Sumus Hotel Stella &Spa

There's not much that sets the three-pearl Hotel Stella & Spa apart from other similar properties in the area. It's situated in a six-story balconied building, and the interiors, though a bit dated, are pleasant and inviting. A sunlit sitting area in the lobby is illuminated by skylights and walls of windows overlooking the pool outside. It features contemporary rattan seating livened up by green and orange pillows. The library/TV room is a bit more elegant in style, with plush armchairs, a piano, and shelves stocked with books. The hotel's dining spaces are equally pleasant, but bland in terms of decor.The hotel attracts leisure tourists seeking a beachy break, the majority of which are European travelers. Clientele tends to be mostly composed of older couples -- though the hotel's kid-friendly facilities draw families as well. 

The hotel is situated about a three-minute walk from the beach in Pineda de Mar, a coastal town about an hour's drive east of Barcelona (or an hour and 20 minutes via public transportation). The immediate area is quiet; there's a library across the street and a tourist information center just down the block. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and supermarkets within a five- to 10-minute walk of the hotel. Area attractions include the water park Marineland Catalunya (12-minute drive) and the Museu del Turisme (eight-minute drive). The town's train station is a four-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest airport is the Girona-Costa Brava Airport, which is about a 40-minute drive away. Barcelona's El Prat Airport can be reached in about an hour by car.

Rooms here are a bit small and dated in terms of decor, but they're clean and homey. Wooden furniture is paired with tiled floors, cream-colored walls, and floral or striped bedspreads that add a dose of color to the spaces. Rooms are simply furnished with desks and nightstands built into headboards, plus they open onto private furnished balconies. Amenities are limited to flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, while others like mini-fridges and tea/coffee-making facilities are available for an extra fee (free in higher-category rooms). Use of safes also incurs a fee, as does the Wi-Fi (free in certain rooms). Bathrooms are simple but clean, covered in white or tan tiling and equipped with shower/tub combos; fixtures could use an update. Hairdryers and some toiletries are provided.

Many of the features here cost extra. The hotel has an attractive outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and parasols, as well as a smaller kids' pool and hot tub. The spa area also features an invited heated indoor pool and hot tub, plus it has a sauna, Turkish bath, ice fountain, and various types of showers. A number of treatments are on offer, including massages and facials. Other wellness facilities include a fitness center, though it only offers a couple of dated Technogym machines. There are fees for use of both the spa and fitness center, however, as well as for many other amenities and services, including Wi-Fi (free for bookings made directly through the hotel's website and in some rooms), parking, and pool towel service.Dining-wise, the hotel's buffet-style restaurant serves traditional and international fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is included in rates, plus half- and full-board plans are available. Note that food gets mixed reviews. There's also a lobby bar/snack cafe that serves breakfast as well as various light bites and snacks throughout the day, plus it has outdoor seating.Families are catered to with a kids' club (for ages 3 to 12), plus there's a small outdoor play area on the grounds. The animation team provides entertainment and organizes activities for both kids and adults, including themed nights, sports activities, and evening shows. Other amenities include a common room with a TV and a collection of books.