San Sebastián de la Gomera Hotels

We loved the atmosphere and antique decor and the feeling that we were guests in a stately home. Such a pleasant change from anonymous modern hotels. Easy access from the ferry and an excellent base for visiting the mountains.

Although the parador was built about 20 years ago, it feels like it is 300 years old. Located on the top of a hill overlooking San Sebastian and the sea, it is a rather romantic setting. The parador oozes with charm and the room was comfortable and tastefully decorated. Service from staff working at Reception and at breakfast are excellent and efficient. Nothing to do with the hotel as such: when we arrived by ferry at San Sebastian, no taxis would take us to the parador because it was not far enough. Taxi drivers on the island are rare, greedy and arrogant. We had to phone the hotel in order to have a taxi to pick us up. The advice is to arrange a taxi with the hotel beforehand. Breakfast: the "tortilla espanola" on one morning had HAM in it although it wasn't labelled as such. Equally, people were expecting to use the same utensils to pick up cheese and meat. The needs of vegetarians need to be more taken into account. The advice is to book a room on a top floor as we could hear foot steps, the noise of people talking normally, going to the toilets, etc... from the floor above.

Very peaceful and quiet, despite the hotel being quite full. Really superb views of the sea. Set in beautiful, tropical gardens - very interesting for gardeners and garden-lovers alike. No kettle in room. Would have loved a decent cup of tea, as Spanish tea is awful - at least from a British point of view.