We have been going to to the Via Don Ana since booking an
"Allocation on Arrival" some seven years ago and have neverlooked back. We go twice a year and stay in a studio apartment on self catering. We always book the same room which is on the 6th floor and has a lovely view overlooking the sea and mountains. The staff are very friendly and we now feel part of the family.

Via Don' Ana is in the perfect location half way (about a mile) between both town and beaches. We stayed there before and loved it, but whoa has it gone downhill since then!

On arrival we were told that the hotel hadnt received our booking, and didnt have any rooms available, but despite this they offered to let us stay in their sister hotel - Magnolia Mar - another mile or
so out of town.

We thought it was strange because the foyer was full of people waiting around. We made conversation with them and it seemed we were all being treated the same, regardless of which company we had booked
with. Whilst they all agreed to go to the other hotel, we stood our ground and refused to go. Don Ana suddenly found us a room. The room was shabby, very shabby. There were broken light sockets, broken shower (which wouldnt drain away), grubby tiles, very smelly drains and a bed settee that you wouldnt let your dog lie on! We demanded another room and one was found after 2 days. This was better (just) and we stayed put, but gave the room a good clean before we relaxed.

Then the noise started. There is a restaurant/cafe on site (not sure if owned by the hotel). This seems to be used as a venue for local birthday parties and weddings and every weekend (friday-sunday) had extremely loud banging music for hours. Take your extra strength earplugs with you, and a few sleeping pills!

The pool area (which had been wonderful a few years ago) was clean and smart, but all umbrellas were broken and poolside furniture in need of replacement.

Just as a matter of interest we visited the Magnolia Mar to check it out. It really is a long way from town and no good if you are without
a car. It is down a big hill and next to a massive building site. We were glad we hadnt given in.

We suggest that if you do want to stay at Via Don' Ana, you contact the hotel direct and demand this. They operate under the company DF Hoteis. Come on DF Hoteis - sort the Don Ana out. It could be a fabulous hotel if some investment was made!

Stayed 2nd week of july 06 for one week, studio apartment 4th floor with balconey facing the sea and town centre. Studio nice and clean with small kitchenette including fridge, bathroom was ok shower worked well. no air-con. Bar was fine prices ok, did not eat in the bar so can not comment on the food. Pool was a decent size. The staff were very friendly and helpful could not fault them. The hotel is about 20 mins leisurely walk from the old town, there are a few supermarkets and bars in the surrounding area. We went to the don ana beach which was also about 20 mins walk it was a bit small but ok. Our friends stayed on the 6th floor in a one bedroom apartment they had no complaints.