A Grown Up Escape to Lloret de Mar: My Honest Review
In July I headed to Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava for a week in the sun. To be honest, I was a little sceptical before I went. Lloret has a bit of a reputation as an 18–30s party hotspot and I was worried it might feel too young and too lively for what I wanted: a relaxing break, some good food and a change of scene. What I actually found was a resort with two very distinct sides, a hotel that pleasantly surprised me, and a place I would happily return to for a long weekend.
Getting There: Why I Would Choose Girona Next Time
We flew into Barcelona and had a shared transfer up to Lloret. On paper that sounded straightforward, but in reality the traffic coming out of Barcelona was heavy and the journey took close to two hours.
A couple of things I would do differently next time:
- Fly into Girona instead of Barcelona: Girona is much closer to Lloret, so the overall journey time is shorter and generally a lot less stressful.
- Book a private transfer rather than shared: The shared transfer worked, but with multiple stops and a full coach it felt long and tiring after an early start. A private transfer would have been worth the extra for comfort and speed.
First Impressions of the Melia Hotel
We stayed at the Melia in Lloret de Mar. Arriving with our preconceptions about the resort, we were a little unsure what to expect, but the hotel itself really impressed us.
- Modern, stylish public areas and a lovely pool scene.
- A small but enthusiastic entertainment team with daily aqua aerobics and some form of evening entertainment most nights.
- Premium branded drinks included in our package, which was a real plus.
We had originally booked all‑inclusive, but interestingly that is one thing we would change next time. Not because the hotel did anything wrong, but because the town itself is such good value for eating and drinking out that we ended up going out most of the time. In hindsight, bed and breakfast would have suited us better.
Two Sides to Lloret de Mar
What surprised us most about Lloret was how split the resort felt:
- The lively side: One part of town definitely lives up to the 18–30s reputation, with bars, clubs and a full-on party vibe. Great if you want nightlife, but not really what we were looking for on this trip.
- The relaxed side near Castell de Sant Joan: We chose to base ourselves nearer this end of the resort and it had a completely different feel. A more relaxed atmosphere, a nice promenade and some lovely beachfront restaurants with a softer, more chilled vibe.
If you are a couple or a family with older teenagers, this balance actually works really well. The younger ones can dip into the nightlife if they want to, while the rest of the family can enjoy the calmer side of town.
Eating & Drinking: Why All‑Inclusive Wasn’t Needed
Although we were on all‑inclusive, we quickly discovered how reasonably priced it was to eat and drink out in Lloret. That changed how we used the hotel:
- We enjoyed having premium drinks available at the hotel bar.
- But for main meals, we were drawn out into the resort most days and evenings.
- On a future visit I would absolutely book bed and breakfast only, then make the most of the local restaurants and tapas bars.
Our stand‑out favourite was a tapas bar called Salero on the seafront. It had:
- A fantastic beachfront setting.
- Live flamenco dancing, which added real atmosphere.
- Excellent value, including a deal of five tapas dishes for 14.90 euros, with genuinely good quality food.
I would go back to Lloret just for another evening at Salero.
Relaxation, Pool Days & Simple Entertainment
The first few days were exactly what we needed: doing very little.
- We spent our time around the pool, unwinding and getting into holiday mode.
- The entertainment team kept things light with daily aqua aerobics and low‑key activities.
- Evenings were easy and sociable, with some kind of entertainment most nights without it feeling over the top.
It was the kind of place where you can completely switch off if you want to.
A Day Trip to Tossa de Mar
We did tear ourselves away from the pool for a day and took a local bus to nearby Tossa de Mar.
- The bus stop was around a 10‑minute walk from the hotel and the journey itself was simple and inexpensive.
- Tossa’s old town was a lovely contrast to Lloret: cobbled streets, historic walls and a more traditional, laid‑back feel.
- We spent the day wandering, exploring at our own pace, and soaking up the atmosphere.
If you are staying in Lloret, I would really recommend this as an easy, independent day trip.
Would I Go Back to Lloret de Mar?
Yes, I would.
For us, seven nights felt about right, but next time I would probably look at a long weekend rather than a full week, especially with the short flight time.
If and when I return, I would:
- Fly into Girona instead of Barcelona.
- Book bed and breakfast rather than all‑inclusive.
- Arrange a private transfer.
- Base myself again on the quieter side near Castell de Sant Joan.
- Make sure I booked at least one evening at Salero for tapas and flamenco.
Lloret de Mar surprised me in all the right ways. It is:
- Great for couples looking for some sun, beach time and evenings out.
- Ideal for younger visitors who want nightlife on the doorstep.
- A good option for families with older children, where the kids can enjoy the lively side while the adults relax by the beach or pool in a calmer area.
It might not have been what I expected, but it turned out to be exactly what we needed: a simple, good‑value week away with plenty of sunshine, easy day trips and a few memorable meals that will definitely draw me back.
