Merce Hotel – Pineda – Costa Brava

I stayed at the Merce Hotel for a few days in May. What a lovely hotel! I couldnt believe what i got for such a cheap price. Had an initial hiccup when i arrived with the room i was given {one on second floor} – i had requested a quiet room with a balcony, which is what i gott and while the room itself was very nice, when i stepped out into the balcony, saw it was facing a wall, with the maintenance men & area immediately below me! Not very private. When i requested a change, reception happily agreed with room 406-lovely. I had a small double room to myself, with double bed, bath & balcony all for no single surcharge. There was a bakery opposite, so was not overlooked at all. and even had a lovely view af the mountains to one side!

i have stayed in many different hotels up to 4 star & the cleanliness was one of the best i have experienced. The rooms & whole hotel was immaculate. What other reviewers have said about it being authentic Spain is so true. Merce Hotel is a {pleasant} 10 minute walk to the beach, but you benefit from the lovely location at the back of the town, right next to the gothic church which i adored. I really missed the chiming of the bells when i came home (they dont chime from 11pm – 8am so no bother).

The dining room was always relaxed & not busy (although it was out of season) the food was always well cooked & good, although it was very, very limited in choice- normally a choice of soups, 2 meat dishes, fish choice, usually a pasta or rice meal & ample salads & rolls. The deserts were wonderfull with 5-6 choices and always a selection of ice creams. I am vegetarian & i did not go hungry, but that was because i wasn’t fussy & usually ended up with a choice of salad or one i could create from all the veg and chips or sauces cheese etc. The desserts made up for the lack of choice for me.

The breakfasts were varied & ample – anyone who was not happy must be a very, very fussy eater – and
staff were some of the nicest i have ever come across. One lady at reception even took the trouble to draw me a map so i could find my way to the mountains, behind the hotel!

The weather was wonderfull for the first week in May – from 22-26 degrees – & i found the rooftop sun terrace a lovely place to spend plenty of chillout time. The pool is very nice, but small. They do seem to have a issue with the local youngsters setting off fireworks late at night in the town, as has been mentioned & i did hear them on one night, but only for a short time as i think they were moved on.

All in all i can strongly advise anyone who is thinking of staying here to do so, without any worries.
2 weeks would probably be too long but anything up to 7-8 days & you really would not do any better for the price. The hotel is really on a par with a good 3 star & i enjoyed every minute. I intend to go back one day, when i need some chillout time in the sun!!