SBH Crystal Beach Hotel & Suites - Adults Only

“Visiting for some cycling and relaxation”

Great place for adults only to stay - would love to see more English people as very much German contingent but lovely to get to know new people.

“Why we returned... and what stood out this time”

This year, for the second time, we stayed at this hotel during Christmas. This year we were in room 717. If we hadn’t been satisfied, we obviously wouldn’t have returned. What appeals to us most is not so much that it is adults-only, but especially the very relaxed atmosphere. It’s not a very lar… more

This year, for the second time, we stayed at this hotel during Christmas. This year we were in room 717. If we hadn’t been satisfied, we obviously wouldn’t have returned. What appeals to us most is not so much that it is adults-only, but especially the very relaxed atmosphere. It’s not a very large hotel, yet quite a number of guests stay there. You hardly notice them, though. There is always sufficient and spacious room around the pool, even though the sunbathing area itself isn’t very large. It is neatly finished with artificial grass, and the sunbeds and parasols are of good quality (unlike what you sometimes encounter at other nearby hotels). There are also additional sunbathing areas in and around the hotel. One of them, for example, is located downstairs almost directly by the beach. The attractive poolside area is seamlessly connected to the bar, which also marks an entrance to the hotel section and a small restaurant. Near the pool they also offer several Balinese beds, which can be rented for a fee. During our visit, however, these were not in use, as adjustments were being made, according to the staff. Inside the hotel, which may appear slightly dated in places, everything is very neat and clean. The cleaning staff certainly deserve respect and praise for this. The same applies to the room cleaning. The rooms are tidy and functional, with a balcony and seating area. And yes, as mentioned, here and there something may no longer be completely “new” or may show minor wear or peeling. But that certainly doesn’t spoil the experience. Compared to other hotels in the area, the rooms are absolutely fine. One point of concern for me was the bathtub with a shower inside it. This does not seem very suitable for older guests, as it requires some climbing and can be slippery. All in all: good rooms. And the cleaners clearly enjoy their work. They regularly surprise you with little touches and are very pleasant (and genuinely so) in their interactions. The clientele is somewhat older and mainly German, English, and Italian, with Germans clearly in the majority. This is also very noticeable in the food offerings. Yes, there is plenty of choice…that’s not the issue. Just to give an example: how about 24 different types of jam at breakfast! The issue is more about the taste experience. I don’t want to generalize about Germans and more traditional German cuisine, but I do miss the slightly more “exciting,” more flavorful, authentic local Spanish food. The food is somewhat flat in terms of taste. Only occasionally do you discover something truly well-seasoned or something distinctive that stands out flavor-wise. The chefs certainly do their best, that’s not the problem. I believe the demand of the (German) clientele is a decisive factor here, and personally I find that a shame. This also shows in the way guests are addressed. Staff tend to speak German almost immediately. As a result, the charm of being addressed in Spanish first is largely absent. Even when you try to speak Spanish yourself, they often quickly switch to German (or English). A pity! I personally like to improve my Spanish and aim to communicate in their language…but that turns out to be a challenge. As mentioned, the relaxed atmosphere is a major strength of this hotel. This atmosphere stems from the way some of the staff interact with guests. There are several people who genuinely and sincerely want to take good care of you. At the bar, for example, you’ll soon meet Carlos. He is truly the sunshine of the place. Alongside Carlos, there is Juliet. This young woman knows how to get things done and has a keen eye for the guests. Very little escapes her, and she is friendliness itself! If you look a bit further, you’ll also notice that the hotel manager is very visible and approachable, and is willing to roll up his sleeves when needed. Sometimes a bit awkward perhaps, but he does make the effort! One point of concern for me is the reception. On several occasions, I observed staff working in a rather rushed manner, handling multiple guests at the same time, and then (I frequently observed) laughing among themselves or speaking negatively about guests after they had left the desk. I find that unacceptable. Reception is the first point of contact. Guests may have concerns or feel nervous, and in such cases empathy and respectful treatment are essential. At departure, for example, we were not asked how our stay had been. To me, that is telling. Everything comes across as very functional rather than people-oriented. During our first visit (2024), the reception was clearly and noticeably more positive. Perhaps they should take a look at Carlos or Juliet. They could learn a lot from them. By the way, Yamila, who appears among other things as a hostess during meals, also belongs in the group of people who truly understand guest interaction. She is a real busy bee and literally and figuratively runs for the guests. And…she notices you, even when she is extremely busy! Finally, a few words about the surroundings and entertainment. I can be brief about that. The area is very quiet. Just hotels lined up next to each other and here and there a stray shop (souvenir shop, small supermarket, pharmacy, perfumery). There is not much entertainment in the area. The hotel itself does offer animation, and there is an activity or performance every evening (of varying quality, admittedly).

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“Be prepared for extra basic costs at this hotel”

We are guests staying at this hotel now Honest review .would we return . No due to additional charges including change of pool towels.Never before have I experienced this even though we have left 20 euros as a deposit Also charging for tea coffee and water in the room to be replenished Bring your … more

We are guests staying at this hotel now Honest review .would we return . No due to additional charges including change of pool towels.Never before have I experienced this even though we have left 20 euros as a deposit Also charging for tea coffee and water in the room to be replenished Bring your own teabags and coffee from home . Obviously the hotel drinks are expensive . Safe you also pay for . 4.5 euros a day Rooms are clean but need updating and nothing around the hotel. The small shops charge stupid prices for water etc and the nearest spa is a good 15 minutes walk. No pubs or entertainment nearby though we do walk a good mile to an area that has 2 pubs with sports on Food decent but restaurant has 2 sittings. Glad we are 7.30 and not 5.30 Definitely not returning

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