Bancal Hotel & Spa

This massive resort-style hotel is situated a bit outside San Sebastián de La Gomera, with breathtaking views over the sea towards Tenerife. The property is quite grand, with multiple pools, several restaurants, and bars. Because of its size, it feels more like a big, bustling resort than an intimate or cozy place – so don't expect a small, charming boutique vibe. Service was overall very friendly, good and quick to respond; any issues we had with air conditioning or internet/Chromecast were sorted out promptly by reception. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with large beds, a minibar, and in-room safe. The unique bathroom design – toilet in a frosted glass enclosure right inside the room – might not suit everyone if you value privacy or are sensitive to sounds. There's no room service available; all food and drinks are ordered and consumed on-site at the various outlets (easy to charge to your room by just giving your room number). It would be convenient to have a small shop on property for basics like sunscreen, deodorant, or snacks – we really missed that. The hotels buffet area can feel a bit like a large school canteen – functional but not very cozy or atmospheric, especially given the hotel's grand scale. Getting into central San Sebastián for the island's many wonderful restaurants is the main drawback: you'll need a taxi each way, costing €12–20 one way. Most drivers accept credit cards, and if one doesn't, a little insistence usually sorts it out. Late evenings can be tricky – we waited up to an hour for a taxi back on some nights, which was frustrating. On the plus side, renting a car through the hotel was straightforward, affordable, and made exploring much easier. Beautiful spot with solid amenities and incredible views, responsive staff, but the grand, large-scale feel not very intimate, remote-ish location, and lack of some conveniences mean you need to plan a bit ahead. Great if you're mostly staying put or renting a car.

A very modern hotel with beautiful views of the sea. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities to keep you entertained, including a fitness center and a billiards area. It is located in a lovely area and is not far from the city. I recommend visiting the La Gomera National Park, which is about a 30-minute drive away. The rooms are very clean, and the air conditioning works perfectly. There are several beautiful pools with sea views, as well as a large cinema room where football matches are often shown. It’s also great that the hotel is very sustainable, operating with solar panels, and surrounded by lush nature, including a small nature park. The only drawbacks we noticed were that some staff can be a bit lazy, especially in the spa. The restaurant staff were also not very professional—for example, I was asked if I wanted my fish cooked medium, but even when I requested well done, I often received it undercooked. Nevertheless, the food itself was quite good. It would also be helpful to have places in the hotel where guests can get free water, as currently you have to get it from the restaurant or the in-room fridge (which is not free). Having complimentary bottled water available by the pools would make the stay more convenient.

We visited in December 2024 and were absolutely impressed from the first moment on. The service is exceptional: extremely friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful in every possible way. You always feel welcomed and well taken care of. The location is outstanding – wonderfully quiet, perfect to truly relax and enjoy your holiday without any disturbance. A great bonus: you can rent a car directly at the hotel for very fair prices, which makes planning trips incredibly easy. A special highlight is definitely the food. The quality, freshness, and variety are unmatched. It is by far the best buffet we have ever experienced. No matter what you are looking for – you will find it. Everything tastes fantastic, and the presentation is equally impressive. The SPA area is another gem. Beautifully designed, extremely clean, and thought out down to the smallest detail. It’s a place where you can genuinely unwind, recharge, and feel brought back to life. Every treatment and relaxation area contributes to an overall atmosphere of calm and wellbeing. All in all, it was a wonderful stay from start to finish. We can only recommend this hotel wholeheartedly and are already looking forward to returning. Thank you for the unforgettable time!