Hotel Papi

Unlike many chain hotels in the area, Hotel Papi has been family-run for four generations since opening in 1964. The large building straddles a corner and extends halfway down the block, and it's been continually expanded and renovated over the decades. In its current state, some areas are shiny and new, while others clearly need a makeover. The main entrance opens into a lobby with brown and cream decor, featuring oversize leather couches along a hall with glowing white planters and light panels embedded in the walls and columns. The lobby bar has a casual feel but the space is snazzy, contrasted with a buffet restaurant that looks like a cafeteria at an institutional facility. Outside, half of the main pool area looks brand new, but a portion of the sundeck is covered in artificial turf, and the colorful water park pool is hemmed in by an unsightly concrete block wall.

The hotel is one block away from the main beachfront strip of Malgrat de Mar, a lively town with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs within walking distance. It's about 15 minutes on foot to the old town, which has historic churches and buildings to explore, plus offers more laid-back nightlife in its many tavernas. Getting to the airport is pretty straightforward—there are bus connections from beachfront road Passeig Maritim, with a transit time of 90 minutes, and the trip takes about an hour by car. The hotel is located between Malgrat and Santa Susannah rail stations and it's a five-minute drive to both, with direct trains into Barcelona for shopping and attractions. The journey by train takes roughly 80 minutes.   

Most of the hotel's 231 guest rooms have a dated look and sport stucco walls, drop ceilings, and old wood furnishings. Flecked stone tile floors add some character, but the garish purple fabrics and teal headboards against orange accent walls are just too much. Some units have had contemporary renovations that introduced neutral gray decor and matching fabrics. The best feature is the small private balconies furnished with plastic chairs facing the pool, common to every unit. All rooms also contain twin beds, small desks, and extra chairs, but there isn't much in the way of lounge space. Flat-screen TVs are standard, but there are fees for Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and in-room safes. Half of the bathrooms are old and they have bidets and shower/tub combos, while the other half have been renovated with tiled rainfall showers and basin sinks set atop vanities, but they lack the bidets. None contain hairdryers or bottled toiletries, only soap dispensers. 

Outdoor pool areas are a highlight at this family-friendly property. The main outdoor courtyard has a faux rock waterfall that spills into a large saltwater pool and smaller kiddy pool. Two large daybeds are set on a raised section with a few loungers arranged around a hot tub, and there's a second hot tub integrated into the main pool. A sundeck surrounds the whole area, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas. There's a separate pool courtyard that contains a mini water park with slides and a fountain for kids to splash around, and an artificial turf sundeck set up with plastic loungers for parents to take a seat and watch little ones. Other family-friendly amenities include a kids' club, a game room with two pool tables, and regular activities during the high season. There's also nightly entertainment, and staff organize area excursions for all ages, but there's no fitness center on-site. For dining, the contemporary cafe has a bar with an espresso machine, and it opens to a large outdoor terrace adjacent to the pool, with a seating area and covered lounge areas with couches. The buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean and international cuisine, and it also has weekly theme nights. Free breakfast is included. Free Wi-Fi is available in some common areas, and while there's fee for parking, free public parking is available nearby.