Parador de Aiguablava

Fantastic hotel in a very remote location in Begur, Costa Brava. The hotel is beautiful and if you are happy with relaxing at your accommodation for your stay, then this is very ideal. The staff however in general are far from ideal. Many have an arrogant persona from the start and often give off the impression they are doing you a favour by simply doing their job. The rooms are beautiful with great scenic views but lack the basic amenities that basic hotels would offer. Overall a beautiful hotel, just let down by a mixture of inept and incompetent staff.

We spent a weekend at Aiguablava Parador in Begur. We were a party of four people. The good points were the location, the rooms (comfortable beds, fabulous sea view, spacious rooms, nice amenities) the hotel is very spacious and tastefully decorated. The swimming pool, at the top end of the cliff, although not massive, is large enough and with fantastic views of the area. A very privileged position with views of Aiguablava cove and a private path down to the cove. Breakfast was varied and good quality in general and served in the breakfast room with gorgeous views. Freshly squeezed fruit juice and good quality coffee. The negatives were the check in experience, too long and with an inexperienced receptionist who lacked aptitude in the treatment of experienced travelers/customers and couldn’t get my name right. There was a general lack of coordination between departments (reception and restaurant) our evening meal reservation was not communicated to the restaurant either of the two days and my name was wrong in all departments from beginning to end even though the receptionist had access to my ID card and the online booking form. The evening meals were sub standard. Generally unpleasant food, tasteless fish and a dirty lukewarm brown sauce, packet custard-based deserts. Brick sized chunks of melon as fruit salad. Some dishes were inedible. A very limited wine list and very expensive wines. The service in the restaurant varied from pleasant to inappropriate with some comments from waiting staff demonstrating their inexperience and unsuitability to work in a hotel of this category, even though they were pleasant and kind at all times. On a final note, I requested by telephone if it would be possible to have some candles on a desert on our final evening as we were celebrating my husband’s 60th birthday. The receptionist said it would be no problem but it was not communicated to the restaurant and forgotten. As there had been so many hiccups with communication in general I didn’t bother to even try to remind them.

It was our first time staying in a Parador, we choose it because we wanted to wind down after a very busy time at home. It was a great choice! There are so many beautiful places to sit and take in the stunning coastline views. Food is good but very regional and may not be to vegans or vegetarians' taste. The rooms are very comfortable and the staff were excellent. We will definitely choose a Parador again.