Holiday Inn Alicante - Playa de San Juan

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I normally stay in boutique hotels; however, as this was a last minute decision in need of a break in the sun, longer than a weekend, I decided to book a holiday in Spain, somewhere new. I was surprised when I saw this worldwide branded hotel were advertising themselves as a 4-star hotel. Previous 4-star hotels have always provided excellent service, excellent facilities with a touch of class without the heavy price tag. 

Day three of my six night stay at the Holiday Inn, Alicante and I'm ready to review, and it ain't going to be pretty. As I don't speak Spanish, the frontline staff, especially Reception have made it perfectly clear since I don't speak Spanish they can't be bothered with me. 

Whilst attempting to ask questions regarding excursions (or day tours, depending on who you spoke to) other Spanish speaking hotel guests would be spoken to and attended to over the top of me, whilst I am ignored and once their enquiry was completed, I would be returned to, and the look of exasperation and contempt from the Reception staff were all to plain on their face. 

Having worked in hospitality for nine years, eight of those behind many a Reception desk, the main reason for your existence is to assist your hotel guest. Providing yes or no answers to questions regarding things to do and see in Alicante is appalling. Where is the assistance? Where are the recommendations? Why aren't Reception staff informed about local attractions, places to go and see? Why are they so reluctant to be polite, helpful and courteous?

Handing me a photocopied piece of paper regarding excursions, written in Spanish, is NOT helpful.

At one point I had to return to my room to retrieve my iPad and use Google Translate to converse, forcing them to communicate and once that tool came out of the bag they suddenly sprung to life, yet they didn't know anything.

To be treated as an inconvenience is utterly appalling. My complete and utter personal apology for not speaking Spanish in your hotel. I won't do it again.

Although this is not completely fair, as the only person who bothered to attempt a friendly interaction was the Housekeeping lady who was very friendly. Five stars to her. 

The room is extremely basic, no coffee / tea making facilities, no fridge, with only a room safe, television, air conditioning and beds that roll around the room when attempting to sleep. The wheel locks on the bed base are broken. Oh, and as I'm thinking about the bed, I did ask many times for a double bed, but your unhelpful staff insisted on placing me in a room with two singles pushed together and don't stay together because the locks on the wheels are broken and they roll around the room. The toilet flushes, so we have to be thankful for small mercies. 

On a positive note, everything and everyone outside of the hotel complex are friendly, lovely and polite. The people of Alicante are very welcoming and attentive, just don't expect the same from the staff at the Holiday Inn.

I'd rather stay at Faulty Towers.