I pass The Serena Golf complex on a regular basis as I live nearby - and although the hotel looks closed - it was actually open when I called by 2 weeks ago - and has been open for the summer season - although it did close last year which appeared to be for the winter. I believe the hotel may have changed hands since it first opened about 2 years ago. My husband and I decided to call in one evening to see what was going on inside and get a drink at the bar. We walked into the reception area where a member of staff was on the phone behind a glass panelled office - there was another member of staff on reception who was also on the phone - we continued to walk through to the bar area - whilst waiting for someone to appear at the bar to serve us with some drinks - I had a little look around. The restaurant area looked very nice - the lounge area looked very comfortable and inviting the swimming pool and terrace area looked good too. After about 5 mins we heard footsteps and the member of staff that was on reception walked near to the bar area - made eye contact with us and went into an office. We stood for another few minutes and then decided to leave and assumed that either there were no staff avaiable to serve us or maybe drinks were not avaiable in the eveings.
On my way out I stopped at reception (which was empty) to see if there were any leaflets available for info on the hotel so that maybe I could recommend to family etc unfortunately there were none.
I do actually see golf being played but not sure if the golf course is open all year- no idea on costs but should I find out I will let you know. The course does have a club house.
I believe a few properties have been sold in the surronding urbanisation area but on the whole it does indeed look very empty. Building works appear to be ongoing.
Hope this sheds a little more light on whats happening on La Serena.