Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Aiguaclara Hotel, Begur, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
Nominated By: Sarah Lavender Smith, Piedmont, California, USA, April '10

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Price Range: 85-175 Euros (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 10 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Aiguaclara Hotel so Darn Good? Situated in the heart of Begur, a medieval village on the coast of Northern Spain, Aiguaclara occupies a 19th century mansion replete with original tilework and ornate wrought iron detailing. Windows open to a view of the town's winding cobblestone streets and 11th-century castle, and the central plaza is just out the door. Aiguaclara’s owners, Clara and Joan, are extremely welcoming and helpful; they picked us up at the bus stop and helped us arrange a rental car.

Location: Begur is a lovely small town along the spectacular Costa Brava one and a half hours from Barcelona and a half hour from the ancient, walled city of Girona. Hunker down in Begur and savor its tiny one-lane roads, plazas buzzing with life, and medieval castles and churches. The closest beaches and swimming coves are three kilometers down a winding road from Begur’s town center.

Rooms: Each of Aiguaclara’s ten rooms is individually decorated with antique furnishings and regional art, and some have terraces overlooking the town. The hotel is spacious with high ceilings and has a restaurant enclosed in what used to be an outdoor yard. Common spaces include a game room with hip décor and retro board games, a self-serve snack and beverage area, and a lounge within the restaurant.

Food: The hotel serves a buffet breakfast featuring traditional Spanish fare, such as tortilla espanola, as well as fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries. The dinner menu at the top-rated hotel restaurant includes several regional specialties.

Vibe: Aiguaclara attracts a hip international crowd, yet manages to be family-friendly at the same time. Our eight and twelve year old kids were made to feel very welcome.

Keep in Mind: Smoking is prevalent in Catalonia, so be prepared for the restaurant and lounge area to be a little smoky. Also, church bells ring every quarter hour and sounds echo in the tile hallways, so while the hotel is not always quiet, it is extremely comfortable and peaceful.

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