Hotel Pompaelo Plaza del Ayuntamiento & Spa

This hotel offers a prime location in the heart of Pamplona's Old Town, directly opposite the City Hall, making it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. Its signature feature is its unparalleled accessibility to key attractions and the vibrant local scene, appealing greatly to sightseers, tourists, and Camino walkers seeking comfort after their journey. The hotel is also a popular choice for those attending the San Fermin festival, despite potential noise. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's modern and clean accommodations, along with the generally helpful and friendly staff. For an enhanced stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor or away from the main street if sensitive to noise, and be aware that spa access requires advance booking and an additional fee.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities for guest convenience and relaxation. A notable feature is the on-site spa, which offers a jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna, along with massage services. While some guests enjoy the private spa sessions, others have noted mixed experiences regarding cleanliness, the functionality of certain features like the steam sauna, or the need for advance booking and an additional charge. The hotel also features a cafe and bar on the ground floor, which is popular for breakfast and quick bites, though some guests mention limited hours for full service. Rooms are equipped with a minibar, often left empty for guests to store their own items, and free Wi-Fi is generally available and reliable for streaming, though some found it less robust for video conferencing. The elevator system requires a room card for access, enhancing security.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, modern, and well-maintained, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. The bathrooms are often described as spacious and well-appointed, featuring walk-in showers with good water pressure. Many rooms boast balconies, some offering excellent views of the square below. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed regarding size, with some finding rooms spacious and others describing them as basic or small, occasionally with worn furniture or scuffed walls. A recurring point of feedback is the absence of in-room tea and coffee making facilities. Due to the hotel's central location, noise levels from the street can be significant, especially on weekends or during festivals, impacting sleep for some guests despite efforts at soundproofing. Some guests also noted issues with air conditioning not being adjustable or being too warm.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, is varied. Many guests describe the breakfast as good, tasty, and offering a fine selection, with some considering it good value. It is typically served in the adjacent cafe or bar area. However, a notable number of guests express disappointment, characterizing the breakfast as poor, limited in variety, or not meeting the expectations for a four-star establishment. Specific complaints include the quality of items like carton orange juice, pre-packaged tomato, cold scrambled eggs, or inedible pastries, and a general lack of fresh fruit, cold cuts, or cheese. While the on-site cafe is praised for coffee and quick service, some guests mention that room service for dinner is not available.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, situated directly in the heart of Pamplona's Old Town and opposite the City Hall. This prime position offers immediate access to numerous attractions, including the Pamplona Cathedral, the main square (Plaza del Castillo), the Pamplona Market, and the Museum of Navarra, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring the city on foot. The hotel is also ideally located for those following the Camino de Santiago route. While the area is pedestrianized, taxis can reach the hotel entrance. For guests arriving by car, parking is available in a nearby public underground garage, typically a 5 to 10-minute walk, and the hotel offers a discounted rate for this service. Some guests found the parking process convenient, while others noted the walk with luggage or the cost.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by the reception team, who are often commended for their welcoming demeanor, efficiency during quick check-in and check-out processes, and willingness to assist with various requests, including local recommendations and booking assistance. Many guests appreciate the staff's language skills, particularly in English and French. While the overall sentiment towards service is very positive, a few guests have reported less satisfactory experiences concerning the handling of specific issues, such as reservation errors or disputes, or the attitude of some spa personnel.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain aspects that contribute to the overall experience. The spa booking policy requires advance reservations, and there is an additional charge for its use, with some guests noting limited availability or specific time slots. The hotel is housed in a renovated building, which means some rooms may have unique layouts or sloped ceilings. For security, the elevator system requires a room key card for access. During the San Fermin festival, the hotel's central location is highly desirable, but guests should anticipate significant noise levels from the street throughout the night. It is also worth noting that, unlike many hotels, there are no in-room tea and coffee making facilities provided.