URH Hotel Zen Balagares

This hotel is somewhat creepy. It is surrounded by a settlement of houses that all look the same, on top of a hill - could be like out of some weird horror movie. But things are not as bad as I thought at first. The lobby and hotel bar are very nice, the rooms on the other hand a little odd - the double bed is two beds out together, with the obligatory gap in the middle, forget your cuddly holiday adventure - the room interior feels incomplete and the fridge is well hidden in a dresser that looks like it has drawers. The big surprise was the bathroom, that was well designed, has a nice tub and also a nice shower (the only problem of the shower was the door that let much of the water out, make sure you don't slip over a surprise puddle when getting out). The view from the windows (which are elevated, no balcony) is actually quite nice, you can see some of Asturias beautiful landscape. Breakfast was also ok, particularly the ham selection looked really nice, but apart from that pretty much the standard buffet that you know from all other hotels you've been to. The spa section is weird and obviously not built or operated by people who know something about the matter. Having no water hose in the steam bath is a no go - as it's an amazing breeding ground for germs. Two saunas (with tile interior!!!) with 50°C will have you waste your spa time very quickly, the other sauna didn't work when we came, it was wooden but you saw many sweat stains on the benches - again, a no go. Also, the other installations appear rather uninspired, when you press the buttons in the large (but cold) massage pool, dense foam starts rising, not really giving it a very sanitary feel. Many areas need maintenance. All in all, it was a nice addition, but don't come here for a wellness stay. The personnel were nice, the rooms easily accessible, the location ok, it's quiet, it JUST makes the four stars because I've seen much worse lately, and yes, also 4-star-hotels.

A Spa hotel that charges an extra fee for the spa. A Spa hotel that does not even offer a tooth paste for their guests (not available at all!)... A hotel that if you call, 2 times out of 3 hangs up on you when you finally make it into the line. A "gym" that is just a room for anyone who wants to work out (no gym / sports equipment available except of some accessories...)... The minibar empty, no ironer or ironing board... poorly equipped for a 4 star hotel.

They brought the glasses for breakfast without washing them. The coffee stains from the day before were still there. It was a really bad breakfast. I definitely do not recommend it. Eat your food outside if possible and then go to bed