for footballers and matadors at the hotel -it is almost worth staying (room only!) for this....The next morning we were on the ferry back to the UK and the Brittany Ferry Pont Aven restaurant breakfast was excellent - far better quality, immaculate food hygiene and proper buffet restaurant service.
- Palacio Del Mar Santander
