Hotel Merce

Hotel Mercé is a small, 161-room hotel that has been run by the same family for the last six decades. The vibe here is friendly and relaxed, and the property draws mostly middle-aged couples and families. Decor here is basic but adequate, with brown wicker or simple wood furniture, gray floor tiling, and white or yellow walls. This decor style extends to the rest of the common areas as well as to the rooms, some of which were renovated in 2014. The most attractive space in the hotel is the rooftop area, complete with a rectangular pool, a solid snack bar with a shaded area, and striking views of the city center. Travelers will be hard-pressed to find better rates in town.

Pineda de Mar is a small beach town with a laid-back vibe. Hotel Mercé is located right in the historic center, adjacent to Santa Maria de Pineda, a lovely church dating back to the 16th century. The beach is just a few blocks down, and there are several bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. The Roman aqueduct -- built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries -- and Sant Pere de Riu, an 11th-century church, are a quick drive away. Barcelona can be reached in under an hour, and Girona in about 40 minutes.

The hotel offers 161 rooms, all of which are equipped with basic amenities -- namely small tube TVs and Wi-Fi (for a fee). Most of them are a little tight, but all feature large windows that make the space feel somewhat bigger; many have balconies furnished with plastic chairs and a table. Decor is simple and no-frills: white wooden furniture, and old-fashioned cream-colored terrazzo floors. Bathrooms are smallish but clean, with tubs and basic toiletries. Many units were renovated in 2014, and feature somewhat nicer decor, with pastel-colored accent walls.

The rooftop area is arguably the hotel’s best perk. It features a medium-sized rectangular pool surrounded by loungers, a solid snack bar offering sandwiches, salads, drinks, coffee and chips, a shaded area with tables and chairs, and panoramic city views.

The hotel’s main restaurant serves an average buffet for all three meals, and is open year-round; the Mediterranean a la carte restaurant is open during the summer months only. Additionally, there is a lobby bar serving drinks and coffee, and a nightclub with entertainment. Guests driving to Pineda can park their car for free right next to the hotel. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, but it is only free in common areas.