Our room was not ready at 2.00 pm as promised in the hotel booking. The receptionist advised that something needed repairing in the room. She also advised that we had booked a basement room, but they were all taken and they had found us accommodation on another floor. At c 2.15 pm we received the key card to a lovely apartment with separate bedroom both of which were spotlessly clean. The only disappointment was the dirty plates and dishes etc in the kitchenette which had been put away greasy with old food stuck to them. The hotel did not provide any washing up liquid, but fortunately I had a small bottle of antibacterial washing up liquid with me. No dishcloth or tea towel were provided either.

We had booked half board and found the attitude of the staff and the food disappointing. The fruit, especially the melon and papaya were extremely bland. My partner had the beef one night and it was so tough he couldn't cut through it with a steak knife and it was impossible to chew. The pork and the chicken were absolutely delightful and so was the rice. The vegetables were uninspiring and bland. The salads were very nice but the cheese was bland. The bacon was swimming in fat in the mornings that was when they hadn't run out. You could however wait for it to be replenished but everything else you had picked up had gone cold by then. One morning I opened two herbal tea bags and put them in two cups and went to the hot water dispenser which said "agua caliente" in large letters. It was empty. I walked across to the other side of the restaurant and went to the "agua caliente" and again that was empty. I asked the waitress (with the red streaks in her hair) if i could have some hot water for our drinks as the dispensers had run out and I didn't quite catch what she said in Spanish as I am partially deaf in one ear. I asked again and she shouted at me in a torrent of Spanish which I did hear which ended with "madre mia" as she threw her hands up in the air. This hysterical uncalled for outburst attracted the attention of most of the restaurant and was highly embarrassing. She led me to the coffee machine which said in small print "agua caliente" meaning I could get some hot water from the coffee machine. I must admit I have never been shouted at by a waitress like this ever before. I will certainly not be staying at the Santa Maria ever again and I would not recommend it to anyone.

Was at this hotel last september and looking forward to returning again on 27th march this time half board, i heard on my last visit that you can swap your evening meal for a lunchtime snack which will come in handy as there are so many great places to eat nearby. The hotel is lovely and staff were very helpful.