Hotel GHT Aquarium & SPA

Aquarium Hotel is a medium-sized hotel that is part of a chain with several other properties in Costa Brava, one of which is right across the street. Unlike other properties in Lloret that draw hordes of teenagers, this hotel caters to families and couples with kid-friendly amenities, a pleasant spa, and a nice pool area. The decor theme here is nautical, but subtly so. Paintings with ocean scenes are sprinkled throughout the lobby and dining areas and rooms have large images of seashells splashed against one wall. Even the building features a nautical motif, with a pointed wooden roofing over the entrance that resembles a hull.

The hotel is located on a narrow one-way street lined with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. There are many other hotels in the area, including sister property GHT Oasis Park & Spa, which is located directly across the street. It can get busy at times, particularly during the summer months, but this area is less crowded and loud than other more central neighborhoods. Fenals Beach -- somewhat quieter than Lloret’s main beach -- is a five-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 features 240 rooms of varying sizes -- from spacious to a little tight -- that can sleep up to three guests. Renovations in 2015 replaced tile flooring, dated bedspreads, and dark yellow walls with wood-veneer flooring, chestnut bedding, and white stucco walls with illuminated seashell murals. A few vestiges of the old room style -- such as fusty blue armchairs and pieces of generic wood furniture -- remain. Bathrooms were the most in-need recipients of 2015's renovation. What were once horribly outdated bathrooms with basic features are now almost sleek spaces with cool gray walls, glass-walled rainfall showers, and big illuminated mirrors over square sinks. Bathrooms also have bidets, mounted mini hairdryers, and hotel-brand toiletries.All rooms come with similar amenities, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and balconies furnished with plastic tables and chairs. Guests should note that all rooms have two twin beds, and that only a few double beds are available upon request. Rooms on lower floors overlooking the pool are the noisiest of all.

The pool at Aquarium Hotel features plenty of loungers, a shallow area for kids, and access to the bar’s outdoor seating. The hotel also offers a relaxing spa that is free for all guests. It features a heated indoor/outdoor pool with a pressure waterfall; a hydrotherapy circuit; a whirlpool; and several hot and cold showers. Massages are available for a fee. The restaurant is average, serving standard buffet fare that doesn’t vary often. Family-friendly amenities include a solid kids’ club offering daily activities during peak season, a playground, and an arcade for teens. A few computers are available in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.