Hotel Palacio del Mar

Friendly and helpful staff, rooms were clean and spacious, cafe was nice

Stayed here for one night prior to getting the ferry back to the UK. From the outside the hotel looks like a concrete monstrosity built in the 1960's or 1970's. However, it is totally different on the inside, being very spacious and modern, especially the rooms. Reasonably quick and friendly check in. Large and secure underground parking is available for €15 a night, however I was advised by a local lady that there was free on street parking all around the area of the hotel. Modern room with a large comfortable double bed and a walk in shower and also a small balcony area. A TV, fridge and a safe were also in the room. The area around the hotel is largely residential buildings. A short walk away is a seafront beach area which was very scenic and popular with locals. This is a great location to get a drink or a meal. Literally across the road from the hotel is the home ground of Real Racing Club Santander,  so it will be pretty busy in the immediate area on match days. All in all I would be happy to stay here again.

Overrated and smelly - not a 4 star hotel. Bad: Very bad odor - stench coming from sewage coming from bathroom. We changed the room and the second had the same bad odor. Ventilation in the bathroom was either missing or broken. Water pressure at the sink was barely there. You spent time just to wash your face. Garage parking was expensive 16 EUR/day. Outside parking was very narrow for the safety of a rental car. Breakfast was lacking variety Good: Big rooms, good location, dinner in the half board was very good.