ALEGRIA Mar Mediterrania

This hotel announces its hip factor from the start, housed in an Art Deco-inspired modern building with curved balconies extending along each of its seven floors. A crisp blue-on-white sign bears the hotel's name  -- a color motif that runs throughout the property. Large bright-pink potted plants brighten the glass entrance. Inside, the lobby is expansive, and the decor is minimalist. Bright-pink chairs just inside the door pick up the hues in the plant pots outside. The registration desk is also bright pink, and pink abstract art hangs on the wall. White upholstered seating groups with pink and gray pillows and chairs provide places for guests to hang out in the lobby hallway. The look is trendy and hip, and that vibe carries through the hotel's restaurant and bars as well, which range from the bright buffet space with eye-catching black-and-white wall art to the breezy outdoor bar with day beds. Children younger than 16 are not allowed, so guests are mostly couples or groups of friends. 

The hotel is located on the beach in Santa Susanna, a coastal village in the Province of Barcelona. Guests can walk to the town center along the promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. The city of Barcelona is about an hour away by car, as is the Barcelona airport. The Girona airport is about a half-hour away. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel for day trips into Barcelona, which will take about 90 minutes.

Rooms are fresh and bright, with minimalist decor. The color scheme is mostly white with crisp blue accents. Rooms are outfitted in trendy blond wood, from the laminate floors to the doors and simple Scandinavian furniture; artwork features expressionistic coastal scenes in shades of blue and white. Even the 32-inch flat-screen TV is framed in white. Amenities include air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi, and a large, nicely furnished balcony or terrace. Bathrooms are also contemporary and white, with raised rectangular sinks, makeup mirrors, and rainfall showerheads. Bath amenities are Fergus' own brand. All rooms have a side sea view (spectacular), and Junior Suites have frontal sea views (even more spectacular). Triple rooms are available with two single beds and a sofa bed. 

The buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean fare and has live cooking stations for made-to-order selections. Half- and full-board options are available, though drinks are not completely covered. Breakfast is free and there is also a snack bar. The bar serves drinks in a stylish space bathed in white with blue accents, with outdoor seating including daybeds and loungers. The outdoor pool is a bit on the small side and is surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas packed with guests. It's a lively scene that can be crowded, but wait staff comes around serving drinks. The beach is wide and sandy, and lounge chairs are available. A hip beach bar is open from April to October and offers shaded seating right on the beach, along with drinks and light fare. The spa and wellness area is free for all guests to access and includes an indoor heated whirlpool, dry sauna, steam sauna, biothermal showers, and a neck cascade. Massage treatments also are available, though all treatments will cost extra. The adjacent tiny fitness room has two stationary bikes and an elliptical machine in front of a flat-screen TV. An Apple computer is set up in the lobby for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.