Finca Cortesin Golf & Spa in Casares

I booked Finca Cortesin through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, expecting the level of service and room quality that FHR properties normally guarantee. Unfortunately, the one night stay was disappointing and falls closer to 2.5 stars than 5. I hate to give negative reviews, and it’s disappointing to have to do so.

Despite the beautiful grounds and excellent spa treatments, our room was not in proper condition for a €550+ rate: some visible dirt, heavy calcium/limescale buildup in the showerhead, and as a result rain shower with diverse non consistent water flow as a result. We also found ants in the room first thing in the morning, near the coffee machine and in our beds. I immediately informed reception before breakfast. The solution offered was to spray the room—which was impossible due to health issues, I was traveling with my elderly mother. Despite reporting it promptly in the morning, no manager approached us proactively, neither during nor after breakfast, which is simply not 5-star luxury service. These issues combined are not acceptable at this price point or for a hotel presented as one of Europe’s top resorts.

What disappointed me most was the tone of the follow-up communication, implying that I had not reported the issue “correctly.” Also the hotel said they checked and did not find any ants, although we saw and felt them… and I made a picture and videos of it (although I did clean the area first with wipes when we did notice the ants). This placed responsibility back on me as the guest, instead of acknowledging the lapse. I did read in older reviews this has happened before at this hotel when guests have issues. At comparable hotels (e.g., Four Seasons), management would proactively handle the situation and offer a meaningful gesture or refund.

There were also other inconsistencies:
– being told milk for coffee in the room wasn’t complimentary when it was
- be aware there are no tea facilities in the room
- ironing a shirt is not possible, as an iron is not available and only through a laundry service for an additional fee (when I complained about that a steamer to borrow was offered).
– breakfast service that felt below a true luxury standard, with very mixed service and not attentive.

While the spa therapists are great, spa employees were very friendly and property itself are beautiful located and feels in some areas like a museum, the service in general, the service recovery, room quality, and management response were very far below what I expect from an FHR property. A partial refund or discount on room rate would have been appropriate, but none was offered (only if I’d return they would give me”special treatment as a guest”).

Overall: a 2.5-star experience at a 5-star price. I cannot recommend Finca Cortesin, especially to Amex FHR guests. There are nearby luxury properties that deliver far more consistent service—choose those instead. E.g. Nobu in Marbella or La Zambra in Mijas. The hotel suggested I had not reported the issue “correctly,” which made me feel blamed as a guest rather than supported…