Aiguaclara is a lovely historic boutique located in the center of Begur. Dotted with antiques, original mid-19th century architectural features, and tons of funky details, the property oozes character and charm. Its 10 rooms have tasteful unique decor, large windows (some opening onto a balcony or terrace), free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. There’s a relaxing patio and lounge with an honesty bar, and a solid restaurant that’s known for hosting lively music nights. Boutique-y touches such as free beach towels and toys, and free loaner DVDs, are perks that make guests feel like they’re visiting a friend’s house.
Aiguaclara is a lovely historic boutique located in the center of Begur. Dotted with antiques, original mid-19th century architectural features, and tons of funky details, the property oozes character and charm. Its 10 rooms have tasteful unique decor, large windows (some opening onto a balcony or terrace), free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. There’s a relaxing patio and lounge with an honesty bar, and a solid restaurant that’s known for hosting lively music nights. Boutique-y touches such as free beach towels and toys, and free loaner DVDs, are perks that make guests feel like they’re visiting a friend’s house.
The upscale Hotel Restaurant Galena Mas Comangau is a converted 16th-century Catalan farmhouse set a 10-minute walk from the historic center of Begur and its castle, and an eight-minute drive from Platja Fonda, the nearest beach. With rough stone walls and hefty, solid roof timbers, the hotel is rustic and cozy, and its 20 rooms combine the design of centuries gone by with modern creature comforts like rainfall showers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Guests rave about the restaurant’s rendition of classic Catalan cuisine. That said, guests looking for a pool or easy access to the beach might want to look at the Hotel Aigua Blava.
The upscale Hotel Restaurant Galena Mas Comangau is a converted 16th-century Catalan farmhouse set a 10-minute walk from the historic center of Begur and its castle, and an eight-minute drive from Platja Fonda, the nearest beach. With rough stone walls and hefty, solid roof timbers, the hotel is rustic and cozy, and its 20 rooms combine the design of centuries gone by with modern creature comforts like rainfall showers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Guests rave about the restaurant’s rendition of classic Catalan cuisine. That said, guests looking for a pool or easy access to the beach might want to look at the Hotel Aigua Blava.
This property has probably one of the most striking locations of all of the chain’s hotels -- except maybe for the Parador de Granada. With a cliff-top setting offering gorgeous views of the rugged Mediterranean coast; a large pool overlooking the ocean; and easy access to a beautiful (but busy) beach, this could be one of the top hotels in Costa Brava. However, while some find room decor charmingly traditional Mediterranean, others find it downright old-fashioned. Also, the restaurant is overpriced (though it serves a delicious breakfast), and there’s a fee for parking. Nevertheless, for many the views will be well worth the somewhat uninspired rooms and the high rates.
This property has probably one of the most striking locations of all of the chain’s hotels -- except maybe for the Parador de Granada. With a cliff-top setting offering gorgeous views of the rugged Mediterranean coast; a large pool overlooking the ocean; and easy access to a beautiful (but busy) beach, this could be one of the top hotels in Costa Brava. However, while some find room decor charmingly traditional Mediterranean, others find it downright old-fashioned. Also, the restaurant is overpriced (though it serves a delicious breakfast), and there’s a fee for parking. Nevertheless, for many the views will be well worth the somewhat uninspired rooms and the high rates.
The Hotel RD Costa Portals is a three-pearl, adults-only property set in the peaceful and largely residential neighborhood of Portals Nous. Though there's little of interest in the immediate area, there’s dining and beaches within walking distance, and buzzing Palma is a 20-minute drive. Many of the 93 guest rooms open to balconies with attractive partial sea views, however amenities are basic and maintenance is not always up to scratch. A small, chic pool terrace also provides lovely panoramas, and there’s poolside and buffet dining, though both can get crowded in peak season. The hotel lacks a fitness center, which feels like an oversight, though it's reflected in reasonable rates. For guests who like the locale but want some pampering, the nearby Salles Hotel Marina Portals has an excellent spa, though isn’t kid-free.
The Hotel RD Costa Portals is a three-pearl, adults-only property set in the peaceful and largely residential neighborhood of Portals Nous. Though there's little of interest in the immediate area, there’s dining and beaches within walking distance, and buzzing Palma is a 20-minute drive. Many of the 93 guest rooms open to balconies with attractive partial sea views, however amenities are basic and maintenance is not always up to scratch. A small, chic pool terrace also provides lovely panoramas, and there’s poolside and buffet dining, though both can get crowded in peak season. The hotel lacks a fitness center, which feels like an oversight, though it's reflected in reasonable rates. For guests who like the locale but want some pampering, the nearby Salles Hotel Marina Portals has an excellent spa, though isn’t kid-free.
The two-pearl Roc Portonova Apartments has certainly seen better days. While its location at the north end of Palmanova's trio of beaches is prime, this '70s-era property is showing serious signs of neglect. The highlight is its pleasant outdoor pool, which has plenty of loungers, a separate kiddie pool, and poolside bar that serves light food. There's also a small seasonal indoor heated pool, a decent hot buffet breakfast served for an additional fee, and an on-site laundry room. The hotel's 68 apartments-style units are poorly maintained and have dated decor and amenities, some with tube-style TVs, though all have kitchens with microwaves, toaster ovens, cooktops, and kettles, and many units feature sea-view balconies. Those seeking a budget self-catering stay would be better off at Palmanova's Cabau Aquasol, which is set back from the seafront but has modern, tidy guest rooms and a cheerful atmosphere.
The two-pearl Roc Portonova Apartments has certainly seen better days. While its location at the north end of Palmanova's trio of beaches is prime, this '70s-era property is showing serious signs of neglect. The highlight is its pleasant outdoor pool, which has plenty of loungers, a separate kiddie pool, and poolside bar that serves light food. There's also a small seasonal indoor heated pool, a decent hot buffet breakfast served for an additional fee, and an on-site laundry room. The hotel's 68 apartments-style units are poorly maintained and have dated decor and amenities, some with tube-style TVs, though all have kitchens with microwaves, toaster ovens, cooktops, and kettles, and many units feature sea-view balconies. Those seeking a budget self-catering stay would be better off at Palmanova's Cabau Aquasol, which is set back from the seafront but has modern, tidy guest rooms and a cheerful atmosphere.
The OD Port Portals is a stylish hotel with a hip contemporary vibe that's a five-minute walk away from the high-end marina district. The 77 rooms have a smart, yet cozy finish, with perks for upgrading that range from free smart cars to iPads. However, some standard rooms lack balconies and have poor views. A rooftop bar provides an impressive panoramic venue for regular events that attract a trendy crowd, while a decent pool area is popular with vacationers. The nearby Salles Hotel Marina Portals has more extensive features, but the OD Port Portals remains one of the island's best hotels to soak up some very 21st-century Balearic chic style. The luxury-level boutique Portals Hills also provides stiff competition for higher-end clientele, porting their yachts at the nearby marina.
The OD Port Portals is a stylish hotel with a hip contemporary vibe that's a five-minute walk away from the high-end marina district. The 77 rooms have a smart, yet cozy finish, with perks for upgrading that range from free smart cars to iPads. However, some standard rooms lack balconies and have poor views. A rooftop bar provides an impressive panoramic venue for regular events that attract a trendy crowd, while a decent pool area is popular with vacationers. The nearby Salles Hotel Marina Portals has more extensive features, but the OD Port Portals remains one of the island's best hotels to soak up some very 21st-century Balearic chic style. The luxury-level boutique Portals Hills also provides stiff competition for higher-end clientele, porting their yachts at the nearby marina.
The 142-room, adult-only Gran Melia de Mar is a serene luxury property located on a small private sandy cove between Illetas and Palma. Sunny rooms have a neutral palette and clean lines, plus free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and Nespresso machines. The focus here is on relaxation and style, as evidenced by the spacious pool decks dotted by cabanas and overlooking the Mediterranean, and a spa complete with a hydrotherapy pool and outdoor massage area. The hotel’s two restaurants serve excellent regional cuisine and offer outdoor seating, while the fitness center has modern machines. Travelers can compare rates with Pure Salt Port Adriano, another adult-only property with elegant rooms.
The 142-room, adult-only Gran Melia de Mar is a serene luxury property located on a small private sandy cove between Illetas and Palma. Sunny rooms have a neutral palette and clean lines, plus free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and Nespresso machines. The focus here is on relaxation and style, as evidenced by the spacious pool decks dotted by cabanas and overlooking the Mediterranean, and a spa complete with a hydrotherapy pool and outdoor massage area. The hotel’s two restaurants serve excellent regional cuisine and offer outdoor seating, while the fitness center has modern machines. Travelers can compare rates with Pure Salt Port Adriano, another adult-only property with elegant rooms.
The Cala Marsal is a mid-range, dated resort set on the outskirts of the Porto Colom fishing village, overlooking a picturesque sandy inlet of the same name. Once-lax building regulations have resulted in superb views from most of its 347 rooms -- spread over seven floors -- and the beach is just a short walk away. As there's just one buffet restaurant, the food, while decent enough, lacks finesse and mealtimes can get busy. Although there's no dedicated kids' club, poolside activities are child-focused, while a quieter second pool provides a more relaxing place to lounge. Couples looking for a totally child-free experience should take a look at the adult-only and all-around more stylish Ola Hotel El Vistamar.
The Cala Marsal is a mid-range, dated resort set on the outskirts of the Porto Colom fishing village, overlooking a picturesque sandy inlet of the same name. Once-lax building regulations have resulted in superb views from most of its 347 rooms -- spread over seven floors -- and the beach is just a short walk away. As there's just one buffet restaurant, the food, while decent enough, lacks finesse and mealtimes can get busy. Although there's no dedicated kids' club, poolside activities are child-focused, while a quieter second pool provides a more relaxing place to lounge. Couples looking for a totally child-free experience should take a look at the adult-only and all-around more stylish Ola Hotel El Vistamar.
Besides the pretty beach of Cala Marcal that's a few minutes' walk away, there's little that stands out at the lower-middle-range Ola Aparthotel Cecilia. The 143 units, which consist of Studios and One- and Two-Bedroom apartments, have kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some with sea views. Though some have had their bedding and furniture updated, all are fairly underwhelming and have dated aspects. The pool area is pleasant, with an enthusiastic animation staff, as well as a splash section for children. The buffet dining, however, is nothing special, and the restaurant can feel a bit dingy. Travelers could also consider the Cala Marsal Hotel, which has two pool areas but no in-room cooking facilities.
Besides the pretty beach of Cala Marcal that's a few minutes' walk away, there's little that stands out at the lower-middle-range Ola Aparthotel Cecilia. The 143 units, which consist of Studios and One- and Two-Bedroom apartments, have kitchenettes, and balconies or terraces -- some with sea views. Though some have had their bedding and furniture updated, all are fairly underwhelming and have dated aspects. The pool area is pleasant, with an enthusiastic animation staff, as well as a splash section for children. The buffet dining, however, is nothing special, and the restaurant can feel a bit dingy. Travelers could also consider the Cala Marsal Hotel, which has two pool areas but no in-room cooking facilities.
The adult-only Hotel JS Cape Colom is a dated mid-range property, a short walk from Porto Colom's bay village. A largely British and European crowd come here for spectacular sea views and tranquility, and expansive terraces here don't disappoint. However, food is mediocre, and the 119 rooms are due for an upgrade with their old-fashioned linens, rattan furniture, and worn bathrooms. They come with flat-screen TVs and furnished balconies, plus sea views in some, but no mini-fridges and use of safes require fees. Two outdoor pools include a long lap one, and wellness amenities consists of massage rooms, tennis courts, and bright gym. Families should check out Ola Aparthotel Cecilia, where kids are welcome.
The adult-only Hotel JS Cape Colom is a dated mid-range property, a short walk from Porto Colom's bay village. A largely British and European crowd come here for spectacular sea views and tranquility, and expansive terraces here don't disappoint. However, food is mediocre, and the 119 rooms are due for an upgrade with their old-fashioned linens, rattan furniture, and worn bathrooms. They come with flat-screen TVs and furnished balconies, plus sea views in some, but no mini-fridges and use of safes require fees. Two outdoor pools include a long lap one, and wellness amenities consists of massage rooms, tennis courts, and bright gym. Families should check out Ola Aparthotel Cecilia, where kids are welcome.