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Reviews of El Mesón de Despeñaperros 2 stars

Avenida de Andalucia, 91, 23213 Santa Elena, Spain

#5 of 6 hotels in Santa Elena

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 145 hotel reviews

8.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.8

  • Comfort

    8.6

  • Location

    8.9

  • Facilities

    8.0

  • Staff

    9.3

  • Value for money

    8.8

  • Free WiFi

    8.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 30 August 2025

    7.0
    Happy
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rooms a bit basic, restaurant absolutely fabulous I love to stay a few days just for the menu, 5star 👍👍👍

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 August 2025

    9.0
    A good place for a good rest after a long journey.
    • With a pet
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    It was a nice breakfast but I personally prefer a savoury breakfast. toast and jam just didn't fill me up. I would have preferred a little ham and tomato.

    The room was fantastic. There was loads of space and the beds were so comfy. I loved the old bathroom with it's huge tiled mirror and even bigger shell-shaped sink. The view from the room was of the mountains and while it was next to the highway, I didn't hear a sound.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 July 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    the breakfast :( if you want a croissant you will need to pay for it :(

    the room was big, clean and confortable :)

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 July 2025

    9.0
    Excellent stop on way up to France…
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night

    The restaurant was amazing and the staff were lovely…

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 June 2025

    9.0
    Great one night stop
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Excellent restaurant, first class food and very friendly staff who let our dog come into the restaurant for some cool air. In general, the staff were so very helpful, could speak better English than our Spanish and couldn't be more friendly.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 May 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Basic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We stayed for one night on our way from Malaga to Madrid. The hotel experience was like a travel in time, but in a good way. Facilities made an castle vibe. Room basic but somehow charming, perfect for a short stay. Amazing service that made us feel like at home, kind and caring. Everything was spotless clean and delicious food. Parking under a roof, easy in, easy out, with security camera. We left bags strapped to our motorcycle over night. Many thanks!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 May 2025

    9.0
    Great hospitality. Charming Spanish inn
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Charming Spanish inn with lots of personality. The staff couldn’t be nicer. The bed was modern and comfortable. Would stay again.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 May 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Quadruple
    • Stayed 1 night

    Our stay for one night was excellent as was dinner , breakfast and the service A great place to stay between the coast and Madrid- characterful.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 April 2025

    9.0
    Clean room on nice location!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We went in April. The restaurant terras is not open yet because it is too cold. Restaurant inside is very pretty with super friendly staff.

    Clean room with good beds. Great location: close to the park. Good breakfast. Free parking. Beautiful restaurant for dinner. For sure good value for the price!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Short bed

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2025

    9.0
    A bargain hotel with an amazing restaurant!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    The perfect stop on a long drive just off the motorway. The restaurant served incredible food and the staff were all lovely. The bed and pillow were super comfy and the views were fantastic!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 November 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Basic Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We hoped to get dinner in a hotel because had read really nice comments about the food overthere but unfortunately restaurant was closed.

    Senor who welcomed us, was extremely friendly and nice, he also served the breakfast for us. Room was nice and clean and location just out from the motorway was perfect for our needs. The restaurant looked really nice.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 October 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Comfortable & clean. Friendly staff. Dog friendly. Had a lovely meal at the restaurant.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 September 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Waterballet in the bathroom after a shower.

    Small room but the bed was good. What you get is what you pay for.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 September 2024

    8.0
    Great place, would stay again
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Our bathroom was in need of some repairs as very tired and old.

    Very friendly staff, great location!

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing in particular.

    The breakfast.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 August 2024

    9.0
    Falling Dogs? Mesón espectacular!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Loved it! Super friendly and the restaurant was truly exceptional. Amazing views, completely original menu and the best cheesecake in the world. Liked it so much that I'm back there tomorrow to share it with my wife!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 July 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Convenient and decent overall but in need of a revamp.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 July 2024

    8.0
    Good stop over
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I did not realise we were given a room on third floor and no lift. With a heart condition I found that hard. But they did not know I had a problem and were very apologetic about third floor. I booked very last minute so not surprised. There was no way to turn bedside lights on for reading . The windows had no fly screens and as there was no fan we had to open windows. All night I could hear mosquitoes buzzing around. There was air conditioning but room was still very hot.

    The staff were all very friendly and helpful. For us the location was right for an en route stop. Breakfast was enjoyable and included. Views from bedroom were lovely. I had stayed there last year and found it good.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 June 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Extra Large Bathtub
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bed was super comfy but small for two people

    Clean, old style hotel. Staff were lovely, good continental breakfast. Modern restaurant onsite also good.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 June 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night

    Location is very good when travelling down to Southern Spain. The hotel is ideally located in Santa Elena next to the highway A4. The hotel is at the edge of the lovely parque natural de despeñaperros, and it is easily accessible via car, bike and/or by foot. The hotel staff are very friendly and helpful, a basic accommodation that is simple without any frills, but it is also clean and comes with complimentary continental breakfast.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2024

    8.0
    One of our favourite places for a one night stop
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Standard
    • Stayed 1 night

    The breakfast, but at this price it doesn't lower my rating

    Very good value with great views and superb beds

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 December 2023

    7.0
    Comfortable good position for travelling south
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Extra Large Bathtub
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location and traditional Spanish accommodation but Restaurant food not great. A bit outdated but would still visit again.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 29 October 2023

    9.0
    Great place for a stop near motorway.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Extra Large Bathtub
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    Great host, we arrived very late and received a warm welcome & he took us into town to show us where we could eat. Great breakfast, high standard of cleanliness everywhere and a cute gift pack for our dog.

    Stayed in October 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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