Eloise HorsfieldBy Eloise Horsfield
LA VILLA Marbella has been named Top Hotel for Service in Spain by TripAdvisor.
Delighted owner Marcus Torres, 45, spoke to the Olive Press before collecting his award at the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid earlier today.
“How can I put it into words?” he said. “I’m delighted.”
The hotel was voted number one in Spain, number four in Europe and number seven in the world for service.
“I think it’s because of all the extra work we do. Many hotels focus a lot on providing the best facilities and equipment – which of course is important as well – but what makes us different is that we are really, really focused on service,” Torres said of his hotel, which opened in 2004.
The hotel has over 500 reviews on the prestigious TripAdvisor website, where customers leave reports of their experiences after visiting a hotel or restaurant.
It’s an impressive number for a hotel that’s so small.
“TripAdvisor is a really authentic reference for people to use,” said Torres.
“While a guide book is based on the experience of one person and is therefore completely subjective, TripAdvisor is written by people who have taken the time to sit down when they get home and write about you.
“It makes it very credible.”
Torres has 25 years’ experience in hotelerie, including 18 years working for top chain Club Med which took him to Asia, the Caribbean and Africa.
Ah yes TripAdvisor, the website with the most fake reviews and which is currently under investigation by the ASA (UK).
Congratulations Marcus, entirely deserved. I’ve stayed there and this award is a genuine reflection of the quality of the hotel, the staff and the owners dedication to customer satisfaction.
Nice comment Fred, way to promote a small hotel!
TripAdvisor does suffer from fraud, but are trying to stop it – it is still the number 1 source for people looking for information before they book.
Also – I’ve been to this hotel myself, and it is everything they say it is. A lovely small hotel in the centre of the old town, with great service. They deserve the kudos.
Ann, I was talking about TripAdvisor, not the hotel. I cannot comment on a hotel I have not stayed at, and nor did I.
Cheer up Fred!
I am full of joy all day, Ann :)
I’ve stayed here a number of times and, bottom line, they pretty much think of everything…. and the breakfasts rule!
Well done Marcus. We stayed there 5 times. Our son left his football in the hotel when one summer and we came back the following year Marcos presented the football which he had cleaned! Marcos proceeded to give a display of football skills which was truly impressive. Not surprising really when you get to know Marcos and his team.