Hotel Balneario San Nicolás

“Total relaxation”

Spotless hotel and room. The room was basic but everything required was there was a fridge, slimline tv and extra seats. The shower was over the bath always with hot water available. The meals though mainly Spanish were very healthy with plenty of choice and different fresh fruit daily. Breakfast w… more

Spotless hotel and room. The room was basic but everything required was there was a fridge, slimline tv and extra seats. The shower was over the bath always with hot water available. The meals though mainly Spanish were very healthy with plenty of choice and different fresh fruit daily. Breakfast was Continental but again plenty to choose from. Wine was supplied during lunch & dinner a choice of red, white or rose with the option to purchase beer if required. With exception of one young man on reception during the early evening all staff were so very helpful and could not do enough for you. The Spa treatments were wonderfully relaxing again we were cared for by wonderful staff especially Maria who went out of her way to explain things to us. We visited Almeria by ourselves also Fort Bravo movie studios but did take a hotel organised trip which was well organised, very inexpensive, showed us the area, history, ceramic factory, bodega and museum all at different places. There is also some entertainment in the evenings. The courtyard is comfortable and areas sectioned with shrubs also two water fountains at each end with spa water for drinking and indeed many people were filling their bottles daily. A very friendly village where we would return at a later date.

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“Lovely old hotel with natural spa ”

Lovely old hotel with natural spa located in the mountains north east of Almeria City. Delightful staff. Bar was open during the day but not staffed- you had to phone reception to get a drink ! Bedroom a good size and spotlessly clean. Decor old and a little basic but then it is only a 3 star ho… more

Lovely old hotel with natural spa located in the mountains north east of Almeria City. Delightful staff. Bar was open during the day but not staffed- you had to phone reception to get a drink ! Bedroom a good size and spotlessly clean. Decor old and a little basic but then it is only a 3 star hotel. Lovely terrace area to sit out on. I fel the €78 process for one night was top end for what you get. Spa is lovely but again, rather expensive. Breakfast was lovely.

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“Getting older has to have a few advantages”

My husband and I live in southern Spain and had visited most of the nearby spas with natural thermal waters, especially those with a bit of historical background. We had never been to San Nicolas, and were not sure about our choice after reading some of the criticisms in the reviews, but decided to… more

My husband and I live in southern Spain and had visited most of the nearby spas with natural thermal waters, especially those with a bit of historical background. We had never been to San Nicolas, and were not sure about our choice after reading some of the criticisms in the reviews, but decided to go anyway. After spending a week here, we can say that it was good decision. However, it must be said that this hotel is not for everyone. First of all, the hotel is tailored for older people and has fewer children than Hamelin after the Pied Piper had passed through. There are a lot of people here who are over 70, but so what? We are also senior citizens (though not quite that senior...yet).The elderly make about the same amount of noise as excursions of younger people. In fact, because of being over 55, we got an incredibly good deal because one price included a superior room (with a small living room), three meals, the spa circuit (with six hydrotherapy techniques) in the morning and a choice of two other treatments from a long list of massages, facials, mudbaths, etc. (hey, getting older has to have some advantages). The lack of young people was not a deal-killer for us because we have a lot of young people at home and enjoy an occasional rest from them. And we greatly enjoyed all of the treatments, which at least give one the illusion of being able to aspire to eternal youth. Secondly, it is true that there is little or nothing to do in the town. After you have walked around the village for an hour, you have seen it all. Nor are there bars or discos. So, this is not a good place for those who wish to party. This was not a problem for me since I was looking for peace and quiet as an escape from a high-stress job. So, I greatly enjoyed the tranquility. Thirdly, I had read criticisms of the food and toiletries. The food (included in the price), which is served in a buffet, is good standard Spanish fare. It reminded me of when I used to go to eat at my mother-in-law´s. It is no frills, but plentiful and with all the wine that one can drink (choice of white, red, and rosé). As for the breakfast, it is strictly continental (which happens to be my preference). However, anyone looking for bacon and eggs in the morning would have to look elsewhere. As for the toiletries, there is gel and soap (so what?). Personally, I always use my own shampoo, and the towels are good quality. The personnel were all very friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. Since we speak Spanish, I did not test their English. I would imagine that it is sketchy but their friendliness and desire to communicate would probably compensate for any lack of linguistic competence. The rooms are clean and spacious. There is some air conditioning noise, but again I was raised in Miami in the 1960's, where one needed air conditioning to survive the heat. So, it is was something that I hardly noticed. There is also free wi-fi and a beautiful courtyard, where one can sit and have a drink in the evening. It is a pity that there is no open-air swimming pool. Nonetheless, we were very happy about our decision to spend a week in San Nicolas as a way to get away from it all. We certainly plan to return.

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“Somerset Maugham Country”

We enjoy a good spa hotel and have stayed in several. This is not one of them. Expensive for three star. Room is OK although don't expect shampoo in the bathroom, just gel and poor quality soap. Towels poor. We had a superior room with a sofa that was around in Sr. Maugham's lifetime. Empty f… more

We enjoy a good spa hotel and have stayed in several. This is not one of them. Expensive for three star. Room is OK although don't expect shampoo in the bathroom, just gel and poor quality soap. Towels poor. We had a superior room with a sofa that was around in Sr. Maugham's lifetime. Empty fridge and no kettle. Breakfast was pathetic and they kept running out of things, cheese, plates, and stale bread. Tomato for the tostada was tinned. hardly any friut in a province that has half the land covered in plastic which produces beautiful veggies and fruit. The spa was a disappointment. Everything in the basement, fair enogh, but no large pool to lie in. And expensive, although there was a cheap price if you asked. 30€ for the circuit was robbery. And worst than everything was the noise at breakfast. The little old ladies (and men) shouting at eachother. the town was clean and tidy and very quiet. Bars limited but served good tapas on tables in the street.

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