Eurostars Palacio de Cristal

Eurostars Palacio de Cristal, Oviedo: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Eurostars Palacio de Cristal in Oviedo stands out as a "Michelin Key Selected" property, largely owing to its striking architecture by Santiago Calatrava and a consistent record of positive guest experiences. This hotel, integrated into the Exhibition and Conference Centre, offers a blend of modern design, comfort, and attentive service, making it a highly regarded choice for travelers to Oviedo.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Eurostars Palacio de Cristal is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 8.8 out of 10, based on over 3,500 reviews, often described as "Fabulous" or "Excellent". Guests frequently praise the hotel, with many stating they would gladly return. The sentiment highlights a strong satisfaction with the overall experience, often emphasizing the hotel's modern appeal and comfort.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of the Eurostars Palacio de Cristal:

• Design & Architecture: The hotel's "spectacular façade" and "ultra-modern facilities" are a major draw, being part of Santiago Calatrava's Exhibition and Conference Centre. Its unique "space" design, with "impressive windows" and an "original combination of straight and curved lines," is frequently admired, especially by those with an appreciation for architecture.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives exceptional praise, with an outstanding rating of 9.3 and 9.7 in some reviews. They are consistently described as "friendly," "helpful," "efficient," "attentive to details," and "very kind."
• Cleanliness: The hotel boasts a high cleanliness rating (9.1 and 9.4), with guests noting rooms are "meticulously maintained," "pristine and inviting."
• Comfort: Comfort is a recurring theme, with mentions of "very comfortable and clean rooms" and a good night's sleep.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Eurostars Palacio de Cristal are generally described as spacious, comfortable, and clean. Many rooms offer "spectacular views" of the Picos de Europa in the distance or over the city center.

• Comfort and Design: Beds are reported to be very comfortable. The interior design is minimalist and modern, embracing technological trends.
• Bathroom Facilities: Bathrooms are often spacious and sometimes divided into two areas, frequently including both a bath and a separate shower cubicle, which guests find very convenient.
• Amenities: Rooms are well-lit with good air conditioning and sound insulation, ensuring quietness. Free Wi-Fi is available.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a positive dining experience, particularly regarding breakfast.

• Breakfast: The buffet breakfast is consistently rated as "very tasty and complete," "delicious," and "fantastic," with a variety of options, including consideration for gluten-free diets.
• On-site Restaurant & Bar: The hotel features an "elegant on-site restaurant" serving local and international cuisine, and a lounge bar. Dinner is available in the Lounge Bar from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
• Nearby Dining: Guests also have a "diverse range of dining options nearby," including traditional Spanish and Asturian cuisine restaurants within a short stroll.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff are a standout feature, receiving extremely high ratings (9.3-9.7). Guests consistently highlight the staff's professionalism and warmth.

• Hospitality: Staff members at both reception and the restaurant are described as "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and going "above and beyond to ensure that every guest's needs are met." They provide "personalized recommendations and assistance."
• Efficiency: Check-in is noted as quick and efficient.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location offers a balance of accessibility and proximity to the city center, while being part of a notable architectural complex.

• Neighborhood: Situated in the El Cristo y Buenavista district, the hotel is directly connected internally to the Congress Palace.
• Proximity to Attractions: It is a "short walk" to the city center and old town, with estimates ranging from 10 to 20 minutes on foot.
• Transport: The hotel has excellent road connections, being close to major national roads and highways. Private parking is available for €13/day and is often included in the room price, with an underground car park connecting to the main hotel lifts for convenience.

7. Value & Pricing

Eurostars Palacio de Cristal generally offers good value for its luxury and amenities.

• Pricing: The average room price is around $115, which is slightly higher than Oviedo's average of $97, but guests consider it to offer "exceptional value for money" for an "indulgent stay." Many reviews suggest that the "price of accommodation" is among the perfect aspects of the hotel.

8. Common Complaints

While overall highly praised, a few recurring minor issues have been noted by guests:

• Elevator Operation: A common complaint revolves around the elevators, which some guests find confusing to operate or experience long waiting times, sometimes up to 15 minutes.
• Spa & Room Service: The urban spa and room service are temporarily closed.
• Gym Limitations: One review mentioned the gym was "useless" and suggested it be removed.
• Shower Water Control: A minor complaint mentioned difficulty in regulating the shower water temperature.

In summary, Eurostars Palacio de Cristal is a highly recommended hotel in Oviedo, particularly for those who appreciate modern architecture, excellent service, and comfortable, clean accommodations. Its proximity to the city center and comprehensive amenities, coupled with positive guest feedback, solidify its standing as a Michelin Key Selected property.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. agoda.com
4. reserving.com
5. michelin.com
6. booking.com
7. eurostarshotels.com
8. eurostarshotels.co.uk
9. centraldereservas.com
10. eurostarshotels.us
11. hoteloviedo.net