Visitors seeking a few restful days at Marina d’Or, part of the Castellón complex in Oropesa, will find the official site unclear about bookings from September 18 onward. In recent weeks, guests with previously reserved dates received emails stating that their reservations were canceled and the prepaid amounts refunded.
The management team behind this well-known resort cluster has decided to close the season earlier than usual. Historically, the destination welcomed guests all year round. Yet in 2023 the properties operated for only about four months, and Marina d’Or has chosen not to explain the reasons publicly.
Circles
At present only the apartment accommodations remain active. It is not yet announced when the hotels will reopen. During the previous year, the season also ended sooner than anticipated, with an explanation that maintenance work was needed.
The stay-at-home restrictions experienced during the pandemic years also affected hotel occupancy and travel patterns across the region.
low occupancy
The driving factor behind the closure was a weak reservation outlook for the coming weeks. This aligns with a broader sentiment of stagnation in the sector, despite incentives such as social holiday programs. The planning of these programs has faced scrutiny and changes from government authorities overseeing social rights.
The situation unfolded amid broader economic uncertainty and forecasts of a cooling economy, which added to the sense of volatility for the tourism segment.
Changes
Marina d’Or is undergoing significant ownership and management transitions. In recent years, several hotels, rental units, spa facilities, and entertainment venues have come under the control of a major American investment group that invested a substantial sum. Simultaneously, another major regional player announced a strategic repositioning, signaling shifts in how the properties will be operated going forward. The holding company behind these moves has notable food industry brands, reflecting a diverse corporate portfolio.
With the formal transfer still pending, current management retains decision-making authority over closures at Marina d’Or related establishments. When new management steps in, there is talk of revitalized programming that could include music and entertainment events aimed at attracting a broader audience.
Although hotel activity tends to peak in the spring and summer, operators in Castellón are accustomed to seasonal pivots. It is common for similar facilities to pause operations after the October long weekend, with some units closing as early as November, depending on occupancy and local demand.