After returning from Spain to the US, I was giving Wes at Petrabax a detailed look back on a very…read moreenjoyable trip. When the Parador de Aiguablava came up, he asked me if I minded that this Hotel was a modern building and not a former Castle or Convent. I admitted that this barracks-like alabaster structure was a little boxy. However, when Gayle and I considered the magnificent Costa Brava views, the superb service, and the surrounding beaches and sights, it doesn't get much better than this. In fact, the only compatible Parador experience on this trip were the amazing Mountain views at their facility in Vielha. Gayle would also go as far to say that she would have given up a day in Barcelona to stay here longer. This modern Parador is a superbly located hotel on the Punta D'es Muts and is surrounded by pine trees overlooking the sea. The Parador maximizes its cliff-side perch with large windows everywhere, including the Restaurant/Breakfast Room, Lounge, various sitting rooms, and even the business meeting area. We spent a lot of time on our room balcony just relaxing and taking in the view. There's also an ocean-side Lounge were we did the same over cocktails. The Parador also operates a separate restaurant and beach in a cove below. However, it was October and that was closed for the season. This is also the perfect place to venture out and enjoy the area's beautiful beaches, cliff walks and explore the coves in a gorgeous natural environment.

The service was amazing the rooms are fantastic and are very nicely decorated, they are looked…read moreafter very well breakfast in the morning is a 9/10 because it was great but not a big variety however the taste of everything is mind blowing. The activities are outstanding there is a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, tennis court, and a gym, these are all very fun and easy to access most being next to a private beach owned by the hotel which looks beautiful even though being mostly small stone instead of sand. The beach also has an amazing sea with huge waves if you like to surf. Not far from the hotel is an amazing city with a lot of shops and restaurants to choose from there are also a lot of other beaches in the area. Being near Barcelona there are a large amount of things to do in the day.

The check in experience that I had at the Hotel Gran Ultonia was the best I have ever experienced…read more The front desk staff promptly answered all questions that I had prior to confirming my reservation. In advance of our arrival, the hotel sent us a link for us to add our address and passport information. They also emailed me very clear instructions how to check into the hotel: park in the temporary space in front of the hotel, receive your room keys, and then go to the assigned space in the parking garage underneath the hotel. Our room was spacious and tidy. The two double beds placed together were large (although I wish that it was slightly more comfortable). There was plenty of room for our suitcase. The hotel staff thoughtfully provided us with a bowl for our dogs (the hotel is pet friendly). I wished they had provided robes for the upgraded room. The location of the hotel is excellent. It is within walking distance of a lovely square with multiple restaurants and it is a 5 minute walking to the historic section of the city center, including the former Jewish quarter (one of the best preserved in Europe). The hotel breakfast had a lovely buffet, although there was not an option to order eggs prepared to order (a must have for my husband) and although the hotel is pet friendly, dogs are not allowed in the restaurant. Check out was quick and easy. The gentleman at the front desk who checked us in was the staffer who also checked us out. He spoke 4 languages: Spanish, Catalan, English and French. He was always there even though I went in and out of the hotel at various hours. I am not sure he ever sleeps but he is a great ambassador for the hotel (apologize for not recalling his name.)

I struggled with settling on a number for this review…read more Hotel Carlemany has a lot going for it - great location, impressive modern facade, large spacious and comfortable rooms with good air conditioning and Wi-Fi. However, for a 4* hotel, it fell a little short of my expectations. The front door of the bright impressive modern facade (5) led to a somewhat disappointing dark and rather dated looking interior (3). There was no pomp or ceremony about our arrival. The usual welcome chat and map of the city etc. were conspicuous by their absence (3 again), although perhaps this is more of a business hotel (maybe a 4). The room was spacious and overlooked the pretty square to the front. The air conditioning and Wi-Fi were excellent. The beds were comfortable. The bathroom was big and clean (maybe a 4). The staff at reception were very helpful with any requests (yes definitely a good 4). Breakfast was the deciding factor. The breakfast room was prepared with care. Tables dressed in clean white linens and polished silverware. There was a reasonable selection of juices, breads, pastries, cold meats, cereals and yoghurts. However, the "hot" food offerings really let the breakfast down. There was a selection of beans, scrambled eggs, sausages and Spanish Omelette under a hood, but they were all cold and very unappetising. On the first day of our stay, I thought maybe we had caught them on a bad day and that the following day would be better. Unfortunately, there was no change on the following day. The same "hot" food left to go cold. There was no sense of it being consumed or replenished regularly as you might expect at a busy hotel breakfast. (Maybe a 3 again) Overall, I settled on a 3.5. A 4*or 5* rating has a tendency to focus the mind on the negatives of a hotel while a lower rating encourages focusing on the positives. I enjoyed our stay and had it not been a 4* hotel, I'm sure I would have reviewed it more favourably. With a little extra effort, Carlemany could be a great hotel.

We stayed here for three nights as I was in Girona for business. Loved it. Hotel very up to date…read morewith bar/bistro with outside dining, cafe and lovely atrium for breakfast. Helpful staff. Parking garage below with elevator access. In the middle of town but quiet at night. Good shopping around the area. But you can't beat the location, you can walk to anything in the city. Historic district, restaurants , train station three blocks away (picked up rental car there). It was a really good home for three days. My wife was able to sightsee and shop to her heart's content. We really enjoyed our stay.

21 room boutique hotel, built 1902 as a private 4 story home, turned into a hotel in 1958. Our room…read morewas one of the few that had a balcony and it was located on floor one which to us we would call floor two. It's located right on the beach. Very clean, good bed. The commode and sink were in one room and the shower in another. The shower was quite roomy and tall enough, which sometimes can be a problem for me in old buildings. The common areas and stairway were very, very ornate and too cool. We just loved this place. It had a nice courtyard for the breakfast, which was a very nice breakfast. The front of the hotel facing the beach was also a restaurant and was where the breakfast was served. The staff was friendly and helpful. There was parking available at €26 per day at their sister hotel, the dolphin. It was very tight getting my Volvo SUV in there that I'd rented. This was just a very cool place to stay!

Bar restaurant, few people and SLOW, SLIW, terribly slow service. 50 minutes for salads and one…read moresandwich.

I was looking for a place to stay after touring the Dali museum in nearby Figueres. Based on my…read moreresearch, it seemed like Girona was a better place to stay than Firgueres and it was closer on the way back to Barcelona. Found Nord 1901 over on Trip Advisor, but I also needed to Yelp it here, of course! This wonderful, elegant boutique hotel is in the heart of wonderful Girona and walking distance to most everything that you're likely to want to do. Not grand or opulent, but this hotel and its rooms fit my taste more than most others in which I have ever stayed. Excellent front desk service with good English speakers. Parking is a little strange, off premises around the corner, but it works, and you can unload easily on the quiet street in front of the hotel. Some of the third floor rooms involve additional stairs after the top floor elevator, so plan accordingly or ask for help with your bags. Wonderful small pool in the back beyond the main lobby. There looked to be a nice optional breakfast buffet, but we didn't partake. Rates were very reasonable considering the quality. Definitely recommend! If you have ever been to Lucca Italy, Girona may remind you of it a bit. Many streets are old, narrow, one way or even dead end. My biggest tip is that even though this is a smaller city, you will most definitely need a good MAP to find this hotel and to get around. This is especially true if you are driving in. We got hopelessly lost on the way in. I only wish that we had more time to explore this wonderful, vibrant and ancient city!

I stayed two nights in this lovely hotel. I arrived by car and had some difficulty finding it due…read moreto it's location on one of the narrow streets that one is not sure you are allowed to drive on. I called from my car and was assured I could drive to the front of the hotel, drop my bags and then continue to the parking garage around the corner. I did this succesfully although nervously. The front desk clerk was warm, professional and helpful. She told me I had been upgraded to a larger room which was a nice surprise. The room was large, clean and well appointed. There were three large french doors that looked out over the back of the hotel and it's pool. It was lovely. The location is superb as it is just around the corner to one of the bridges that crosses the river into the historic area of the city. Check out was easy and straightforward.

I found this restaurant a bit by accident as I was driving through Begur and checking out coastall…read moreareas. It was March, off season, so few people eating at the restuarant. I was greeted by a very friendly waiter who told me to sit anywhere. I chose a table outside next to the railing overlooking the sea. I ordered some mussels to start and a fish stew for my main course. I ordered a glass of local dry white wine. The wine and food were outstanding. The waiter took great care of me as I dined alone in this amazing setting. I imagine in high season this place is crazy busy, but on a beautiful March day it was a stunning, tranquil and breathtaking view with delicious food to match.