Hotel Castell d'Emporda

Hotel Castell d'Emporda, a Michelin Key Selected property in Catalonia, Spain, offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern luxury, set amidst the stunning Empordà countryside. Guests consistently praise its exceptional service, picturesque location, and distinctive design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Castell d'Emporda is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive overall rating of 9.0 on Agoda and 8.7 "Excellent" on other platforms, based on numerous guest reviews. It is frequently described as a "majestic retreat" and a "magical hotel" that provides an unforgettable experience. Guests particularly commend its outstanding value, impeccable facilities, and attentive staff.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are most enamored by several aspects of Hotel Castell d'Emporda:

• Service & Staff: The staff receives perfect scores for performance, with guests consistently describing them as exceptionally nice, helpful, super friendly, efficient, and accommodating. They are lauded for their warmth, professionalism, and willingness to share the castle's history.
• Location & Views: The hotel's hilltop position provides breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling pine-covered hills and the beautiful Empordà region. It's considered a tranquil and sophisticated haven.
• Design & Ambiance: The restoration of the 14th-century castle beautifully merges historic character with contemporary architectural elements and modern comforts. The elegant decor, attention to detail, and the inspiring contrast between ancient structure and modern interventions are highly appreciated by guests.
• Amenities: The hotel boasts two outdoor swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking. Other amenities include a library, a hair salon, and the beautiful surrounding gardens perfect for wandering. It is also recognized as a top wedding venue.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Castell d'Emporda offers 57 luxurious, spacious, and individually decorated rooms, including Castle Rooms, Dali Rooms, Garden Rooms, Garden Suites, and Tower Rooms.

• Castle and Tower Rooms: Situated within the original building, these rooms exude atmosphere with medieval stone walls complemented by a tasteful blend of modern and antique furnishings.
• Garden Rooms and Suites: Located in a subtly modern structure adjacent to the old castle, these rooms generally offer more space and a contemporary design. Many feature antique oak floorboards, silk curtains, Italian and Chinese furniture, and private balconies that afford stunning sunset views.
• Decor: Rooms are richly appointed with silks from India, furniture imported from Italy, Morocco, Africa, and China, and hand-made bathroom tiles from Marrakech, creating a harmonious and unique aesthetic.
• Comfort: Guest reviews consistently highlight the comfort of the rooms, with a comfort rating of 9.0 out of 10.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's culinary offerings are centered around Mediterranean dishes crafted with fresh, local, and seasonal produce. The Drac restaurant, known for its gastronomic flair, previously offered a journey through traditional Catalan flavors, with options for both elegant indoor dining and al fresco meals on a terrace with panoramic views. Guests have praised the breakfast spread as "fantastic" and "very good". Additionally, the hotel features the Tres Margarit, offering a focus on the Josper oven, and the Da.Li Sunset Terrace for cocktails and tapas with exceptional sunset views.

Important Note: As of recent changes, the hotel's Drac restaurant and other dining spaces are now reserved exclusively for private groups and events, such as weddings, and no longer accept individual bookings.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Castell d'Emporda is a standout feature, consistently receiving a perfect score for staff performance. Guests frequently comment on the staff's exceptional friendliness, efficiency, and accommodating nature. Reviewers mention being greeted with warmth and professionalism, with staff going out of their way to ensure every need is met, including providing impromptu tours of the historic property and sharing its history. The multi-lingual staff further enhances the guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is nestled in the picturesque countryside of La Bisbal d'Empordà, a tranquil setting in the rural Empordà region of Catalonia. It offers stunning mountain and garden views.

• Local Attractions: The hotel is a short 5-minute drive from the charming town of La Bisbal d'Empordà, known for its ceramic shops. It's also conveniently located within 10 km (6.2 miles) of the beautiful villages of Pals and Palafrugell, and approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) from the beaches of the Costa Brava. The location is ideal for exploring the famous Dalí triangle.
• Transportation: Girona Airport (GRO) is approximately 40-50 km away (a 40-minute drive), while Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about 138-140 km distant. While shuttle services are available for a surcharge, many guests find a car essential for fully exploring the surrounding area and accessing local attractions and beaches. The hotel offers free parking and an electric car charging station.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Castell d'Emporda is highly rated for its exceptional value for money, with guests frequently expressing delight at the affordable prices for such a luxurious and unique experience. The average price per room is around $164, which is considered excellent given the top-notch amenities and breathtaking surroundings. Individual room rates can start from as low as $100. However, it is important to note that the hotel has become a prominent wedding and event venue, with packages for such events starting from approximately €25,000 for 50 guests, which typically includes a two-night stay for 40 guests and catering.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Maintenance Issues: A few guests have reported minor maintenance problems within their rooms, such as a non-working refrigerator, a cupboard door that wouldn't close properly, or a faulty shower button.
• Inconsistent Service: Although staff generally receive high praise, isolated complaints exist regarding occasional lapses in service, such as housekeeping entering rooms despite a "do not disturb" sign, slow service, or staff exhibiting an annoyed tone.
• Luggage Accessibility: Some parts of the historic building require guests to carry their luggage up high staircases.
• Noise: One reviewer mentioned potential noise from large parties with children at the outdoor restaurant.
• Seasonal Closures: The hotel closes seasonally from mid-November to April, which may limit booking options for some travelers.
• Dining for Individual Travelers: The recent shift to exclusively private group bookings for the on-site restaurants means individual travelers can no longer enjoy the gourmet dining experience unless part of a larger event.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. littlehotels.co.uk
4. booking.com
5. michelin.com
6. hotelcastellemporda.com
7. expedia.com
8. wedinspire.com
9. hotelcastellemporda.com
10. hotelcastellemporda.com
11. kayak.com