Faustino Gran

Faustino Gran, a Michelin Key One-Keys property in Menorca, Spain, consistently receives high praise for its enchanting atmosphere, exceptional service, and prime location within the historic heart of Ciutadella. This luxury retreat, comprised of three meticulously restored 16th, 17th, and 18th-century palaces, offers a blend of historical charm and modern sophistication.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Faustino Gran is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "wonderful" and "fabulous." It boasts an impressive average rating of 9.0 out of 10 from over 500 reviews, with particularly high scores for location (9.8), cleanliness (9.5), and comfort (9.6). Many consider it one of the best luxury resorts in Menorca, offering a tranquil escape. Some even suggest it's the kind of hotel where a show like "White Lotus: Menorca" would be filmed, highlighting its luxurious and intimate ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore Faustino Gran for several standout features:

• Location: Its central position in Ciutadella's old town, opposite the port, is frequently lauded as "perfect" and "spectacular." It feels secluded despite being in the city center.
• Design & Ambience: The hotel's breathtaking design, blending the historical architecture of its palace buildings with minimalist and sophisticated interiors, is a major draw. Guests appreciate the "chill and romantic" atmosphere, the beautiful gardens, and the overall "classy" and "high end boutique" feel.
• Service: The staff's exceptional hospitality, described as "extremely helpful, cheerful and kind," "phenomenal," and "attentive without being overbearing," is a recurring highlight.
• Amenities: The property offers three different pools, including a spa with a hammam and sauna, contributing to an indulgent and relaxing stay. The option for boat charters and access to a rural country club, Casa de Pau, also adds to the unique experience.

3. Room Quality

Faustino Gran offers a wide range of unique rooms and luxury suites, all distinct and categorized differently across its three buildings. Rooms are described as spacious, clean, and well-designed, featuring minimal aesthetics with whitewashed walls, light wood furniture, and raffia lampshades. They retain lovely original details such as wooden beams, high ceilings, and traditional wooden shutters.

• Comfort & Luxury: Beds are noted as "superb" and "almost dangerously comfortable." Luxury amenities include bespoke furnishings by Putman, Eden bedding, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and walk-in showers with Hermès bath products.
• Variety: Some rooms offer harbor views or stunning views of the cathedral, while deluxe categories and suites may feature quaint skylights, dramatic vaulted ceilings, or private patios. Terrace suites can even include outdoor bathtubs.
• Atmosphere: The design evokes the warmth of a grand family home, with ceilings adorned with paintings by Delphine Nény in historic rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining experience is generally well-received.

• Breakfast: Excellent breakfasts are highlighted by guests, often served buffet-style and à la carte in the main courtyard, weather permitting, or in each of the patios. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request at the Faustino restaurant.
• Faustino Restaurant: The on-site Faustino restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine based on local producers, with touches of French and South American influences. It's open to the public for lunch with a menu focused on quality, sustainable, and healthy ingredients, and offers dinner in an "enchanted garden" setting. A pared-down lunch menu is also served in the garden or poolside.
• Hotel Bar: An elegant old-school bar in the open-plan lobby area offers a selection of local wines, craft beers, and expertly mixed G&Ts and pomadas.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Faustino Gran is consistently lauded as a major strength. Guests describe the staff as "phenomenal," "friendly and genuine," "extremely professional and attentive," and "incredibly nice and helping." The manager often makes a point to introduce herself to new guests, adding a "very classy" touch. Staff are noted for their attention to detail, remembering guest preferences, and going out of their way to make stays seamless. The concierges are part of the elite hospitality association Les Clefs d'Or.

6. Location & Accessibility

Faustino Gran enjoys an unbeatable location in the central old town neighborhood of Ciutadella, Menorca, directly opposite the port.

• Attractions: Guests can easily explore Ciutadella on foot, with the city's main viewpoint, the port stairs, the 14th-century cathedral (just 150 meters away), the municipal market, and quaint old town streets all within a few minutes' walk.
• Seclusion: Despite its central location, the hotel feels secluded and private once inside its gates, opening up to peaceful patios and gardens.
• Transport: Menorca Airport is approximately 46-47 km away, about a 45-60 minute drive, and the hotel can arrange transfers. Private parking is available nearby for a daily fee. Ferries connect Ciutadella to Mallorca. The hotel also offers access to its rural country club, Casa de Pau, about a 15-minute transfer away, which is close to Cala d'Algariens beach.

7. Value & Pricing

Faustino Gran is considered a luxury property, and while specific price ranges vary, reviews suggest guests find it to be a worthwhile experience. The "Value for money" scores 8.4 out of 10, indicating a generally positive perception despite being a high-end establishment. Rates include a continental breakfast. Extra beds for children or adults incur an additional nightly charge of €100.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• One Michelin Guide guest mentioned "mediocre service" over two years ago. However, this stands in contrast to the vast majority of reviews praising the service.
• Standard rooms are described as "somewhat simple to look at" compared to the more inspiring deluxe rooms and suites.
• The hotel is a seasonal property, generally closed between November and March.

Sources

1. booking.com
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5. byamandahernandez.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. mrandmrssmith.com
8. relaischateaux.com
9. faustinogran.com
10. faustinogran.com