Amaraigua Hotel

This all-inclusive beachfront hotel attracts sun-seeking couples, mainly from Europe (many from Spain, plus other northern countries), seeking a beachy getaway at affordable rates. The adult-only policy means that the atmosphere is low-key and tranquil. The two-story cream-colored building features blue trimming and is decidedly average looking, as is the hotel's lobby, a small space with tile floors, honey-hued wooden wall panelling, blue seating, and potted plants adding an occasional dose of green. Other common spaces, like the restaurant and bar, are more inviting, with sleek contemporary decor and a sunny ambience thanks to large windows letting in plenty of natural light. There are pleasant outdoor spaces as well, including alfresco seating at the bar and a sunbathing lawn by the pool. Overall, this is an average mid-range property that's similar to other area hotels, but it's a solid choice that's clean and features a great location.

The hotel is situated by the beach in Malgrat de Mar, a coastal town about a 70- to 80-minute drive east of Barcelona. It's a convenient location that's close to shops, dining options, and supermarkets. Note that the property is situated right by train tracks, and some guests complain of noise, especially from the high-speed trains that pass through here. The actual train station is about a 10-minute walk away, and trains to Barcelona take about an hour and 20 minutes. Barcelona's airport is around a 60- to 80-minute drive, depending on traffic. The Girona-Costa Brava Airport can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes.

The hotel offers Single, Double, Triple, and Quadruple rooms. These contemporary spaces feature simple, but pleasant decor, and are filled with natural light thanks to glass sliding doors that open onto private furnished balconies. Some rooms have pool and beach views. The simplicity of white walls, wooden floors, and sleek, clean-lined furniture is enhanced by large photo murals of nature scenes on bedside walls that imbue the spaces with a sense of calm. All rooms have desks, plus other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi -- but there are no in-room tea/coffee facilities. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, done up in slate gray and white tiles. They're equipped with walk-in rainfall showers. Wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided. 

The hotel offers a handful of features that add value to a stay here. There's an outdoor pool that's surrounded by loungers, plus there are sun beds on the surrounding grassy lawn -- but the pool is rather small. A poolside bar serves drinks and snacks. Guests also have direct access to a sandy stretch of beach.

Dining-wise, there's a buffet-style restaurant that serves local and international fare (part of the all-inclusive plan). Food gets fairly good reviews and guests note that the fare is varied. The hotel also has a lounge bar that opens onto a pleasant outdoor area with seating, as well as billiard and ping-pong tables.

The hotel has a small fitness room, but it's equipped with only a couple of dated machines. There's also a sauna, as well as a whirlpool tub. Other features include daytime and evening entertainment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.