Hotel Llafranch

What a shocking welcome. They said Expedia hadn't sent our reservation, and the receptionist spent ten minutes complaining at us before finally giving us a room. The rooms look out at walls and nothing else.

We finally got a room with an awesome view, and the rooms and location are excellent. But service was another story. We came in to ask about parking before our stay and were simply told no, because it was for guests who had reserved and paid extra. We'd booked it a while earlier. Parking is €25 per day, and when we explained that, the receptionist denied it until another receptionist arrived. There was no greeting or information, just someone hidden behind the counter. They advertise luxury, but don't expect much service. We only discovered the rooftop area on our last day, and no one had told us about it.

The location practically on the beach is a big part of why clients return year after year. The food is terrific, from breakfast to the restaurant menu, and the housekeeping team is excellent. Reception is run by a warm, professional team who go out of their way to help everyone. Over the past 15 years or so, I've stayed at Hotel Llafranch six or seven times. Family illness is the only reason I wouldn't be there tonight. It may be one of the best three-star hotels around, and even the most expensive rooms are good value, though room types vary. I hope to visit later this summer. It's my happy place.

We were three people waiting to order, and over 20 minutes we signaled the waitresses three times. They completely ignored us. They stayed at the restaurant entrance talking to each other or went off to collect glasses. Surely someone could have come to take our order during that time.