Calella Palace Top Hotel – Calella – Costa Brava

Arrived at the Calella Palace hotel around 20 to midnight after trying to find somewhere to park my hire car, to be met by a big group of German students outside hotel. Was told by friendly Asian receptionist that if we would like a snack there was one still available up untill midnight.

Managed to get a drink at the bar before the midnight, the free drink cut off time. Mentioned to the wife about an odour in the bar, like the smell you get from a dirty old fashioned mop! First impression of the hotel reception area was good, shame about the seating though which is the same a used in bar areas.

Rooms were really good - two double beds, nice bathroom but no bidet. Rooms cleaned and clean towels every day. Air conditioning only seemed to work at certain times (seperate timer in the plant room I think) but the walls are thin.

Most of the staff are friendly, especially the maids, but the bar staff were quite grumpy. As there were at least a few hundred German students already there, and the arrival of at least two coach loads of Israeli students two days into the holiday, along with the families already there, meal times & getting a drink in the evening was a challenge. Waiting in a queue for 5 mins & seeing one or more of these students walk up, start chatting to a friend & stay in the queue was irritating.

Entertainment was not good. There was supposed to be a kids disco for the 20 or so British children there. One night the entertainers started the games/dancing for the children, left the music playing & went outside chatting. I would give this hotel a 3* rating, not a 4* as advertised.