dowdy room
We decided to pay a little more for our accommodation in San Rafael in order to have access to pleasant outdoor space. From the Rough Guide description and the hotel’s website we were sold on Regine Hotel.
Having sent an email we were told there was availablity but never received a final confirmation of the booking, but turned up hoping that all was good. No reception staff were around, so three maids tried to figure out what we were saying and soon it was clear there was no reservation, but they did have a room available so we were taken to it.
What a disappointment! It was clean but so basic, the term “rustic” taken to a new low. Dark, small and poorly furnished the room smelled of chlorine although appeared to be clean enough, but there were stains and marks on the walls and woodwork, the room clearly in need of a refurb. The bathroom was tired, with chipped and broken tiles, it was also in need of a good springclean, marks on the tiles giving away the lack of thorough cleaning. We decided to sit tight and stay, but felt ripped off for the price! (They give you a discount for paying in cash)
Our room was at the end of a long corridor of rooms, the tiles and walls unforgiving in softening noise much to our misfortune. It seems Hotel Regine’s main custom comes from accommodating bus tour groups. A group staying there were having a party in the main reception area which this corridor ran off… the party starting at 12 midnight. We were shocked at the loud music and couldn’t understand why the large dining room wasn’t being used for a party, as it was a separate building so would provide other guests some protection from the noise! Groovy grannies getting tarted up for the party were squeeling like teenagers from room to room getting ready, their heeled shoes clip clopping on the tiles as they went, as we were trying to get some sleep! (Yes, it’s sad that thirtysomethings were trying to go to sleep at midnight as the sixtysomethings were getting dolled up to party, but we were tired!!). The hard surfaces of the corridor meant that any and every noise travelled and the thin doors, with open vents above, did not provide any barrier. If you wish to sleep, then this was not the place to do it – not great for a Hotel!
The outdoor space is lovely, though. With a decent sized swimming pool, deck and terrace as well as garden it is pleasant to sit out on later in the afternoon on return from trekking around sight-seeing. But with the tired, dated rooms and constant noise, the outdoor area was not enough of a comprimise. If you want to sleep, then find somewhere else to stay in San Rafael!
