Hotel Santa Maria

Perfect location right next to the sanctuary. Rooms were comfortable and clean. Food was excellent, and the service staff are incredibly helpful, especially the main waiter at the restaurant (can't remember his name but he's the bald fellow. Excellent service!)

Location was close in proximity to the Basilica, so that was convenient. We were with a tour group that paid for "luxury" level rooms. Our group of 4 ended up in a standard adjoining rooms, that were mildly better than a hostel, instead of two Superior level rooms. Beds were hard and pillows were tiny and well used. While the Bathrooms were large, they lacked the luxury touches and did not have personal wash/body cloths. The room had very few outlets for charging items. I would definitely make sure you book a "Superior" level room. Stuffy Room temperatures could not be changed from heat to air conditioning because the entire system is run by the hotel. We had to open a window to let in cooler air. Morning breakfast buffet was decent. They did not have 'take-away' cups for coffee on the go.

07:00 am in the morning and no coffee service available or hot water or even tea and coffee supplies in the room! For a big group have to leave the hotel at 07:00 am because of their flight and they are told make your own arrangements, we can’t help you! As a travel agent, I wouldn’t rate this hotel as 4 or even 3 star until they improve their food and beverage service.