Lekeitio
The Trip from Olite to Lekeitio on the Atlantic Coast was easy and without too much trouble. For the early section past Pamplona we used the AP15 turning north to Zumarraga & on to Deba. At Ondarroa we again were not able to find the coastal “B1-638″ to Lekeitio and had to used the inland route via the B1-633. (on our way out of town we found the B1-638 along the coast to Ondarra - an excellent scenic route - and now know where it leaves from)
We have been to this old fishing port town before two years ago and were not disappointed with the location and views from the Hotel Emperatriz-Zita we had chosen for our 2 day stay. The Tapas Bars were not open all day - as they were 2 years ago - the reasonbeing that it’s too early and the season has not quite started. One small Bar Restaurant however did manage to stay open a little longer serving food through to about 4pm (16:00). Our evening meal had to wait to after 20:30 however in the hotel dining room. The weather was changing from quick showers to very warm sunshine during both days. We managed however to have an excellent time and did enjoy our stay.
A couple of quick comments about the hotel [ www.aisiahoteles.com ]:
A little more attention to detail would make a big difference. Flowers in vases are left with fallen petals not cleaned away for days. the view from the balcony (which do have brackets for flower baskets - without any flowers) is spoiled by dirty roofs below with weeds growing in the gutters.
The staff - including the restaurant waiters / waitresses - do not speak or understand any English and the a-la-carte menu is only available in Spanish with no translation available (unless a fellow guest happens to speak both languages). - We noticed that at least 50% of guests are non-Spanish! (English and German was spoken by many) Reception staff are able to speak a good English in general however.
It appears that mangement is not fully aware of how the standard of the hotel is missing that little extra care and attention to details - which would make the experience just that much more perfect.