CoolRooms Palacio de Luces

CoolRooms Palacio de Luces, nestled in the picturesque village of Luces, Spain, is consistently lauded as a luxurious and exceptional retreat, earning a prestigious Michelin Key One-Keys distinction. Housed in a magnificently restored 16th-century palace, the hotel blends historic grandeur with contemporary design, offering guests a tranquil escape amidst Asturias' stunning natural landscape.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for CoolRooms Palacio de Luces is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "wonderful," "amazing," "excellent," and even "a masterpiece of luxury". It boasts high satisfaction scores, with a reported 9.2 out of 10 rating from numerous reviews, indicating a strong positive sentiment among visitors.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of CoolRooms Palacio de Luces. The property itself, a beautifully renovated 16th-century palace, is a major highlight, with its unique decor blending classic and modern elements. The comfortable and well-appointed rooms, along with excellent amenities such as a serene spa, indoor heated pool, gym, extensive gardens, and even mini-golf, are frequently mentioned. The friendly, attentive, and helpful staff receive consistent accolades, often cited for going the "extra mile". Furthermore, the hotel's idyllic location, surrounded by forests and offering breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea and Picos de Europa mountains, is a significant draw.

Room Quality

The 44 rooms and suites, spread across the original palace and a modern annexed building, are designed to be an extension of the surrounding landscape, featuring palettes inspired by the Asturian countryside. Guests describe them as very comfortable, spacious, lovely, and beautifully furnished. Many rooms offer fabulous views of the palace gardens, Lastres Bay, the Sueve Mountain Range, the Cantabrian Sea, or the Picos de Europa Mountains. In-room amenities include 55-inch Smart TVs, Nespresso coffee makers, tea-making kits, minibars, climate control, bathrobes, slippers, high-speed WiFi, and Molton Brown bath products. Some premium options, such as the Junior Suites, come with sizable private gardens.

Dining Experience

CoolRooms Palacio de Luces offers a notable culinary experience through its two eateries. Tella, the fine-dining gastronomic restaurant, is a major attraction, with a menu curated by Chef Francisco Ruiz that delves into traditional Asturian flavors, recipes, and local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also subtly incorporates Caribbean influences, a nod to the historical ties of the palace's former owners. For a more relaxed setting, La Palmera Snack Bar provides a casual dining option. Breakfast is often described as superb, though guests should note it is typically an additional cost, usually around €29-€35 per person for buffet or à la carte options. Room service featuring the Snack Bar menu is also available during specific hours.

Service & Staff

The hotel's staff receives exceptional praise for their professionalism, warmth, and attentiveness. Guests highlight their friendly, helpful, efficient, and respectful demeanor, with many noting instances where employees went the "extra mile" to ensure a pleasant stay. From managing EV charging points to providing detailed attention to small details for special occasions, the hospitality is a consistent strong point.

Location & Accessibility

CoolRooms Palacio de Luces is situated in Luces, a small and traditional Asturian village, approximately 2 kilometers from the charming fishing village of Lastres, recognized as one of Spain's most beautiful. Its location is highly regarded, nestled between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa mountains, surrounded by 13,000 m2 of gardens and natural forests. Nearby attractions include the beaches of La Isla (about a 10-minute drive), Lastres Beach, and the Jurassic Museum of Asturias. The hotel is easily accessible via the A-8 Motorway, which connects to Santander in about 1.5 hours. The property is also mindful of accessibility, with public areas being wheelchair accessible and at least one room adapted for guests with mobility issues.

Value & Pricing

Many guests find CoolRooms Palacio de Luces to offer excellent value for money. Rates for a stay can start from approximately $169, with average prices over the last two weeks hovering around $354 for a weeknight and $374 for a weekend night. January is typically the most affordable month, seeing an average 48% drop in price, while August is generally the most expensive, with prices rising by about 38%.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of feedback have been noted by guests. One recurring comment is related to breakfast, where some guests mistakenly assume it is included in the room rate, only to find it is an additional cost. Another isolated comment mentioned a desire for more aroma in the wet sauna, suggesting a minor enhancement to the spa experience. Parking in nearby towns for individuals with mobility issues has also been noted as potentially limited.

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