Hotel La Serena

Reviewed by Michael Soffe



RELAX AND ENJOY ..............

This strikingly modern conversion of a town house in the old part of Altea is a true gem. A veritable “chill out” hotel with the emphasis on you the client and your well-being. Altea is a seaside town north of Alicante and as such is visited by many international and Spanish tourists. It is a bustling town with yachts in the marina and a plethora of restaurants and typical sea-side shops. The beach is a pebble beach. With the cheap “Low Cost/No frills” airlines flying into Alicante the Serena Altea Hotel is an ideal short break destination all year round.

Nestling in the upper part of the old town the Hotel is a welcome haven from the beach-side hustle and bustle. On entering the front doors you can immediately tell that you are somewhere special. Tasteful modern artifacts abound, nothing screams out at you and the overall effect of this avant-garde interior design is extremely pleasing. Reception is to your right and the bedrooms are spread over three floors. There is also a lift. A small salon with a working fireplace is a great place to cuddle up with a book (or preferably the lover!) in January or February.

Moving from reception, the bar and restaurant are to the left but what beckons is the tantalizing roof terrace directly in front of you. The restaurant moves out onto this terrace in the warmer months and the dramatic glass painted panels by local artist Damia Diaz, with the canvas awning continue the modernist theme. The views of the surrounding roofline makes you feel on top of the town and to cap it all, a refreshing roof-top pool and loungers lie invitingly to your right.

“La pièce de la résistance” has to be on the lower floor which houses the Hotel´s own Hammam or Turkish Steam Bath (use of the Hammam is not included in the room rates and advance reservations are recommended). Beautifully designed in classic stone and with an arched ceiling, this is an exceptional addition to the old house where you can while away your cares, aches and pains. Massage services are also available but need to be pre-booked with reception. Please note that you will need a bathing costume to use the Hammam. The Hotel also organizes kayak and quad bike trips, horse-riding is available nearby and there are several walking routes in the hills inland.

The 10 bedrooms are divided between the very special Room 10 on the top floor, a Junior Suite (with its own private street entrance) on the lower ground floor, 7 Superior Doubles over the other three floors, and the smallest double (but NOT a cupboard), is a Standard Double. They are decorated in neutral tones, furnished in a hi-tech manner (Plasma screen TVs (no satellite channels as yet), internet access by cable, air-con, heating, DVDs are available in reception. Mineral water, hot water and tea bags are placed on each floor´s landing in the evenings as there are no mini-bars. Linen (bed covers by Adolfo Dominguez!!) and toiletries are of the highest standard. Room 10 on the upper floor has its own roof terrace with a spectacular sea view. It is an ideal honeymoon heaven!!

Meals are served in the restaurant (or terrace) and this too is a modernistic room. Shiny chrome tubes hang from the ceiling and the cream and dark grey colour scheme makes one feel almost as if you are in an art gallery. The restaurant is overseen by an exciting young head Chef from Caceres. His reputation is ever-increasing and the restaurant, which is open to the public, is often full in the busier months. Food is “Modern Mediterranean” with a good mix of meat and fish dishes.

The hotel has a car park in the basement for 5 cars and spaces should be reserved at the time of booking.


An ideal Hotel for those who want a great escape on a small scale but within walking distance of a beach, a port and all the usual amenities of a seaside town. Great attention to detail and a wonderful restaurant.