Hotel Mas Lazuli

Hotel Mas Lazuli in Girona, Spain, a Michelin One-Key property, consistently receives high praise for its tranquil ambiance, elegant design, and exceptional dining, making it a highly recommended retreat in the heart of the Empordà region.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Mas Lazuli garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, frequently described as "wonderful" or "excellent." It holds an impressive overall score of 9.0 on Booking.com based on over 500 reviews, and a remarkable 19.1 out of 20 for overall experience from verified Michelin Guide guests. Guests often highlight the serene environment and the hotel's ability to provide a relaxing, high-quality stay.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's stunning architecture, which blends rustic charm with modern elegance in a restored 11th-century convent. Its secluded location amidst olive groves and vineyards offers calm and relaxing scenery, often referred to as an "oasis and perfect hideaway." The facilities, including a striking infinity pool, beautiful grounds, and an excellent restaurant, are frequently lauded. The overall "vibe" of the hotel is a significant draw for many visitors.

Room Quality

The 17 rooms and 7 suites at Hotel Mas Lazuli are noted for their bright, breezy, and stylish comfort, featuring a subtle rustic charm with modern decor. Rooms are designed with calming shades of white and off-white, complemented by signature blue accents, unpolished wooden floors, and white-painted wooden ceilings. Thoughtful lighting enhances the cozy atmosphere and highlights a collection of local art. Each air-conditioned room includes amenities such as a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, seating area, and free WiFi, with many offering private balconies or terraces boasting garden or mountain views. Bathrooms are spacious and airy, featuring mosaic-tiled floors, sleek sinks, rain showers, and premium Rituals toiletries. Some rooms also include freestanding double-ended tubs. Guests frequently commend the comfortable beds and well-designed interiors.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Mas Lazuli is a significant highlight, with the restaurant serving "delicious" and "excellent" food. The cuisine focuses on traditional Catalan flavors, infused with creativity and innovation, often utilizing organic produce grown on-site. Michelin Guide experts have even described the lunch and dinner menus as Michelin-star quality, citing exquisite dishes like chestnut-cream soup with duck liver and prawn ravioli. Breakfast is also highly regarded as "very nice" and "impressive," featuring delicious eggs, local charcuterie, and cheeses. The hotel offers tailored menus for guests with allergies or dietary requirements, and light tapas and cocktails are available from the poolside bar.

Service & Staff

The staff at Hotel Mas Lazuli is generally described as young, dynamic, smiling, helpful, friendly, and professional, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel "at home." However, one guest noted a less pleasant experience with a specific front desk staff member. Overall, the hospitality is a key factor in the positive guest experiences.

Location & Accessibility

Hotel Mas Lazuli is situated on the outskirts of Pau, offering a peaceful and secluded setting amidst expansive olive groves and vineyards. While offering an "oasis" feel, a car is generally recommended for convenient travel to and from the hotel and for exploring the surrounding area, though transfers can be arranged. The hotel provides complimentary parking. It is conveniently located for exploring the Costa Brava, being 5 km from the Bay of Roses and Llançà, a 10-minute drive to Roses Beach, and approximately 20-30 minutes by car from cultural attractions such as Figueres, Cadaqués (home to Salvador Dalí's house and museum), and the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Girona Airport is 63 km away, and Barcelona Airport is 160 km away.

Value & Pricing

The hotel scores 8.5 for value for money on Booking.com. While pricing can vary, Kayak shows nightly rates starting from $130, with an average weeknight price of $219. September is noted as a month with fluctuating prices, being both the cheapest and most expensive depending on specific dates. Many guests consider the experience well worth the cost given the quality of the facilities, service, and serene environment.

Common Complaints

While highly rated, some minor criticisms include:

• An isolated complaint about an unpleasant front desk staff member.
• A lack of hangers in some rooms was noted by one guest.
• One guest mentioned an incorrect pool menu and the absence of all-day food options at the pool.
• The hotel is considered less ideal for children due to its quiet atmosphere and lack of twin rooms, though suites with sofa beds and a two-bedroom apartment are available.
• Many rooms feature open-plan bathrooms, which may not appeal to all guests, though toilets are enclosed.
• Pets are not allowed at the hotel.
• While overall food quality is highly praised, some older TripAdvisor reviews suggested mixed opinions on the cuisine, though more recent feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
• Despite overall excellent cleanliness, one rating breakdown indicated some rooms had maintenance issues.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. michelin.com
3. booking.com
4. i-escape.com
5. getpalmd.com
6. michelin.com
7. hotelmaslazuli.es
8. kayak.com
9. hotelmaslazuli.es