H·TOP Royal Sun

The Royal Sun is an aging property drawing families and couples with its convenient location right on a beach, and all-inclusive rates. The hotel is dated, with simple, tired furniture and basic amenities.The lobby is a sparsely furnished space with lots of mirrored surfaces, big windows, and a couple of computers that guests may use for a fee. It looks like it has not been renovated in some time, and that feeling extends to the rest of the hotel, including the rooms. H Top Royal Sun is a hotel with potential -- particularly due to its location -- but with average food, dated decor, and little attention to detail, it is just another unremarkable, budget-friendly all-inclusive.

The hotel is located right on a long, sandy beach in Santa Susanna, a small beach town offering a handful of historic attractions. The neighborhood is home to several hotels, and there are many restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance. Most locals, however, live on the hillside, so this area can be a little too touristy to some. There are a couple of attractions within a short drive, including two chapels, and a 17th-century mill. The main train station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, which is convenient for those looking to explore nearby towns, or even Barcelona and Girona, both located about an hour away.

The hotel offers 217 rooms, including Doubles, Triples, and Family Rooms. All units are spacious and clean, but dated and featuring basic amenities, such as small tube TVs, and air-conditioning. Decor is old-fashioned and generic, with thin bedspreads, simple wooden furniture, and pastel-colored curtains with flower prints. Some of the rooms have furnished balconies and panoramic ocean views. However, units in the rear of the hotel have city views and may get some noise from the trains running right outside the property. Complaints of thin walls are common, and many guests have pointed out the poor upkeep of the rooms. Wi-Fi, safes and mini-fridges are available in all rooms, but for an extra charge. Cots are free.

The hotel offers similar amenities to other all-inclusive properties in the area, such as a pool with loungers, a bar, and a restaurant serving up average buffet fare. There is a shallow area in the pool separated from the adults’ section by a metal railing, and another kiddy pool on the first-floor terrace overlooking the main pool area. The beach bar offers snacks and drinks, and features outdoor seating with sea views. The hotel also offers a kids’ club (open seasonally), a playground, and a few arcade machines in the bar. Guests willing to explore the facilities at other H Top hotels in the area can take the free shuttle to nearby sister properties.