Crisol Almería

This hotel is highly regarded for its central location in the heart of the old city, making it an ideal base for exploring. Its signature feature is its prime position on a pedestrian street, surrounded by vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering immediate access to the city's pulse. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the overall cleanliness of the premises, and the excellent value for money it provides. This makes it a great fit for sightseers and city explorers who wish to navigate on foot, as well as couples seeking a convenient and comfortable urban getaway. For those planning a city trip, the hotel's accessibility to major attractions is a significant advantage. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room that does not face the internal atrium for more natural light, and be prepared for the unique and challenging car elevator if you plan to use the on-site parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest convenience, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally good and fast, enabling guests to stay connected, though some have reported it can be intermittent or weak in certain areas. Rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge, often stocked with complimentary water, which is a thoughtful touch. However, guests frequently note a scarcity of electrical outlets, particularly near the beds, which can be inconvenient for charging multiple devices. Some rooms lack a hairdryer or a kettle, which guests would appreciate. The hotel features a unique car elevator for accessing the underground parking, which many find challenging due to its tight space, especially for larger vehicles. Additionally, some rooms face an internal atrium rather than the exterior, which can result in less natural light and occasional noise from the lobby area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms and bathrooms as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds are frequently highlighted, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a recurring comment is that the soft pillows are not to everyone's preference. While many rooms are described as spacious and quiet, some guests note that rooms can be small or appear dated, with occasional scuff marks on walls. Noise levels receive mixed reviews; while some rooms are very quiet, others experience noise levels from adjacent rooms, bathrooms, or street activity, particularly if located above bars. The spacious bathrooms are generally well-received, offering good water pressure, though a few guests have reported issues such as slippery floors, broken showerheads, or minor mold. The effectiveness of the air conditioning is also a point of contention, with some finding rooms too warm, especially outside of peak summer months when the system may not be fully operational.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's breakfast is quite varied, ranging from "amazing" to "disappointing" and "very simple." Most guests find the breakfast variety to be limited, typically offering a basic continental selection. Common observations include a lack of hot options like scrambled eggs, and a scarcity of fresh fruit, cereals, cheese, or yogurt. The selection often consists primarily of bread rolls, ham, jam, and a few pastries like croissants and donuts. The coffee quality is frequently criticized, described as "awful" or "transparent," and the tea is also noted as lacking flavor. While the hotel does not feature a full restaurant or bar for other meals, its central location means numerous dining options are readily available nearby. Some guests have also noted that hot water for beverages like tea was unavailable when the bar area was closed.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, placing guests within easy walking distance of all major attractions. Situated on a pedestrian street, it offers a quiet ambiance while being immediately surrounded by a vibrant array of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Key landmarks such as the Alcazaba and the cathedral are just a short stroll away, and the port and beach area are accessible within a 15-minute walk. The availability of on-site parking is a significant advantage in the city center, though it comes with caveats. Access to the underground parking is via a challenging car elevator, which many guests describe as very tight and difficult to maneuver, especially for larger vehicles. Parking cannot be reserved in advance, and spaces are limited, leading to potential unavailability. Despite these challenges, the convenience of having parking in such a central spot is highly valued. The hotel is also conveniently located near a public transportation bus station.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight their professional and welcoming demeanor, noting their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests. The quick check-in process is appreciated, and staff members are often commended for their attentiveness and problem-solving skills, such as accommodating booking errors or storing luggage before check-in. Many reviews mention specific instances of staff providing excellent advice on local attractions or assisting with parking challenges. The overall impression is one of dedicated and attentive service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. However, one guest reported being disturbed by a late-night call regarding parking, suggesting a need for more considerate communication protocols in certain situations.

Additional Information
Guests appreciate the thoughtful provision of complimentary water bottles in their rooms upon arrival. While the hotel generally maintains a clean and comfortable environment, some areas or furnishings may appear dated, reflecting the hotel's age, though some rooms have been renovated. A notable point for travelers is the hotel's parking policy: spaces cannot be reserved in advance, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, which can be a source of frustration. Furthermore, some in-room amenities like hairdryers or kettles are not consistently available, which guests might expect. Guests should also be aware that rooms facing the street, particularly those above bars or restaurants, can experience outside noise until late hours. Some guests have also noted receiving an excessive number of automated email communications regarding checkout procedures.