Smy Carlos V Wellness & Spa Alghero

The hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its stunning sea views and a large saltwater pool that provides a refreshing escape. Its prime location makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and couples seeking romantic sunsets, while families appreciate the spacious accommodations and convenient access to the town. Guests often highlight the hotel's cleanliness and the generally friendly demeanor of the staff, though some experiences vary. The breakfast receives praise for its variety, but opinions on overall dining quality are mixed. A key feature is the well-equipped SPA, which, despite an additional charge, offers a relaxing experience. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room with a sea view to fully enjoy the breathtaking vistas, and be prepared for an extra fee if you plan to utilize the spa facilities. The hotel's proximity to the old town allows for easy exploration on foot.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large saltwater pool that is often praised for its size, cleanliness, and ample sunbeds, providing a relaxing area for guests, though some note the water can be quite cold or that sunbeds are sometimes occupied by towels for extended periods. The SPA is a significant amenity, described as beautiful, clean, and well-organized, offering various saunas, steam rooms, and hydro-massage options for relaxation. However, many guests express disappointment that SPA access incurs an additional charge, even for hotel residents, and some report it being unavailable or requiring advance booking. The fitness center is available, but several reviews indicate it is dated, with old equipment and sometimes lacking proper maintenance or amenities like towels and water. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally available, though some guests experienced intermittent issues. Parking is offered, with some finding it convenient and free, while others note the lot is small and can become full, especially during events.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and commend the overall cleanliness of the accommodations, with many appreciating the balconies that offer pleasant views. The beds receive mixed feedback; while some describe them as comfortable, others find the mattresses hard or note that king-size beds are often two singles pushed together, creating a gap. The bathrooms are typically large, equipped with showers and complimentary products, but some guests report maintenance issues such as leaking fixtures, dripping toilets, or a lack of proper ventilation. The air conditioning system also garners varied comments, with some finding it effective and quiet, while others experience it as inefficient, prone to random activation, or not adequately cooling the room. Noise levels are generally considered low, contributing to a peaceful stay, though some instances of noise from events or adjoining rooms have been mentioned. In-room amenities like televisions are sometimes described as small or outdated, and the absence of items like facial tissues or coffee makers is occasionally noted.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a prominent feature, with most guests praising its good selection and variety, including hot and cold options, pastries, and fresh fruits, though some note the coffee machines can be unreliable or that fresh fruit options are limited. Dietary needs, such as lactose-free and gluten-free choices, are often accommodated. Feedback on the main restaurant is varied; some guests enjoy high-quality food and a gourmet experience, particularly when dining with a sea view, while others find the menu options limited, the food quality inconsistent, or dishes served cold. Service in the restaurant can also be a point of contention, with some guests reporting slow or inattentive staff. The pool bar offers drinks and snacks, appreciated for its nice views and reasonable pricing, but the snack menu is often described as very limited, consisting mainly of pre-made items, and some guests encounter rude or slow service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for guests to explore the surrounding area. It is situated within a comfortable walking distance, typically 10-15 minutes, from the old town and its vibrant array of restaurants and shops, with a pleasant seafront promenade connecting the two. This allows for easy access to local attractions without the need for transportation. While the hotel offers parking, reviews indicate that the lot is relatively small and can become full, especially during peak times or when events are hosted, sometimes requiring guests to seek street parking. Access to the sea is nearby, often within a short walk, but the immediate beach areas are frequently described as rocky or with seaweed, suggesting that sandy beaches may require a short drive.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism across various departments, including reception, restaurant staff, and housekeeping. Instances of quick check-in and staff going out of their way to assist are frequently mentioned. However, a significant number of reviews describe experiences with rude staff, particularly at the bar and sometimes at reception or in the restaurant, leading to feelings of being unwelcomed or under surveillance. Some guests report slow or inattentive service, a lack of responsiveness to requests, or an overall unprofessional demeanor. The absence of a porter service for luggage upon arrival is also occasionally noted, which some guests find surprising for a hotel of this perceived caliber.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in guest feedback is the hotel's perceived star rating, with many guests questioning if it truly meets a five-star standard, often suggesting it feels more like a three or four-star property due to various dated aspects and service inconsistencies. A significant point of contention is the additional charge for SPA access, which is not included in the room rate, even for hotel guests, and is often described as overpriced. Furthermore, the SPA policy restricts children's access, and some guests note the absence or limited availability of room service. Other specific policies or observations include an empty minibar upon arrival, the hotel's control over air conditioning settings from reception, and issues with sunbeds being occupied by towels for extended periods without actual use.