Parador de Mazagón

An old but really well kept beach hotel, with a beautiful beach right next to it (the stairs to get there are challenging, with 189 steps that can be quite tough when climbing back up). The swimming pool area is fantastic, with an outdoors reduced version of the main hotel restaurant (that's indoors) where you can have a delicious meal or some drinks while enjoying the sea views. Great buffet breakfast (as is customary with paradores). Free bike rentals to explore the pine tree forests. Far away from the city or even town, you need a car to get there, and if you want to dine out, you'll have to drive about 15 minutes to town (which is pretty seasonal, quite dead in the winter). It's my third time there, and I've always enjoyed it

Quiet clean rooms. I’m familiar with Paradores for decades and my wedding reception was in one so I understand how they work but here the facilities were poor and they make using them difficult. Outdoor pool not heated and dirty in April. Parking charge is extra when loads of space. I wanted to use bikes which are junk son road around on one that was dangerous. Wellness centre indoor pool sauna etc closed. I tried to use the gym but it’s back and forth to reception queuing waiting for the reception to finish their conversation I should be able to use a room key. Why is there no lighting on the corridor to the gym? Facilities closed or they make it hard to access. Tennis court padlocked, accessing beach gate room key does not work, PIN code requires ENT command before and after. We ate and service was good I know Paradores are about Spanish gastronomy but the burger was raw and I mean raw have a great photo, I was not asked how I wanted it and it’s a hamburger not fillet steak it was fixed and tasted great when cooked pink in middle..

I do not enjoy writing negative reviews, but we were quite disappointed with our stay. So, to avoid being too personal, just the simple facts . We were not informed that the pools were closed and there was no information prior to arrival about renovation and construction work on the side. Of course, it's good to renovate and improve, but inform your guests! Our room was fine recently renovated and restyled. Dinner was a great disappointment. The lady was very impatient with us. We felt not being treated very well. We just wanted some time to overlook the menu and then decide. Not being rushed. Food quality soso. Breakfast is very disappointing. Sliced fruit old and dried out. Yesterday's left over! Hot items to be ordered separately from the cooking station, the chef not to be found. When finally he apparently prepared our eggs, he walked back to the kitchen and pointed out the eggs were ready and waiting. Why not bring them when passing by our table? In total, 8 guests in the restaurant for breakfast . So it was very possible for him to show some effort. Evening/night time, horrible industry smell outside on balcony from nearby gas and oil station next to harbour area. To end and conclude. We felt very disappointed and upset. Beach beautiful, though.