My partner and I are going to Sitges and Barcelona in Septemer. We have the Axel booked in Barcelona, but having trouble figuring out where to stay in Sitges. We want to be in town, by the beach. Hotel Romantic sounds interesting, and "tired". All of the reviews I read on trip advisor are very mixed. We have also thought of renting an apt. Any thoughts?

Thanks

I had a very positive experience at the Romantic. The public rooms are all very attractive and charming. The buffet breakfast is excellent. My room was not up to the standard of the public areas, however, but I was hardly ever there so it didn't bother me. That was my second time in Sitges. I love it. The first time I stayed at the Liberty and I liked the Romantic much better.

I would agree with Gary re Sitges.

We thought about the Axel in Barcelona but opted for a straight hotel closer to the center. However, we have friends who enjoyed the Axel.

I should add that, yes, the Romantic does seem a little faded. Some of the comments on Tripadvisor make it seem like a dump, however, which it is not in my opinion. Also, it is not that close to the beach, in case you be right on the beach.

Thank you for all of the information. I understand the rooms are not airconditioned. Is it very hot in Sitges in September?

Thanks,

I found these sites to be helpful. Hopefully you will too.

http://www.gayinsitges.com/

http://www.raservice.com/

Thank you for all of the information. I think we have decided on San Sebastian Hotel in Sitges. (Lack of AC at Hotel Romantic is a concern.) Any comments at our selection? We will not have a car, and like to walk everywhere.

Thanks again.

San Sebastian is I believe a relatively new hotel located on the other side behind the church. It's entrance is not facing the beach but there seem to be beach view rooms.

Romantic, I stayed perhaps 15 years ago. Located somewhere between the beach and the train station. Basic accomodation, nice and old furniture and a nice garden then that I vaguely remember.

More lately I have stayed Subur 3* a couple of times for its very central beach side location (as Calipolis) and its low rates. Had new years and always had beach/sea view with a small balcony. Last time was this year and I paid about €50 including breakfast (+ 7% tax I suppose). Basic accomodation but had air-con that I used rather for heating than for cooling sice it was winter time. It also has a nice "Sport Bar" that's their restaurant and breakfast is served there too. After taking breafast, I help myself another cup of coffee and take a seat on the terrace seat facing the beach (or rather the promenade that is facing the beach) and enjoy a morning sun, before returning to my room.

http://www.hotelsubur.com/cgi-bin/subur/index.asp

I meant to say location wise, I prefer the main part (Subur is situated) to the part where san Sebastian is but it may be because I'm used to the "main" part. One of the good things about the "main" part is every time you go out of your hotel(Subur e.g.) to the beach, you will see the church by the beach as you see on the photos. When you are at San Sebatian, you will see the church (part of it) from behind. But I would understand if that's not important to everyone.

Now it is the location of the San Sebastian that concerns me. It is out of the way, or an easy walk to the beaches and the center of town. Safe walk? 5 minutes to town? 10 minutes? more?

Thanks so much for all of your guidance.

Oh, it is not out of the way at all. San Sebastian IS in town and it is 5 - 10 minutes to busier, shopping, bar, restaurant area and it is safe walking there even late at night. There you don't need to worry. Part of San Sebastian I think is facing a small and nice beach (with a street inbetween). Out of the hotel, you are only 20 meters to that beach.

I have always stayed west of the church (San Sebastian is in the east of it) that has the long main beach along the promenade Passeig Maritim. This is it.

http://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q...t=67fd0529.jpg

San Sebastian is in the area behind the church.

And this is from the balcony of my room at Subur.
http://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q...t=909f5e5a.jpg

I just checked San Sebastion site. Although I prefer staying in the main part of town on the other side of the church, the hotel does look very nice and in term of luxury, it is a hotel of different categoy from all the others mentioned above. It only looked a bit kitsch from outside (a building too bright white compared to others)when it opened from outside about 10 years ago.