Eurostars Gran Hotel La Toja

What a trip back to another time... and generation (or two or three). This is a classic, older hotel that's seen fancier days (as recently at the late 80s, with major conferences held here) but is still hanging in there with current management (for the most part). And it remains very, very photogenic! Some photos are attached. If you're in the area, THIS is the hotel to stay at. Really enjoyed our visit here because Gran Hotel La Toja is so utterly unique. The hotel itself was obviously built to be grand and is still a little grand... it was very enjoyable to see some older guests who have obviously coming for decades get a special welcome. That said, don't expect a modern-day five experience (for instance, a Four Seasons or even a Ritz-Carlton), even though in its day I'm sure it could have kept up. It's located on a charming, small island linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Half the island is a bit trashy, half has very nice resort-y vibe. There is a small shopping "center" in the middle of the island as you drive in with a small grocery store so you can get snacks (and more) but mostly it's just empty storefronts and fading restaurants. Hotel parking was easy... there are no gates anymore. (As I said, it's not as fancy as it was). Check-in was friendly. We were generously offered their best room... high floor with a great view of the bay (facing east) and pool. Alas, it smelled a little funky. It was clean... just the air was a bit mildewy? Bad air-con? We asked for another room (I believe from Rodrigo, who was very accommodating) and got a better one with a lesser view (still nice but not as good, facing north and located over the service entrance), but more importantly, it smelled fine. The pool waters are truly healing (which is why this hotel was built on this small island initially)... I can only imagine what the spa is like. The morning buffet was quite lavish served in a beautiful glassed-in sun room and the lawn area around the pool was utterly beautiful with great views across the bay featuring vivid, vibrant yellow umbrellas and lounge chairs that were obviously brand new. A nice touch that made everything feel fresher yet classic. The main restaurant and bar did not appeal to us at all (too brightly lit at night, too fancy a menu), so we got sandwich fixings at the grocery store on the island for dinner. This area is not quite as scenic as it once was due to some dubious development over the years and weather-wise it is a bit rainy on this coast in summer. That probably makes it less desirable for high-end summer travel (it was kind of empty in July) and harder to keep going at a certain quality level, but they do somehow manage and it was one of the most memorable stays I've had in years. BTW... the hotel is very well maintained (minus the AC smell in our first room)... I want to stress that. Everything looked newly repainted. In fact, they were repainting the front facade while we were there. I highly recommend the Gran Hotel La Toja even if I don't really want to give it 5 stars. How's 4.5? I rounded up because it was so memorable. If you're in the area and want to experience old-fashioned charm that is still holding on and almost impossible to find elsewhere in Europe at this price point (or any other, really)... please plan a visit soon.

We spent an afternoon having drinks with friends in the main salon. It was a lovely setting and the service was excellent, the servers were there when we needed them but unobtrusive otherwise. The view of the ocean was nice and peaceful. We only saw the common areas but the hotel is beautifully appointed and it has a lot of class. Would like to stay some time when we are in the area.

There are many hotels whose name includes the word "Grand," but few of these are truly deserving of this adjective. The Grand Hotel La Toja is grand, indeed. There are very few truly grand properties left in Spain, as some of these formerly elegant hotels have been renovated within an inch of their lives, with the result that all charm has been lost. (The former Ritz, Madrid, now the Mandarin, is an example of what I speak.). This is our second stay in as many years and not only did we extend our stay, but we are planning a three-week-long stay next year. Every inch of this property is elegant in the Old World manner. Rooms are beautiful, beds are impeccably comfortable, marble-lined bathrooms are a delight. Rooms are quiet. (we had #325, facing the sea) . Staff speak excellent English, as is true in much of Galicia. No renovation is needed, contrary to what a few reviewers have said. This hotel is perfect just the way it is!!! More than just the physical plant, the staff are jewels, each and every one. Special thanks must go to Andres, who has been here for 28 years now and did absolutely everything to ensure that our eleven-day stay will never be forgotten!!! This man actually drove to a restaurant that we wanted to dine at, but could not contact by phone! He drove there to find out their hours of opening!! Have you ever heard of a hotel staff member going so far out of his or her way for a guest??? This hotel is a dream and I have finally find "our" place to luxuriate every year in springtime!! Mil gracias a todos las personas que nos dieron tanta ayuda!!! Y un gracias especial para Andres--dejaste una huella inolvidable en nosotros!! Nos vemos todos, en Junio, 2026!!!

the location

Location

First of all: a big praise to the staff of this wonderful hotel: Especially David Costa in Guest Relations and Enrique, the Chef. They made our stay here wonderful. Enrique is a true master of his profession. And David helped us to solve our problem: The hotel was too noisy for us. Many families with babies, and in addition, a very loud orchestra playing during almost all evenings at the only restaurant that was open for dinner. That was too much for us. David found for us a country hotel in Galicia, called "Aurea Palacio de Sober". That was much more to our taste. My recommendation for the Eurostars group is the following: Eurostars owns 3 properties on this small island of La Toja. Why not designate one hotel for families with small children, and make this Gran Hotel a place for a more adult clientèle (over 12 years old)? This magnificent hotel has the potential to become the equivalent of Cap d'Antibes or Hostal de la Gavina, but it needs a facelift: definitely new sunbeds by the pool with a foam mattress, a renovation of the rooms, and a different concept for the evening meals. The location and the tradition make this hotel unique - but it needs a new concept and a renovation. The staff is one of the best I found at any hotel in the world. With this staff, this hotel could become really "GRAND" - if Eurostars decides to invest in this place.