Gran Hotel Monterrey

The hotel is housed in an eight-story building surrounded by gardens. With a location right outside the city center, the atmosphere here is relaxed and quiet save for some noise that carries from the road nearby. Upon entering the grounds, guests have to cross a garden with palm trees and flowers before arriving at the main building, a contemporary pale-colored construction. The lobby is a large open space with contemporary decor in dark browns and wood that contrasts with the white gleaming floors. Adjacent to the main building are the two pools, and a lounge area. The casino is in a separate building to the left of the hotel.

The hotel is located in a quiet part of Lloret, right outside the city center but within walking distance of the historic area. There are a couple of beaches within a 15-minute walk from the property, but the hotel provides transportation several times a day to Fernals Beach. Several restaurants, bars, and shops can be found in the immediate neighborhood. Girona-Costa Brava Airport is located a 25-minute drive away, and Barcelona can be reached in just over an hour.

Most of the Gran Hotel Monterrey’s rooms are upscale and attractive, with laminate floors, contemporary decor, fully stocked minibars, terraces with garden or ocean views, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have a separate living area, and a terrace offering ocean views. Grand Suites feature a larger bathroom with a jetted tub and a separate shower. Lower-category rooms, however, are a tad underwhelming for an advertised five-star hotel. Families have a wide array of room types to choose from, from adjoining double rooms to suites. Some Junior Suites are particularly family-friendly, with wall drawings of popular kids’ tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and Pinocchio, all designed by celeb painter Pilarín Bayés.

The hotel offers a wide array of upscale amenities, including a spa featuring a hydrotherapy circuit and treatment rooms; a Mediterranean restaurant with outdoor seating; a bar with live music and an outdoor lounge; a casino; a beach club with umbrellas and loungers; a kids’ club; and a pool area complete with a kiddy pool. During the summer months, the hotel has a daily program of fitness activities for adults, and games for kids -- but the property lacks a fitness center.

The Gran Hotel Monterrey also offers a variety of solid services, such as free daily transportation to the beach club; couples’ massages; towel service at the pool and the beach club; free Wi-Fi throughout; transportation to the Girona/Costa Brava and Barcelona airports, and valet parking (for a fee).