Hotel Camiral

Mixed feeling about this place and can only really comment on the golf. We knew it was going to be an expensive day out for our two teenage sons but, as avid golfers, we wanted to treat them to a challenging course whilst playing other courses on the Costa Brava. The place is slick but we found it surprisingly soulless. It was a warm but overcast day, fine for golf. The modern buildings looked grey and austere rather than glam. However, they must be popular because they're building more. My sons were paired with the most delightful members who, despite the language barrier, were helpful in describing the Stadium course intricacies. The course is immaculate and challenging but has that purpose built feeling about it and hence less attractive for us than some of the finest courses in Spain and Portugal. It is well run, with the obligatory stern and unsmiling starter. At one point during our round we were asked to play faster by a marshal in a buggy. The members we were playing with did not feel we were playing slowly and quite frankly we were unable to play any faster than the four in front of us! Generally, the staff were friendly and efficient BUT with one exception, the girl on reception in the restaurant who was exceptionally rude without even opening her mouth. She simply ignored us for what felt like an age and when she dragged her eyes away from her computer screen, all she managed was a "Yes?" We ate elsewhere! We enjoyed the golf but had much better experiences at other courses on the Costa Brava in terms of food and service.

Stayed with a group of friends for a golf trip. Main hotel (reception & rooms) was of a high standard (service & spacious respectively). What really put me off was the attitude of some of the staff around the complex. Breakfast crew were massively understaffed which made them stressed and grumpy, in a 5 star hotel I don’t expect to have to ask 3 times for a glass and then have to wait 10mins for some to be washed up. I also don’t expect to pay €150 for a round of golf and then go get a load of attitude from the jumped up starter/marshall complaining about our pace of play (we finished the round before the suggested time ?) A real mixed bag with service I’m afraid and not sure I’ll be back

Camiral is a wonderful hotel. The interior design is magnificent, probably the best I've seen and the standard of service is exemplary. The golf was incredibly well organised and the courses are superb with practice facilities to match. Breakfast was amazing and, again, among the best I've had anywhere. I would mention two failings, one is the food. They have a restaurant that serves a tasting menu or you can get snacks and burgers from the bar. It would be ideal to be able to sit and have a steak or a bit of fish from a proper grill restaurant with a decent choice. You don't always want a tasting menu. Also we were told they were busy and could only fit us in at 7 pm but in fact, there were only three full tables when we were there. Secondly, the pool was really VERY cold despite the fantastic weather. If you are staying in a 5-star hotel, you should be able to swim comfortably. They need a cover and some sort of heating.

The hotel did not meet our expectations at all. When making a reservation, I specifically asked for a room on the highest possible floor. I even called prior to arrival to make sure my request will be honored. Upon arrival we got a room on the 1st floor. At the reception we were attended by the trainee, who were willing to help us and even asked her more senior colleage, if she may change a room for us. The reply was "NO!". For no reason at all, just "NO". The rooms are rather small, even the Superior Deluxe. The hotel is very noisy and there virtually no insulation between the rooms. You hear everything what happens in the hallways and in the neighboring rooms. The staff is rude: On Sunday at 20:00 the lady at the pool tried her best not to allow us to use the pool! Apparantly she wanted to go home and told us that the pool is closed. That was riduculous. Then she simply left and we had to get the towels ourselves. To sum up the hotel offers poor value for money and I can only recommend to avoid it.

We just left Camiral after celebrating a 30th birthday and we enjoyed our stay very much. Reception were very accommodating and helped with some complimentary Cava and a note for my partner in the room to wish him a happy birthday. They also helped us with taxis during the stay which was really appreciated. The decor throughout the hotel is amazing and a luxe vibe. Rooms were great and clean, housekeeping were also excellent. The gym and spa looked amazing (expensive treatments) unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to go. All the restaurants are great, serving good food and good hospitality. We wanted to explore outside of the hotel and visited Gammarus (beach club 40 mins away) and Sinofos (Michelin Guide restaurant in Girona 20 mins away). Posted reviews on these separately. For those not golfing in the day, the sunbed/pool area was lovely, no rush for sun beds and the sunbeds were exceptionally comfortable. Nice and quiet around the pool, was lovely to relax. For those who did golf, they enjoyed playing. The Stadium Course currently has the back 9 closed so they did 2 rounds of the front, we were a little disappointed as this is one of the reasons we booked this resort. Overall, would really recommend. A great golf resort with enough to do for those who don’t want to play!