This was my first time in Sitges and the Romantic was only known to me through friends who had stayed there before.

As many of the reviewers have written, on the plus side the hotel is well located for the station and the beach, has a certain charm in a grand old house sort of way, nice gardens, lovely staff, etc.

However, that's about it.

A reviewer said a "stunning breakfast" was had in the gardens. Well in my view it was bog standard fare - the usual meats, cheese (note singular), fruit and yoghurts. Certainly nothing special and you had to watch out for the pidgeons landing on tables and eating the bread!!

The common areas of the hotel are nice, but the bedrooms not. Loose light fittings you had to jiggle around to get to work, very tired decor, no A/C (although fans were adequate), dirty rug that hadn't seen soap and water for years, tiny bathroom with a shower curtain too small that you drowned the floor every time you showered, leaking toilet, etc., etc.

Best rooms are those overlooking the gardens, but not the top floor as we were treated to the sound of the washing machines in the service room above us every day!!

A word I would use to describe this hotel is 'tired'. I'm sure it was once a nice hotel, but it's also clear that no money has been spent on it for years. And I mean years. I wasn't expecting a swish hotel, but even my friend who has been there before has said he wouldn't go again.

You could tolerate some of the deficiencies if staying a couple of nights, but then why should you?

Prices are no better than plenty of other places, so even that is not a selling point.

The place could basically do with some serious money spending on it. It could still keep its old fashioned charm and be different than most other hotels, but until it does that, I couldn't really recommend it.

Our first visit to Sitges with a stay in the Hotel Romantic was "interesting" to say the least. If your idea of "romantic" is a property that appears to be falling apart at the seams, then this is the hotel for you!! The en-suite, and toilet type especially, were something to also be surprised by, but that can all be marketed under a general umbrella of romantic too I guess? At a rate of $180 AUD per night I have no doubt that we could have found much better value in the town but our circumstances (travelling with friends) would not allow us to look for better accomodation. Facilities in the rooms are limited ( a bed, a ceiling fan, a wardrobe and a desk) If you would like to have use of the safe, pay extra, or wi-fi, pay extra. No bar fridge in any room, so if you need your drink to be chilled with ice expect to pay for the priviledge or get down and drink at the bar (as advised by the manager)

The hotel Romantic offers a unique and interesting experience, just not one that we, or anyone else we know, could be used to or have encountered previously. Please make sure that you look very carefully at what is really on offer at this hotel before making your booking decision.

We booked via the Internet into the Hotel Romantic, based on good reviews, but were diverted to its 'sister hotel', the Renaixenca, which is close by (the Romantic was closed). Our advice is to avoid the Renaixenca unless money is tight. It may be a 19th century building but it has one star and deserves it. There was no record of our (confirmed) booking on arrival. Rooms were 'quaint' but cold; the electric heater made no difference overnight given the high ceilings. Walls, floors and ceilings were paper thin - we were able to enjoy the sounds of breakfast being put out below, and of other activities in rooms above. No lift. Building work nearby started shortly after dawn! The bathrooms were cramped. Rooms have their own 30 litre heating tank - in one room this was not working. Breakfast was pleasant, but taken in a cramped room downstairs - maybe if you could eat in the garden it would have been OK.
Sitges itself is worth a visit as it has charm, and it is located handily close to Barcelona airport. But if driving we suggest you do not even attempt to penetrate the old town- narrow streets, appalling parking and complex one-way systems, but leave your car in a multi-storey nearby - it will save considerable nervous energy and time. There is a car park about 5 minutes' walk from the Romantica/Renaixenca - by the station and market square.

This hotel is full of character - its a living art gallery. It is so relaxing. It has old characterful rooms - dont expect luxury, but its got character and history - not like a plastic box, a real living gem.
The staff are great and the clientelle are a mix of the most wonderful people in the world (and a few unappreciative moaners who expect it to be a five star luxury palace).
I have been going here for over 15 years and even if I dont stay here I pop in to the bar which has its own unique character. My only gripe the place really should have a restaurnat.
Sitges is one of the best places on earth a real treat. The Romantic is Sitges and Sitges is the Romantic.