Hotel Rec de Palau

The first room we had for two of our four nights was supposed to have a sea view, but it didn’t. An extension was being built, so perhaps the room categories hadn’t been updated yet. The location and what the hotel offers could make it outstanding, and fixing several of these issues might even justify higher room prices. As it stands, the 8.8 out of 10 rating on hotels.com feels about right. There’s a lot to like here, but some practical details need attention. The pool deck was badly built and a man had to work on it every day. In the room, the oversized bathroom door was hard to open, and the water took too long to reach a comfortable temperature. Small things, but they matter at this level. Most of the staff were extremely service minded, though not everyone spoke English. At an upscale hotel, I’d expect that to be a requirement. The bar and restaurant were another frustration. On arrival we were told drinks, snacks and simple food were available, but when we later asked for snacks, the staff just shook their heads. Some sandwiches or similar options would help, especially since going out to eat means walking about a kilometer.

The hotel was peaceful even during high season, and the view from its spot up the hill is stunning. Staff were super nice. It’s about a 15-minute walk into the center, which is worth doing, and the hotel brought us back in a golf cart. We loved our stay and will definitely return.

For me, this is the best hotel in the world. It felt magical. If there’s even a small chance it fits your plans, book a stay and get ready to be amazed.

A lovely place to slow down. Have breakfast with fantastic views, let the excellent staff look after you, then head out to enjoy Cadaqués. Hotel Rec de Palau has a rare mix of luxury and comfort that still feels casual.