Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena

I really did not want to give this hotel a negative review but we encountered major issues which substantially impacted our stay. The building is impressive & beautiful, the rooms are comfortable and modern, the spa pool is great! The valets & reception staff were charming and efficient. The welcome in the Gastrobar by an older, waistcoated barman was surly and unhelpful. Things improved when the younger, friendlier waiters arrived. Firstly, the aircon in our room was inefficient. Had the weather been warmer I would have complained. Worst of all was that I discovered there was no mattress protector on the bed, just one thin sheet, and the mattress was VERY stained with what looked very much like urine! Apologies were made, protector provided and sheets changed. However, the dirty mattress and lack of a washable protector was unavoidable and inexcusable. I trust (and pay) 5 star hotels such as this to maintain high standards of cleanliness. Discounts & apologies are appreciated but do not make up for what should be taken for granted - basic cleanliness. Dinner in the a la carte restaurant was, in our opinion, not up to standard. The starter was inedible. The manager was unfriendly and unhelpful. Miguel saved our evening with his smile and service. The highlight of our stay was dinner in “Converso” where the service, food & wines were wonderful. Thank you Juan Jose and the great sommelier. If you can afford to spend a little more I would recommend staying 20 minutes away at the luxurious “Abadia Retuerta” where we have encountered no such issues in the past.

Beautiful monastery, an excellent hotel a great stay. Since arriving you are treated as a royalty family. Unique menu at the restaurant with produce from their garden; service at the restaurant was one of the best if not the best of our years of travel. A suggestion: coffee at a 5 stars hotel shall be made to order, not using a coffee machine. Thank you for everything.

I loved this place. First, it is gorgeous, just a lovely way to restore the monastery. The room was gorgeous and comfortable, the bar where we would grab a light dinner was high quality, but the best part was the thermal pools. After a day of touring the region it was so nice to come back and spend a nice long time alternating between the indoor and outdoor pools. Incredibly relaxing.

Very beautiful stay in the old monastery. Extremely comfortable and very authentic. The restoration and transformation is remarkable and the spa is a delight – particularly the private water circuit adjacent to the large pool. Excellent service. Already planning a return.

The hotel and the whole experience is absolutely amazing! Everything breathes nobility and five dtar service while you are at the hotel. The rooms are perfect! The spa is second to none! The visit to the church inside the hotel feels exclusive and the church itself is remarkably beutiful. The breakfast is vast and delicious. One of the best monents - if not THE best - of a week travel along Ribera del Duero and Rioja. Do not hesitate to book this uotel if you are in the region! Half the cost of its five star contender “Marques de Riscal” in Rioja, double the fun, quality, enchantment and service!