We booked 2 rooms for one nights stay for my wife’s birthday. A friend of ours recommended the hotel (5 rooms) highly. Even before we got there it was obvious that the owners, Toni and Sofi, took pride in their work. When we arrived in the village by a winding mountain road, we got a real feel for the kind of place Guadalest is. Almonds drying in the sunlight in front of the hotel, wonderful undulating landscapes, a castle, gift shops, cafes, tapas bars in fact loads to see and do. Toni recommends travelling into the village for the Benidorm side, as the road is not quite so challenging. Nothing was any trouble. I booked a table for 4 on the terrace overlooking the castle and asked if there was a local bakery, so I could order the obligatory birthday cake. Toni told me not to worry as he would arrange anything I needed for the birthday meal. On arrival, we were met by Toni. He took us through the usual check in procedures and introduced us to the iPad system used by the hotel. What a great idea! No more calling room service or trying to book a table. Just book everything and communicate directly with the management by text messages and tick box menus. Evening meal choices, breakfasts, anything. Fantastic. Our two rooms were smaller than the other three. Maybe we should have booked earlier, by all the same the were clean, tidy an well equipped. Nonetheless, we still had great views of the countryside and the castle. As Toni said at check in, the village goes quiet after sunset when all the travelling tourists go home. With a population of 226 and an annual 2 million visitors a year you can see why it goes quiet after sunset. We went for our evening meal and we were spoiled by a fantastic selection of local produce, prepared by the ever busy Sofi. As the sun went down the temperature dropped a bit, but blankets are provided for the ladies. Toni and Sofi managed to secretly hang up a banner and bunting for the birthday girl who was pleasantly surprised when she walked on to the terrace. They have an honesty bar in the reception area, which was very well stocked. Breakfast was another delight. Seven courses, each delicious with many local ingredients. Homemade jams, yoghurts etc. Were amongst the many things available. The town itself is quite hilly, with cobbled areas. Not a problem for our group, but it might be difficult for people with mobility difficulties. The Algar falls are only a short drive away, also worth a visit. Take your swimming gear..... Gracias por todo Toni and Sofi 👍🏻🥂
