Hotel Montecarlo

Situated on the Santa Margarita beachfront in Roses, Hotel Montecarlo is a mid-range property with contemporary yet aging interiors. Though the building is less than 50 years old, it's had a tragic history, having suffered from a car bomb in 2001 that exploded at its entrance. There are still some signs of the attack, and the hotel annually pays tribute to the memory of a policeman who died in the explosion. Despite this tint of sadness on the hotel’s timeline, it remains a popular spot that's visited by couples and families seeking a beachside vacation. 

Inside, decor is homey but in need of an update. The spacious lobby features worn salmon-colored armchairs and forest-themed paintings that are a bit incongruous with the beachfront location. Things get a little more modern farther in, such as in the bright restaurant that has floor-to-ceiling windows, white tablecloths topping tables, and wooden chairs with blue cushions. The bar has a sleek design with a red-and-white color scheme, funky armchairs, and a lovely patio with white furniture and views of the sea. All in all, it’s a good hotel for travelers who want to be directly on the beach and are willing to put up with dated decor.  

The hotel is right on Santa Margarita beach, which is lined with a handful of other hotels, as well as shops and restaurants. The location is ideal for beach-goers, but it’s a bit far -- an 11-minute drive or 28-minute walk -- from the city center of Roses. Beyond the beautiful beaches, there aren't many attractions in this small city, but the Ciutadella of Roses takes 22 minutes to reach on foot, while Aquabrava water park is a five-minute drive away. The Roses bus station is an 11-minute drive away, and the port takes about the same amount of time to reach. Cadaques is about a half-hour drive from here, where guests can visit Salvador Dali's house. It’s about an hour’s drive to the Girona-Costa Brava airport. 

Though the hotel’s website advertises “updated rooms,” the spaces haven’t been updated since 2010 -- and it shows. The decor is clearly old and includes half wood-paneled walls, homey prints like stripes or florals, wooden furniture that shows wear and tear, and outdated beach-themed framed art pieces on the walls. Amenities aren’t too impressive either. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes (for a fee), and balconies with either full or partial ocean views, but they lack coffee- and tea-making facilities, and only Superior Rooms are equipped with free minibars with non-alcoholic drinks. Bathrooms are a saving grace, with sleek tan tiling and plenty of counter space, as well as bidets, shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers (unfortunately these are older models). 

Besides lacking a fitness center, Hotel Montecarlo covers most of the basics amenities-wise. There’s an outdoor pool and children’s pool that’s enclosed during the winter and open in the summer. Other outdoor features include a solarium with loungers, plus volleyball equipment is available to use at the beach. The buffet-style restaurant serves international and local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and full-board options. Drinks, snacks, and ice cream are available at the bar, which also offers a happy hour and live entertainment. It has a pool table as well as an outdoor patio. A meeting room room is available on-site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout, plus guests can use public computers for a fee. Bikes are available for free, but parking is an extra fee, and the hotel suggests reserving a space. Pets are welcome for a fee.