Hotel Monterrey Roses by Pierre & Vacances

Nothing about Hotel Monterrey makes much of an impression or sets it apart from other beachfront hotels in Roses, but it meets most of the "fun in the sun" requirements. Built in 1967, it’s a family-run hotel that’s currently being managed by the second generation. The lobby is modest, with a minimal design that includes a sleek white front desk, wooden floors, and simple gray contemporary platform couches. There’s also an oceanfront terrace patio serviced by the bar with plenty of seating and a dance floor, as well as a TV room with tons of chairs and a flat-screen TV. Both the restaurant and bar have an airy design, blue and white color scheme, and plenty of sunlight from floor-to-ceiling windows. But as with most resorts, the action centers around the pool and the beach, a wide swath of white sand. Overall, it’s a low-key scene that attracts couples and families throughout the year seeking a beachside vacation. 

It’s hard to beat Hotel Monterrey’s beachfront location, as its right by a beautiful stretch of shore while also being close to restaurants, bars, and shops. Roses is a walkable coastal city, so guests can reach the city center within a 25-minute stroll along the promenade (or under a 10-minute drive). The town offers a handful of attractions, including the Citadel of Roses, which takes 20 minutes to reach on foot (or a seven-minute drive). A day trip to the Cap de Creus is a 43-minute drive, while the mountaintop Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes takes 35 minutes to reach by car. Cadaques, where guests can visit Salvador Dali's house, is a half-hour drive away. It’s an hours’ drive to Girona-Costa Brava Airport.

Rooms at Hotel Monterrey are simple and a bit old-fashioned, which isn’t uncommon for the area's hotels. Gray carpeting or tiles cover the floors, while beds are topped with basic blue or tan bedspreads. The rooms have simple wooden furniture and little-to-no decor on the walls. Glass floor-to-ceiling doors lead out to small balconies with chairs, small tables, and ocean views. The rooms are slightly dated, but clean, which guests seem to appreciate. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, safes, and bottled water, but lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Only Double Rooms with Sea Views and Family Rooms have air-conditioning. Family Rooms offer plenty of space and extra beds to accommodate up to four guests. The simple white-tile bathrooms aren’t particularly spacious, but they have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries; some have bidets too. 

Location might be Hotel Monterrey’s best feature, but there are a few more perks to be found. Top of the list is the outdoor swimming pool with a small shallow section for children. The pool is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas and has views of the ocean. The beach itself is a wide sandy stretch bordered by a few palm trees. The hotel also offers an underwhelming fitness center with dated weight-lifting equipment, free weights, a few exercise bikes, and a sauna. A better option for exercise could be the free rental bikes. 

For dining, the buffet-style restaurant offers Mediterranean and local dishes for lunch and dinner, plus a free breakfast is served in the mornings and offers both hot and cold fare. (Some packages include more meals.) The bar has a pool table and serves drinks throughout the day. Another lounging spot is the hotel's TV room, though it's a bit unimpressive. Live entertainment is offered several times a week. 

Parents can take advantage of a free day-care service for kids under the age of two. Other perks include free Wi-Fi and public computers. The hotel doesn’t offer on-site parking, and many guests note having to park quite far from the hotel.