Hotel Atotonilco El Viejo

This hotel is highly regarded for its thermal water pool, which is consistently praised for its pleasant temperature and daily cleaning, making it a standout feature for guests. The tranquil and rustic atmosphere provides an ideal setting for families and couples seeking relaxation and disconnection from urban life. Guests frequently highlight the general cleanliness of the property and the quality of the food. While the staff is often commended for their friendliness, some areas of the hotel show signs of wear and could benefit from renovation. To enhance your stay, guests recommend being prepared for potential mosquito activity, especially in rooms, and noting that some rooms may lack air conditioning, leading to warmer nights.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's main draw is its thermal water pool, which is consistently described as warm, clean, and a highlight of the stay, with the water often changed daily. While this primary pool is a major success, some guests noted that other pools, including a covered one, were out of service or not as warm as expected. The jacuzzi is mentioned by several guests, though some were surprised to find an additional charge for its use, and others reported it was not functional. Wi-Fi connectivity is available, but guests found it to be spotty in the rooms, with better reception in common areas like the restaurant and pool vicinity. The property also features playgrounds, contributing to its family-friendly appeal, though some guests mentioned that a fitness center was advertised but not available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed but generally positive. Many found the rooms to be clean and spacious, with some offering pleasant views of the pool or gardens. However, several guests reported issues with bed comfort, describing mattresses as either too hard or worn, and some headboards as noisy. A recurring concern was the lack of air conditioning or fans, leading to rooms feeling cold at night or too warm. Mosquitos were a frequent complaint, despite the hotel providing repellents. Bathroom issues were also noted, including non-functional showers, low water pressure, clogged drains, old fixtures, and slippery tubs. Some rooms lacked basic amenities like a refrigerator, telephone for contacting reception, or water bottles, and televisions were often described as small, old, or lacking smart features.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant receives positive remarks for its delicious food and generally good value, with many guests praising the quality and portion sizes. The breakfast options are well-regarded, though some guests expressed a desire for more variety. Despite the good food, a significant number of reviews highlight the slow service at the restaurant, particularly during busy periods, attributing it to understaffing or a need for better staff training. Guests often had to wait extended periods to place orders or receive their meals. A unique and recurring issue mentioned by several guests is the presence of cats in the dining area, which occasionally bothered guests or even ate food left unattended on tables.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is frequently described as tranquil and ideal for those seeking to disconnect, situated approximately 25 minutes outside San Miguel de Allende, near the small town of Atotonilco. This secluded setting provides a peaceful escape from urban noise. However, its isolated nature means there is little around the property, and guests rely on the hotel's amenities. Some visitors reported difficulties with navigation, noting that Google Maps occasionally directed them via unpaved or challenging roads, and the hotel's signage was sometimes small. Guests should be aware that the main gate closes around 9:30 PM for security, requiring coordination with staff for late returns.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness. Many guests highlighted the positive interactions with various team members, describing them as efficient and accommodating. Specific mentions include staff being quick to respond to issues like non-working showers or room cleanliness concerns, and providing excellent massage services. The overall sentiment is that the staff contributes significantly to a pleasant stay, making guests feel welcome and well-cared for. While some reviews noted slow service in the restaurant, the general helpfulness and positive attitude of the staff across other areas of the hotel are frequently commended.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has a rustic and somewhat aged appearance, with many reviews mentioning a need for general maintenance and renovation in various areas, including some facilities that appear in photos but are no longer operational, such as a covered pool or tennis courts. The presence of day pass guests using the main pool and facilities was noted by some, occasionally leading to overcrowding or noise that impacted the experience of overnight guests. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, but some guests found the presence of cats around the property, particularly in dining areas, to be an issue, especially for those with allergies. There were also comments about the hotel having two names, which caused confusion for some guests trying to locate it.