**Sercotel President Figueres: Spain's BEST Hidden Gem Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Sercotel President Figueres. Is it Spain's best hidden gem? Well, that's a big claim, isn't it? But after my stay… let's just say I’m seriously reconsidering my entire "hidden gem" philosophy.
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First Impressions: A Bit Bumpy, Then Bliss
Okay, so the initial arrival wasn't super smooth. Finding the place was a little trickier than I anticipated – Google Maps did me a solid, but the signage could be… better. The car park (thankfully, car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] – score!) had some tight spots, and my inner klutz almost took out a mirror. But hey, even diamonds have a little grit, right? And once inside… whoa.
The lobby is bright and airy. Air conditioning in public area was a welcome relief from the Spanish sun. Check-in was surprisingly efficient – contactless check-in/out is a major plus in this era of germs. And the staff? Seriously lovely. They genuinely seemed happy to be there, which, let's be real, is a rare treat sometimes.
Accessibility: A Big Thumbs Up (Mostly)
For those of us with… let's say, mobility considerations, accessibility is HUGE. And the Sercotel President Figueres actually does a commendable job. Facilities for disabled guests are readily available. The elevator is spacious and reliable. Specific wheelchair accessible rooms are available, which is a huge relief, unlike some other hotels I have visited. I didn’t personally need these, but I saw them. The biggest thing? They thought of it.
Now, listen, it’s not perfect. Some areas would benefit from wider doorways. But overall, it's far more accessible than many places in much more "modern" cities. HUGE points for that.
The Room: Cozy Comfort and Killer Views (Maybe)
My room? Okay, let's be honest, it wasn't the largest space, but it was perfectly comfortable. Air conditioning was a godsend, especially after a day of exploring. The blackout curtains were fantastic (hello, sleep!), and the bed? Glorious. Seriously, I sunk into that thing like a marshmallow in hot chocolate. Extra long bed? I did not measure, but I did sleep soundly.
Internet access – wireless – yup. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – double yup! Internet access [LAN] was also available should I have wanted to be old-school. The internet was reliable. I'm a sucker for internet services.
The views though… that’s where it gets interesting. I’m not sure if all rooms have killer views, but mine? Let's just say I spent a LOT of time staring out the window that opens. Okay, it overlooked something… not spectacular. But the point is, it opened! Fresh air! And it was all Non-smoking rooms.
I appreciated the little touches: complimentary tea and coffee maker, a mini bar (chocolate, please!), and a safe box. Daily housekeeping? Excellent. And the towels? Fluffy! The mirror was big enough to show me my flaws.
A small gripe? The TV. While it had satellite/cable channels, the selection felt… limited. Yes, yes, I know, I'm on vacation, I should be outside! But sometimes, you just want to veg out with some mindless entertainment. The wake-up service worked great!
Food Glorious Food! & Dining, drinking, and snacking!
Alright, let’s talk about the important stuff: FOOD. The Sercotel President Figueres has a pretty solid dining game. They offer breakfast [buffet] – always a win in my book! Think fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, bacon, all the usual suspects. And the Asian breakfast? I confess I didn't try this one – always next time! Western breakfast available too. Breakfast service was smooth, and the staff kept everything looking fresh.
The restaurant itself had a lovely atmosphere. They offer a la carte in restaurant but also had a Buffet in restaurant
The coffee/tea in restaurant was good, and I especially enjoyed the desserts in restaurant they were offering.
They offer a Snack bar and Poolside bar, too.
Anecdote time: One evening, I strolled into the bar. I ordered a cocktail and soaked up the atmosphere. It was a quiet night -- a nice change of pace.
They offered alternative meal arrangement. I didn't need to use this though.
They said they had Asian cuisine in restaurant, but I did not try any so I'm unable to provide feedback.
They offer a Vegetarian restaurant too.
My only complaint? The salad in restaurant was a little "meh" one evening.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and Swimming!
Okay, friends, this is where the Sercotel President Figueres truly shines. The Spa/sauna area… it's a haven. Pure relaxation.
There’s a swimming pool (indoor and swimming pool [outdoor] are available). The pool with a view is fantastic. The sauna calls my name.
I indulged in a massage (bliss!). My shoulders were begging for it.
They have a Fitness center but I skipped this. They also offer Body scrub and Body wrap – oh, and a Foot bath. I ran out of time. I need to go BACK!
They have a Steamroom, too.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
In the current climate, cleanliness and safety are paramount. The Sercotel President Figueres takes this seriously:
- Anti-viral cleaning products are used - CHECK!
- Daily disinfection in common areas - CHECK!
- Hand sanitizer everywhere – CHECK!
- Rooms sanitized between stays - CHECK!
- Staff trained in safety protocol - CHECK!
- Safe dining setup - CHECK!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - CHECK!
I felt safe and secure. Security [24-hour] is always a great reassurance. Smoke alarms, fire extinguisher and CCTV in common areas all add to peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
From the concierge service to the luggage storage, the Sercotel President Figueres has thought of everything. Dry cleaning and laundry service – score! They even have a convenience store – perfect for picking up snacks or essentials.
Other things:
- Air conditioning in public area and Air conditioning in all rooms
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Contactless check-in/out – again, a winner!
- Currency exchange
- Doorman
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
They offered Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] – perfect for me! The Taxi service was available too. I didn’t need to use it, but I noted it.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!):
Although I don't have kids, I noticed the family/child friendly environment. They have Babysitting service and the option for Kids meal.
My Real Recommendation
The Sercotel President Figueres isn't a flawless five-star experience. But for the price, the location (close to the Dalí Theatre-Museum – MUST-SEE!), the
Roman Holiday Awaits: Unforgettable Luxury at The Roman Park, Durg!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your Grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is what actually happens when I try to travel. Let's dive into the Sercotel Hotel President in Figueres, Spain. Expect chaos, delightful discoveries, and a healthy dose of my inner monologue.
The Figueres Fiasco (and Fables): A Travel Diary
Day 1: Arrival and the Shock of the Sun (and the Hotel Lobby)
10:00 AM - Barcelona Airport: The Gauntlet. Okay, first off: WHY is Barcelona Airport designed like an Escher painting? I swear, I spent a solid hour just trying to find the exit for the rental cars. And then… the car. A tiny, metallic sardine can. Pray for me on these Spanish roads.
1:00 PM - Road Trip Shenanigans: Driving through the Catalan countryside. The sun is intense. I'm pretty sure I've already developed a permanent squint. Also, this tiny car is not made for my epic Spotify playlists. Currently battling a fierce internal debate about whether to listen to salsa or try to channel some local flamenco music. Verdict: still salsa.
2:30 PM - Sercotel Hotel President, Figueres: The "Welcome" (and Mild Panic). The hotel! Finally. Check-in was… interesting. The receptionist, bless her heart, spoke English like she'd learned it from a phrasebook from the 1980s. "Room… very good. Breakfast… yes." I think. Then she pointed me towards the elevator, which, from the look of it, may or may not have been in service. Okay, breath, think of the bed, it'll be fine.
3:00 PM - Room Revelation (and a Slight Meltdown). Room. Decent, if a little beige. The air conditioning is… fighting a valiant, if losing, battle against the Spanish summer. The view? Well, it's not the ocean, let's put it that way. The mini bar is probably a rip off. Overall impressions? I can live with it.
4:00 PM - The Dali Theatre-Museum: My Brain Explodes (in a Good Way). Okay, this. This is why I came. The Dali museum. Seriously, if seeing Dali's work is to be transported to another plane, then this place is the doorway. The sheer surreal audacity of the art… it’s overwhelming. The egg-shaped building? Genius. The melting clocks? I felt like my brain was actually melting. I spent so long staring at one particular painting, I swear the security guard was watching me. He probably thinks I'm a psychopath. I felt like writing a poem here, my head was such a cluster, I couldn't even string two words in a row! I'm still trying to process it all.
7:00 PM - Tapas Trial by Fire (and Sangria Triumph): Figueres is a lively city, even at the end of the day. Attempted tapas at a local restaurant. Ordered something I thought looked delicious (pretty sure it was tentacles of some sort), and it turned out to be a bit… chewy. The Sangria, however? Magnifico. Felt like I could conquer the world after a few glasses.
9:00 PM - Hotel Debriefing and Bedtime: Back at the hotel. Writing in my journal, letting it all sink in. I'm exhausted, sun-drenched, and utterly bewildered. But also… exhilarated. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Day 2: The Quest for Breakfast (and the Shadow of a Basilica)
8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: The Continental Confrontation. Right, breakfast time. The "breakfast… yes" promised by the receptionist. It's a spread, I'll give it that. But the coffee? Weak. Very, very weak. The croissant: pretty dry. The best part? The tiny packets of individual jam. Gotta hoard those suckers. They're like tiny gold nuggets.
9:00 AM - Sant Ferran Castle: A Fortress of History (and Regret). Went to see this military giant of a castle. It was fascinating, but so incredibly hot. I forgot my damn water bottle. Spent most of the tour thinking about how much my feet hurt. And then, because I always do this, I missed the best part of the tour because I stopped to take a picture of a random cat. Regret.
11:00 AM - Gaudy Basilica, Basilica de Figueres: A Stroll (and a Glimpse of Glory). I love churches. This one, with the beautiful architecture of Antoni Gaudi, didn't disappoint. It's a bit of a hidden gem; less crowded than the stuff-your-face-with-tourists attractions. I'd suggest sitting down, taking a slow deep breath, look around.
1:00 PM - Lunch: The Search for Authentic: Today's mission: find a truly authentic Spanish lunch. After wandering for what felt like a lifetime (aka: 30 minutes), I found a tiny, little place. The food was DELICIOUS. I'm talking the best paella of my life. And got some fresh bread. It was warm, crusty, and perfect. Food is good, but I think I would recommend this place to everyone!
3:00 PM - The Dali Museum…Again. Back for Seconds: Yes. I went back. I had to. I stood in front of the same painting I gawked at yesterday. And then found a new one to obsess over. Feeling slightly less overwhelmed, but still profoundly moved. This is the art experience I have been craving.
6:00 PM - Dinner (and a minor Existential Crisis): Found tapas at a different place. They had a different type of tentacle dish. I wasn't sure how to feel about it. Stared at my plate for a long time. Contemplated the meaning of life while slowly nibbling.
8:00 PM - Back to the hotel. This time I am completely shattered. Seriously, I am going to need a long sleep. The hotel is quiet.
Day 3: Departure (and the Promise of Future Fiascos)
8:00 AM - The Last Breakfast. Same breakfast, same weak coffee. But hey, I know where the good jam is now.
9:00 AM - Check Out (and the Elevator Gamble). Said goodbye to the receptionist. The elevator cooperated! Success!
9:30 AM - The Drive (and the Farewell Sun Squint). The drive back to the airport. I'm getting surprisingly attached to this tiny car. Looking forward to the next adventure.
12:00 PM - Barcelona Airport: The Gauntlet, Part Deux. Okay, not as lost this time. Victory! But still, it's a chaotic place.
The Verdict: Figueres, You Were Wonderful and Weird. I'm leaving Figueres tired, a bit sunburnt, and with a brain that's still trying to process all the art and the tapas and the tiny car. But I'm also full of joy. This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, occasionally stressful, and filled with moments of pure, unadulterated "what am I doing?" But it was mine. And it was, undeniably, a blast.
Sercotel President Figueres: The GREAT (and Slightly Messy) Truth – FAQs
Okay, is it REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? Because everyone says that. I'm skeptical.
Sigh. The whole "hidden gem" thing... it's tired, right? But here's the deal: Before I went, I was rolling my eyes so hard I thought I’d strain a muscle. Figueres isn't exactly on the 'must-see' list for everyone. But… YES. YES, it actually *is* a hidden gem. Especially the Sercotel President. Not because it's ultra-luxurious, but because it's surprisingly… real. It's not aggressively "Instagram-able." It's comfy, clean, and has a certain, charming… well, let's call it "eccentricity." More on that later. Don't go expecting a perfectly polished experience, but go expecting something genuine. And that, my friends, *is* rare.
What's the *location* like? I'm trying to plan my trip, and I want to be near the Dali Museum.
Alright, location, location, location! Boom! You are in the right place. The Dali Theatre-Museum is practically a stone's throw away. Seriously, you could practically *smell* the surrealism. It's like, a five-minute walk, tops. Perfect for those late-night museum runs to contemplate your own sanity! And the town itself? Figueres is… Figueres. It's not Ibiza, you know? It's a working town, a perfectly Spanish experience, a bustling place, but it's got a lovely, laid-back vibe. The market is fantastic, and you'll find plenty of tapas bars to explore. Don't get your hopes up for a bustling nightlife, but you won't be bored. You're here for Dali and the President Hotel, and it's a winning combination.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they clean? Modern? Do they have a balcony?
Okay, the rooms. Clean? Absolutely. Modern? Well, "tastefully retro" might be more accurate. Think classic, but with enough modern touches to keep you happy. And the *smell*! The smell just screams cleanliness! It's not a sterile, hospital-grade clean, but a fresh, inviting clean. It's a good smell. Balcony? Some do. Some don’t. Get one if you can. The views aren’t breathtaking, but it’s nice to sit outside with a coffee and watch the world go by. I got lucky with a balcony but almost didn't. Almost. I will forever be grateful for the balcony. Do request one when you book. Trust me. Just maybe don't expect the Four Seasons. That’s the point.
Let's talk *breakfast*! Is it any good? Because a bad hotel breakfast can *ruin* a trip.
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. This is where the "hidden gem" label gets a little… fuzzy. It's not the best breakfast I've ever had. Nor is it the worst. It's... decent. The bread is fresh. The coffee is passable (you can always go exploring to find better coffee). They have your basic continental fare – some sliced meats, cheeses, pastries. A sad, sad array of fruit, mostly oranges, but hey, I don’t eat my breakfast like a zoo animal, ok? It does the job, and it certainly beats going hungry before a day of surreal art appreciation. It's not an *experience*, but it fuels you. And honestly, after a while, that little bit of familiarity actually starts to feel comforting. Be prepared for a bit of a battle for the croissants, though. Those things disappear FAST.
Is there a *swimming pool*? That's crucial in summer!
Unfortunately, no… not a swimming pool. I was pretty bummed about that, actually. It's Spain! And it gets HOT! No pool. But… the Dali Museum has AC, and there are some beautiful beaches a short drive away. Consider it an excuse for a road trip! Maybe a dip in the Mediterranean instead? Besides, Figueres isn't really a pool kind of place. It's a "wander the narrow streets and discover a hidden tapas bar" kind of place. Pool? Nah. Charm? Absolutely.
What about the *staff*? Are they friendly? Do they speak English?
The staff are… wonderful. Truly. They're not just *doing* their job; they genuinely seem to care. Their English is… varied, shall we say? Some are fluent, some are working on it. Embrace the language barrier! It's part of the experience! Bring your phrasebook and a good attitude. They're patient, helpful, and always willing to try. I once had a minor disaster involving a lost suitcase (long story – don't judge!), and the front desk went above and beyond to help me out. Seriously, they saved my holiday. That level of genuine kindness is worth a *lot* more than a perfectly polished hotel. Plus, they have a sense of humour. And they are so *helpful*! Seriously! I can't mention it enough.
Okay, but what's the *catch*? There's always a catch.
Alright, here's the not-so-secret secret. The catch? It's not the height of luxury. This isn't a five-star experience. It’s a solid, comfortable, and charming three-star. The Wi-Fi wasn't always the fastest (but hey, you’re in Spain! Relax!). I encountered a minor issue with the air conditioning in my room (fixed quickly, though). And as I said, the breakfast isn’t Michelin star worthy. But honestly, these are minor imperfections. The location is incredible! The staff is amazing! The overall experience is… delightful. You're not paying for flash. You're paying for a comfortable base to explore a quirky town and experience something genuinely authentic. It's well worth it. Trust me.
Is this really, truly a good hotel?
Look, let's be honest. Hotel reviews can be a minefield. Some people complain about *everything*. Others are easily pleased. Here's my unvarnished opinion: If you're looking for a perfect, sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, go elsewhere. If you appreciate a bit of character, a friendly atmosphere, and a fantastic location, book the Sercotel President *right now*. It's not perfect, but it's damn near perfect for what it is. It's authentic. It's welcoming. It's memorableHotel For Travelers
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