The small resort town of Lloret de Mar is one of Costa Brava’s most beautiful resort towns. Located just about an hour away by car from Barcelona, the town sits right at the edge of the see. We were in the area for our TBEX meeting in Costa Brava and stayed at Hotel Santa Marta in Lloret de Mar.
Location of Santa Marta Hotel
Santa Marta Hotel enjoys an outstanding location, high on a cliff overlooking the small bay of Santa Cristina. The hotel has one of the most outstanding restaurants in Costa Brava, where you experience some popular Spanish food as well as many international dishes.
As you approach the hotel, the road descends along a dirt track. From the path you can admire the different green areas of the hotel estate.
The front of the hotel doesn’t look very impressive, but once you step in you realize that Santa Marta is not just another beach hotel. Starting with the coquette hallways and lounge areas, there is a lot of attention to detail and a very cozy atmosphere.
The Rooms
The rooms are quite luxurious, beautifully decorated and comfortable, with dawn pillows and blankets and crisp white bedsheets with monogram. They all feature balconies with tables and chairs from which you can admire the gorgeous view of the Santa Cristina beach.
Also very impressive is the VIP treatment that you get as a guest. As we arrived they greeted us at the door and carried our luggage upstairs without us asking for help.
On the bed there were robes and slippers with rose petals spread around and on the desk there was a fresh bouquet of roses and lilies.
Every time we left the room, we found it tidied up upon returning. If we used a towel during the day they would replace it immediately after we left the room. If we sat on the bed or left things a little messy, we found them back in place.
They changed our bedding and the towels, daily without us having to ask for it (unlike in our hotels in the USA!) Every night upon returning from dinner, we found chocolates on the nightstands. Also, the bed cover was removed so that we can go straight to bed.
You could never see the maids or their carts in the hallways, but somehow they were always present to meet your needs. Oh, how I loved this! I think I could get used to this kind of treatment very easily.
Complimentary Breakfast
Breakfast was served every morning on a beautiful large terrace overlooking the bay. The cool breeze of the sea, the gorgeous view and the delicious food would have been enough to keep me there for the rest of the day. But for the TBEX meeting, I would have lingered there for hours…
From the breakfast terrace there is a beautiful trail that goes down to the beach. The shaded 200 meters long path is surrounded by different types of trees and flowers, making it a pleasant evening or morning walk.
The Restaurant
Hotel Santa Marta also features a restaurant where we dined on our first night in Lloret de Mar. We love eating and we tried some excellent restaurants over the years. However, only a handful of places that left a mark on our food memory. The restaurant at Santa Marta hotel has a place on this list now.
Starting with the service that was impeccable and ending with the food that was out of this world, we had a fantastic dining experience. The delicacy of the flavors, the preparation, the presentation, everything was just perfect. The restaurant uses the best quality produce and features some of the best Costa Brava recipes based on fresh fish and meats.
We tried some Navajas (razor clams), a foie gras and a white fish. tEverything was so delicious that it’s hard to describe. We might have been just lucky that evening, but I doubt that experiences like this are accidental. And our waiters were both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, observing our every move and trying to make this a very special evening.
Tango, Soccer and Malbec – the Amazing Culture of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Paula McInerney
If we ever make it to Llored de Mar, will look for this hotel. I love it when they go that extra mile to treat guests so well.
Anda Galffy
We had a great TBEX meeting there, Paula. Hope to see you guys at one of these meetings someday.
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute
This is a gorgeous hotel Anda! Is this where the TBEX party was held?
Anda Galffy
Yes, Jim. I remember you have been there too.
Jessica Smith
So jealous of your amazing experience! I wish more hotels provided this type of luxury!
travelling chingrita
Omgsh this looks like heaven. Spoiling yourself with delicious food, wine and a fantastic view. How incredible!! You must have been so relaxed.
Rossana
What a beautiful spot! Incredible views and the food looked amazing. Perfect place to go to get away!
Meg Ten Eyck
Whoa, that balcony is to die for! The view of the beach is stunning and perfect. I know where i’m staying the next time I head to Barcelona.
Rachel - The World in a Weekend
Wow this sounds like such value for money, it really is the little things that make the experience (although the beautiful surroundings can’t have hurt either!) I’ve never been to Lloret de Mar, but after reading this, next time I’m in Barcelona I’ll definitely schedule in a visit.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages
I would love to wake up to a view like that and wow, they really had gold star service!
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary
Driving in a foreign country can be nerve-wreaking but driving in the rain makes conditions even worse. However, it sounds like the weather began to cooperate and everything was amazing!! The place sounds and looks awesome – and what a view from the balcony!
Corinne
Anda, We stayed right where the conference was being held. Your hotel seems…quieter! Happy Weekend!
Anda Galffy
It was quite luxurious, Corinne.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates
Hi Anda, looks like a lovely hotel. The view of the beach from you balcony is so spectacular. And the breakfast terrace sounds a place I’d like to linger myself. Good to hear you had a good experience.
Anda Galffy
Thanks, Marisol. I loved being pampered like that.
Lyn@thetravellinglindfields
It does sound lovely. Last time we were in Barcelona, we literally just drove through. You make me think we should go back and stay here.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Wow..that view is just gorgeous. I’m so glad the weather cleared up for you. This looks like such a great hotel. I am always impressed with the VIP treatments and even if it’s just the little things…they do make a lasting impression. I’m hungry now looking at your plates 🙂
Anda Galffy
I love hotels that treat you like this, Mary. In the States you have to pay an arm and a leg to get this kind of attention in a hotel.