Hotel Ele Andarax

This hotel is often chosen for its central location in Aguadulce, offering easy access to local amenities and a short walk to the beach. Its rooftop pool provides a refreshing escape with pleasant views, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers and couples seeking a relaxed stay. Many guests highlight the hotel's cleanliness and the exceptional friendliness of its staff, which significantly enhances the overall experience. For those looking for an economical base to explore the area, it presents a viable option. To make the most of your visit, consider requesting a room away from the main avenue to minimize street noise, and be prepared for an uphill walk when returning from the beach.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a rooftop pool that, while generally small, is appreciated for a quick cool-down and offers good views. Some guests noted the pool area could benefit from more shade and that it occasionally closes early. Inside, guests can find recreational options such as a ping-pong table and billiards. However, the Wi-Fi connectivity is frequently reported as slow and unreliable, making it difficult to stream or browse effectively. A common point of feedback is the absence of a mini-fridge in the rooms, which many guests find inconvenient, especially during warmer months. Additionally, hairdryers are not standard in rooms and must be requested from reception.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the rooms and common areas is consistently praised by guests, with many highlighting the diligent work of the cleaning staff who ensure daily tidiness and towel changes. However, the room condition is often described as dated and in need of renovation, reflecting the hotel's age. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; some found the mattresses and pillows uncomfortable, noting springs or thinness, while others reported comfortable beds. Noise levels can be an issue, particularly for rooms facing the main avenue, due to street traffic and thin walls. The bathroom design is frequently mentioned, with many guests reporting that water easily escapes the shower area, leading to wet floors. Basic amenities like hand soap are often absent, with only small sachets of gel and shampoo provided.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience, particularly the buffet for breakfast and dinner, receives varied but often critical feedback. While some guests found the food quality acceptable for the price, many described it as repetitive, lacking variety, and sometimes cold. Common complaints include the limited selection of fresh items, particularly fruit and desserts, which often consist of gelatin and basic pastries. Concerns were also raised about the practice of refilling water and wine bottles, and the quality of certain ingredients like the olive oil. Despite these criticisms, some guests found the main dishes, especially fish and certain cooked items, to be tasty.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location in Aguadulce, making it convenient for guests to access local shops, restaurants, and bars. It is situated approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from the beach, though the return journey involves an uphill climb, which some guests found challenging. Public transport is easily accessible, with bus stops located directly opposite the hotel, providing connections to nearby towns like Almería and Roquetas. Parking is generally not an issue, with ample free street parking available around the hotel, and a paid hotel parking option also provided, which guests found reasonably priced.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional service provided by the reception staff, who are described as helpful and efficient, often accommodating requests like early check-in. The restaurant service and bar service are also commended, with staff noted for their positive attitude and willingness to assist. Many reviews emphasize that the dedication and warm demeanor of the entire team significantly contribute to a pleasant stay, often compensating for other perceived shortcomings of the hotel.

Additional Information
Many guests staying at the hotel are part of the IMSERSO program, a Spanish government-subsidized travel scheme for seniors. While the hotel's staff are highly praised for their support of these guests, some participants felt the hotel age and facilities were not entirely suited for the program's specific needs, particularly regarding disabled access (lack of ramps at the entrance, though staff assist with luggage). The air conditioning system has received mixed reviews, with some guests reporting it being turned off during certain hours or not functioning optimally. Guests should also be aware that there is often limited animation or entertainment provided. A safe box fee is charged for in-room safes.