Can Gil Hostal

We came as a family of five, including two children under five, and would definitely return. The hotel was very clean and worked well for the kids, with a mini disco and other evening entertainment like a T-Rex ride and a Disney show. It felt very much like a family hotel. The food was okay, with plenty of fish and pork. Thanks for a lovely stay! Xx

The cold pools were the biggest drawback. The sea was warmer, and two of us also came down with a vomiting bug. I saw children lick the buffet serving utensils twice, and staff were slow to clear plates. There wasn't an outdoor snack bar, and the rooms were very small. There's no gym either, though I didn't mind since I preferred running. For what I paid for a week all inclusive for two adults and two children, it was amazing value. The location was handy for running along the coast, and the train station was very close, making it easy to get into central Barcelona. The drinks on the all-inclusive menu were nice, and my kids loved the teens club and animators. I'd go again if the price was low.

The entertainment team made sure there was always something going on. They were the best we've come across, warm and engaging without being over the top. The kids' mini disco was great every day, and the adult activities were fun too. The bar and restaurant turned out to be larger than they looked in the photos, and we liked the beer and cava. The plastic cava glasses were handy by the pool. For the price compared with other hotels, we had a fairly positive stay, mostly thanks to the entertainment. The rooms are cramped and due for an update. Food was the main letdown for everyone we spoke with. We could usually find something to eat, but it was rarely enjoyable, and some items were badly undercooked. Turkey was being served medium from the grill. Food hygiene concerned us too: one staff member handled raw bacon on the grill, then served pancakes with the same hand. If keeping the kids entertained is your priority, this place works. For spacious rooms or good food, it's pretty poor.

The town and surroundings were a highlight for us. The beach is excellent, the town is quiet with shops and bars, and a boat taxi from the beach visits the Costa Brava. The train station is about a seven-minute walk. The hotel itself caters to families, with the entertainment and pools geared toward children, so for us it didn't feel like a four-star hotel. I booked it after looking for a four-star place with at least four out of five star reviews, but this wasn't a four-star experience for two adults. Our room was tidy and had a balcony with seating, but the flooring was breaking up, so we asked to move. We also missed having a sofa. The staff were very friendly and reception was helpful. We stayed half board, while most guests seemed to be all inclusive. The food felt three-star to me, based on my stays at numerous Spanish hotels.