It’s been a long time since I was last in a youth hostel, and as a now 45 year old man there is probably a reason for this. Arriving late on the Tuesday night with fond memories of dorm parties and tequila slammers, I was greeted by what I initially thought was captain Jack Sparrow, but who actually transpired to be a very friendly chap who helped us to navigate the intricacies of the main entrance. Door buzzed, suitcases lifted up the stairs and ugh who let mum and dad in looks absorbed, we were handed our keys by a lovely member of the team alongside vouchers for two free shots. Enthusiastically we were informed that the bar was open until 1am that night, although we had missed the pub crawl for the evening. I’m flattered I guess, however we decided to give the shots a miss in favour of a nice sleep. Yup, Father Time catches up with us all… We had a private double with a shared bathroom, and although very small it was comfortable enough. The pillow has perhaps seen better days, but the A/C was a life saver! Spending the days walking around town and doing some gentle exploring, the nights were largely spent for myself at least in the bar area downstairs. It’s a small but perfectly functional area, and in all honesty wasn’t the screaming mess of teenagers away from home for the first time that I had been expecting. At 3 euros a pint I was certainly very happy to sit and read whilst various cool young things did their thing in the background. Declining participation in the pub crawl for a second time, I was tempted with the tapas tasting but plans for the night changed due to friends arriving a day early and diner reservations being made. From a comfort point of view, our bathroom was shared between three double rooms I believe on the third floor, and this was never an issue. I attribute this to the fact that we were likely on very different schedules with us going out for the day and back for the night, as opposed to the perhaps more night based activities of our fellow residents. Bedroom like I said small, but hey, who cares, we weren’t here to sit in a room all day. The breakfast was absolutely fine, and for 5 euros a day you really cannot complain. All in all very happy with my stay, though peeking into an open dorm room one day my god I wouldn’t have survived the week unless you could take 25 years off me! Good job though overall Sant Jordi, and I’d certainly consider staying again - safe, friendly and somewhere I’m sure 20 year old me would have had a blast!
Arrival and Check in 3/5 On arrival we were not really helped with our luggage. The lady didn’t recognise our diamond status. After I reminded her that I would like the free breakfast. When we asked reception for advice on restaurants shopping etc they not been very helpful to be honest Rooms 5/5 The room are spacious very clean with a wonderful balcony. The sleep quality was exceptional. The only thing was the shower temperature did not remain steady throughout your shower. The housekeeping is good. It is great at last a hotel with USB B & C plugs by the bed. Thank you!! Breakfast 5/5 On arrival the first morning at breakfast it was clear reception had messed up with advising the restaurant breakfast was included. To the rescue came Vanessa. We left it with her she resolved the issue. No drama No fuss. The breakfast is fantastic. I have to say the breakfast team are a credit to this hotel. They helped us also with our questions on the local area where to get best pasteles etc. Dinner and Bar 5/5 The superb team at breakfast continues into night. The bar team of both Pedros made us fantastic express mi martinis. The whole team is super friendly. The buffet was adequate. When they run out of tonic water and Grey Goose the F&B Manager I think called Diego changed a negative situation into a positive one. For me is a Sign of great customer experience. A little treat awaited us on return to room. This nice touches show the staff listen to the clients. Spa and Pool 5/5 We only used the Internal Pool. The lane dividiers in the pool were dirty. They are not needed and should be removed. The cleanliness around pool was top notch Overall this is the best Crowne plaza I have ever stayed in. The staff at the restaurant are level I would expect at intercontinental. I would definetly come back. Bit more of customer service training and this hotel would be exceptional.
The location of this hotel is far from historic center but 10 minutes walking to the nearest Alameda metro, but first the walking distance to the Alameda metro station is not to closed. Then get off in Rossio metro station and walk in historic center. Then going back the same and going up the hill is not easy as they say. The hotel cleaning was fine. The staff too. Breakfast so so, not for the price of 9 euros p/p. Now the noise from next door rooms was horrible, no respect to anyone and beds not as comfortable. The are does not look to safe, but is ok. Just be early at the hotel.