We stayed at this hotel, which is about 30-40 mins along the coast road from Santander for a 10 day family holiday. We were rather worried after reading the previous review two days before we left, but we had a fantastic time. The hotel is right next to a stunning sandy beach, which never gets overcrowded (we live in the South West of England and have first hand experience of overcrowded beaches in the summer!) and the weather was great which meant we didn't get much sightseeing done!! The hotel also has a small pool, which again, is never crowded, or reserved by the 'beach towel' mafia!

We booked via Britanny Ferries and there were a couple of other British families, but the hotel is mainly used by Spanish Families, so if you are looking for the 'Birdie Song' and 'The Full English' experience, you will be disappointed. You need some basic Spanish (which we didn't have) or a good phrasebook (which we did) - although the staff were very patient and amused by our pathetic attempts at Spanish! All the staff were friendly and efficient - although the Maitre d' in the restaurant seemed to favour the Spanish guests and would not give the British guests the cheaper 'Menu del Dia' option, unless it was specifically asked for, but instead gave the pricier (although delicious) ordinary menu.

The hotel and resort are quiet and family friendly. Any noise at night came from the campsite and larger resort of Noja on the other side of the estuary. It is fair to say the resort is not particularly attractive, but it is small and within 10 minutes walk of the holtel you are in pretty countryside with a wide range of walks and cycle tracks. The village of Isla itself is worth a visit, but there is not much there - a small restaurant (which we found to be unfriendly and only stayed for a drink) and a friendly deli.

The food at the hotel was good - we ate in both the bar and in the main restaurant. The two waiters from Peru in the bar were particularly friendly and helpful. Breakfast was also excellent with a wide range of cold meat, Spanish omelette, cooked bacon and egg for British guests (which was kept warm during our stay), delicious fresh fruit, creals, bread and cake. The orange juice was from a machine but it was nice and you could buy freshly squeezed in the bar. It is fair to say the breakfast coffee was a bit 'hit and miss'!

Our family room at the front of the hotel overlooking the beach and mountains was spacious with a large balcony. It was kept immaculately clean by the housekeeping staff. There was a small minibar in the room, but if you want a 'brew' you will have to bring your own travel kettle and supplies.

There is a kids' club at the hotel and there is traditional Spanish entertainment at the weekend. There is also a disco bar in the basement, but we never ventured that far!

We took canoes and were able to launch them from the hotel beach.

All in all a brilliant holiday!

Stayed here from 16th -18th July.

The hotel has a pleasant situation overlooking the bay at Isla Playa, and the hotel trades on this.

The rooms at the back of the hotel suffer from the noise and smells from extractor fans. The rooms themselves whilst clean are sterile and unwelcoming. The ensuite bath was worn and the toiletries were in cheap sachets and unappealing. Instead of providing individual rolls of toilet paper, there was a lockable container such as in public lavatories holding the toilet paper.

The carpet on the stairs was worn on the steps and in need of replacement. We were also concerned about the electrically controlled metal shutters in each bedroom. What would happen if the shutters were closed when there was a fire and no means of escape via the corridor?

Breakfast was only adequate. Orange juice dispensed from a machine was the same as that bought in a carton. The two other hotels we stayed at during our trip provided freshly squeezed orange juice which was delightful. The coffee was terrible. One morning only soya milk was provided for cereals. Attempts to obtain fresh milk which had been previously available proved fruitless and we were provided with the UHT variety. There was no attempt to keep the hot food warm or replenish it. Two mornings in a row we had to ask for this to be done.

With the exception of one or two staff, the rest were surly and had attitude. Nothing at this hotel made us feel welcome and would not stay here again.

This is definitely not a 4* hotel. 3* maybe!

As for the resort itself, well the beaches are safe for children but the resort lacks any character. It has been created as a resort in recent years. This is not Northern Spain at it’s best.

There are many other delightful resorts with better accommodation, good, safe beaches and excellent places to eat in this part of Spain.

An on a final note, the little village of Isla itself which is just over a mile away from the resort is a treat and has an outstanding restaurant.

Mobility having stopped most overseas travel, the ferry to Santander gave the only way of reaching Spain without long car journey or flying, both not viable,
Hotel Olympo booked via Brittainy Ferries. is only 30 miles from Santander and in a most attractive, green & mountaious part of Spain. The Hotel isaccessible via ramps, has good lifts, rooms with large balconies offering beautiful views. The steep steps with no handrail to the small cove/beach below the front of the hotel is not really a problem as the coast has many beautiful beaches easily accessible and within a mile or so from the Hotel. A car though is essential, parking is easy.
The breakfast is very good, catering for most nationalities although the clientel is mainly Spanish.The Bar/ caferteria offers snacks and many excellent restaurants are within easy acces giving an alternative to 'eating in'..
Overall, the Hotel and the surrounding countyside, mountains & beaches supplied a superb break.

The Olimpo hotel is in a lovely location overlooking a fantastic sandy beach. We took a car on the ferry to Santander, and Isla Playa is about an hour's drive and there is plenty of parking at the hotel. The grounds surrounding the hotel are nicely planted and pleasant to walk around, with a short path leading down to the beach. There is a very small beach by the hotel itself, but you can normally then wade across a shallow stream to the main expansive beach. The hotel operates a rowing boat for a nominal charge when the tide is in, as it is impossible to wade back at high tide and in fact quite dangerous to swim because the current is so strong.

The rooms were clean and well furnished with nice balconies overlooking the beach. Breakfasts were very good with a wide selection of hot and cold choices, but we found the main restaurant had a somewhat limited menu and was rather expensive. However, the hotel has a cafe which also offers food throughout the day and evening and may suit many people better, although the entertainment later in the evening was rather loud.

The swimming pool was uncrowded and perfectly adequate. Most of the guests were Spanish, with a few British people mostly booking through Brittany Ferries. I would definitely consider staying here again if returning to the area.