I stayed in the Hotel Ureca for four nights in May 2006.
This hotel has character, once far grander, with its empty pool, closed restaurant, abandoned terrace and poolside bars.
The bedrooms were clean and comfortable, with satellite TV, air conditioning units ( rather noisy ), and on suite bathroom ( very worn but with hot water most of the time ).
The only meal provided in the hotel was breakfast, other meals provided just across the road at the exellent Spanish Cultural Centre restaurant.
The staff, despite the language problem, were very polite and helpfull, especially ' Nicomenis ' the bar man.
Despite its run down state, the hotel still attracts a wide variety of clientel ranging from diplomats to oil workers, ( past guests include Frederick Forsythe who wrote a famous book here ).
There is a new Hilton being built next to the airport, but given the choice I would return to the Hotel Ureca every time.