Gran Hotel Flamingo

Lloret de Mar is know for its hopping nightlife, which draws mostly young Europeans. The Gran Flamingo caters precisely to those groups of young tourists in town to party. It offers a couple of good perks for families, but from the lobby bar to the pool everything here is geared toward those looking to have some fun in the sun. It is not an upscale property, but decor here is somewhat more contemporary than at other hotels in this price category in Lloret. The lobby is a large open space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool area, and several seating areas with sofas and tables. During the day groups of guests can be seen waiting for their transportation to the airport. At night, guests gather at the lobby bar for the first drink before going into town for a long night of partying. The hotel can get loud, so those who want to get some sleep may want to request a room on the top floors, far from the lobby bar and the hotel entrance.

Gran Hotel Flamingo is located right in the heart of the city center, blocks from nightlife, restaurants, and shops. It’s busy almost 24/7, and some guests may find this a little overwhelming, but those looking to make the most of both the beach and Lloret’s famous (read: loud and rowdy) nightlife will probably find this locale quite convenient. The main beach in town is just down the street, but there’s another somewhat quieter stretch of sand a 15-minute walk away. Girona-Costa Brava Airport, served mostly by low-cost airlines, is a 25-minute drive away. Barcelona can be reached by car in just under an hour.

The hotel offers three room types: Double, Triple, and Family Rooms. All units can sleep up to three guests -- one of them in a pull-out sofa bed -- save for the Family Rooms, which feature two double beds, and can sleep up to two adults and two kids. Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, furnished balconies, and air-conditioning are all standard amenities. Decor is contemporary but basic, with black and white striped comforters, wooden floors, and blonde wood furniture. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, hotel-brand toiletries, and green tiling on floors and countertops. The management claims to have soundproofed all rooms, but the hotel can get loud until the wee hours, and many guests complain of poor sleep quality. The property is mostly geared toward young partiers, but it does offer a couple of nice perks for families, such as free use of cots. Also, kids under 12 sharing a room with their parents stay free, and the second child pays only 50 percent of the adult rate. Guest may want to note that there’s a fee for use of in-room safes.

The hotel offers several dining options, including a buffet restaurant, a poolside taco shack, and a burger joint. Few guests here rave about the quality, but with so many options to choose from there will probably be something for most tastes. The property also features a popular lobby bar with a cocktail menu, and a poolside bar with outdoor seating. The pool is smallish, and doesn’t get much sun, but it’s nice enough for a dip. Off-site parking and transportation to the airport are both available for a fee.