Enjoy Santander

I stayed in a 14-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room for two nights at Enjoy Santander. The room was fantastic. Each bunk is sectioned off with a curtain for privacy. This extends almost the entire length of your bed. Each bunk has its own light (nice and bright) and a power socket (European plug type) with a USB port. The USB port on mine was faulty so I recommend bringing an adapter. The men's bathroom was very clean. There were three toilet stalls and three showers. Each shower cubicle was supplied with soap and both the water pressure and temperature were great. There were two common areas (one with tables and chairs and the other with comfy seating). Plenty of books were lying around if you need something to read. There is also a secluded patio if you want some sun. The kitchenette had a fridge and space for preparing meals, however no cooking facilities. A coffee machine is available and takes coins - note that the coffee is prepared with sugar and there is no option to change that. The staff were great. Marta at the front desk was so friendly and helpful. She made me feel very welcome and provided plenty of suggestions - pointing out landmarks on the large map in the lobby. She is a fountain of knowledge for the nearby Picos de Europa National Park. The location is hard to beat. In a few minutes walk you are at the harbour front. It's a twenty minute walk to the bus station and a ten minute walk to an old railway tunnel converted into a footpath that takes you to the beach and then on to the Palacio de la Magdalena (former Royal Palace).

Nice hostel, clean, friendly management. Would have given 5 stars, but was disappointed that on the day we arrived they wouldn't allow us to sit in the reception/communal area between 1:30pm and 3pm (check in time). Understand this was their cleaning time, but it was pouring rain and I was travelling with my 12 year old daughter. Most other hostels I've been to are very flexible on the use of the communal areas, in fact encouraging socialising here all through the day.

Clean hostel, attentive and pleasant personnel, big bathroom, spectacular value for money. Even though the bedroom has like 16 beds, you kind of have more privacy then in some places where you sleep alone, because of the room and bed design