Find the Cheap Province of Cantabria Hotels

Having spent five weeks travelling throughout Spain, and having experienced first class welcome and service at every establishment from the smallest roadside cafe, to five star hotels and restaurants, we were extremely disappointed by the ”welcome” (or lack of!!) that we received when we arrived at the Gran Hotel. No eye contact from the male receptionist, a brusque, mumbled ”hello”, and even though my command of Spanish is far better than his of English, he insisted on trying to communicate in English. We were issued with key cards, absolutely no information given to us about facilities at hotel, eyebrow raising and pen tapping when I asked my husband which dining slots he'd prefer as they had to be pre-booked, and we even had to ask where the lift was - a pointed finger directed somewhere behind us and a sharply uttered ”there” were all we got. Room was adequate - nothing special and no extras. Cheap toiletries and an expensive minibar. Dinner in the restaurant was excellent and the staff were fabulous. It was a really excellent experience and the food was wonderful - very, very highly recommended. Another redeeming factor was breakfast the following morning which I must admit was first-class, apart from the female member of staff who was very hostile and unhelpful and barked at me to get out of the way so she could adjust the coffee machine which had developed a fault. In mitigation, she was run ragged as she seemed to be doing everything on her own, but was joined half way through by a very friendly and helpful male colleague which was a blessing. If only they could train their staff that they'll never get the opportunity again to make the best first impression, I'd have given this establishment 5 stars and we'd love to return, BUT, we really don't want to risk being greeted as a nuisance rather than a welcome and valued guest.