We are a couple on our first anniversary and a birthday (wife's), too. We were a little concerned at the lack of reviews on this accommodation and had to rely on what little there was including a hotel owned website. Don't be fooled by the website, it looks worse than it is in the photos.

Firstly we booked through fleetway travel via the internet and although the price seemed fine - we did find it had lots of hidden problems and the worst being it was Ryan Air carrying us, NEVER again. Never having flown with them before we were prepared to give it a go despite not knowing who the carrier was to be until the documents arrived 10 days after booking.

The hidden extras were lack of baggage allowance - we were 6kg over (we are used to having 20kg each not 15kg) that cost us close to £30. Ended up leaving stuff on the return journey to avoid the excess baggage charges Ryan air are keen on charging. We did opt for the taxi transfer rather than coach transfer but it wasn't quite as cheap as was quoted by the travel agent - however we did learn through experience that the best option when travelling by taxi was to get the "non airport" taxi services - ie go past the white ones and opt for the private hires further up the line of cars. It should cost less than 40 euros (for the 35km journey) but the airport ones charge a fixed fee of 50 euros. The return journey was also done by private taxi and was correct.

As far as Ryan Air is concerned we did fine the ticket less airline to be a farce as we were at the end of the queue for nearly 2 hrs despite being there an hour earlier than required. And if you are unlucky to be over the allowances you have to go and pay at a separate desk and then rejoin the queue. Further when we did get to go to boarding we were sent to the wrong gate as they had changed it without telling anyone. No seats allocated either so it's an "it's a knockout" style "free for all"

Very expensive food on board too £15 for two baguettes and two drinks. Take your own is our advice.

On arrival at Girona airport the fleetway rep was precious little help - and all we wanted to know was where we went for the taxis.!!!!!!

On to the accommodation "The Amaraigua Hotel" formerly known as the Santa Susanna Hotel - supposedly three star but doubt it. First of all I must say that the Spanish Management team here are at best abysmal. Most do not understand English which I find very strange considering that this hotel is primarily for British guests.

They showed a distinct lack of concern over major health and safety matters especially during the instances of "accidents" here. In less than 7 days we witnessed one head injury requiring 8 stitches, one severely lacerated ankle (down to the bone) due to a dodgy drain cover, one fatal heart attack, one young child sucked into the Jacuzzi filtrations system, and a gashed wrist. All without exception met with derision and lack of concern by Spanish management. The first aid kit such as it was a disgrace - under lock and key and never available, no operational first aiders - no-one - not even the lady who tragically lost her husband was allowed to use the hotel phone.

Putting that aside - if you haven't already decided not to go here - the room we had was great small, but comfortable - a great sea and beach view - the best room in the hotel - ROOM 214.... Bathroom small, small bath with shower - so if you like baths don't go here. Hot water is a bit hit n miss too. Air conditioning brilliant.

Some rooms are infested with ants, our room floor wasn't swept or mopped for three days despite complaints, similarly the basin and toilet weren't cleaned either and toilet rolls ,must be in short supply. If you are travelling with a family opt for a family room as many rooms are very small - some people couldn't get into bathroom or onto balcony or terrace without moving furniture. If you have teenagers don't go here either - they will be bored silly within 48 hours.

The All Inclusive option was ok but have had better - always plenty of variety, but chips every day - we only had one other potato option in 7 days. The Spanish could learn a thing or two from the Tunisians and Turkish. Drinks although plentiful and good measures are served in plastic cups ---- prefer glasses - I can understand around the pool but indoors and the communal entertainment area at night NO. The entertainment for adults at night is poor - we went out most nights - the mini-disco for kids is Ok and they seemed to enjoy it - the three girls who entertain have a very hard job to satisfy all but could be much better given more to work with. My impression about this hotel is that it is run with a very tight budget to the detriment of its customers. You cannot get a coffee before 8am when the restaurant opens for breakfast and the bar shuts at 1130pm without fail. Snacks aren't available after 6pm. Don't be fooled by the Parrot show either - what show!!!!! An opportunity for them to con you out of 10 euros for a photo taken without seeing it first..!

Its only redeeming feature in my opinion is its location literally on the beach - no roads to cross, very close to the best range of bars some 4-5 English ones - The Robin Hood and Rovers Return very good and always lively. The Black Bull is quieter - the Legends pub is good too and all serve Stella, John Smiths and Fosters. All do breakfasts and good food. All very congenial as well. Along the front are the shops and usual tut type tourist goods.

Its about an hour to Barcelona from Malgrat railway station (about 15mins walk form hotel) and costs 5.70 euros return and takes you right to Playa de Catalunya - the heart of Barcelona and only a hop skip and a jump to La Rambla with street entertainers and fine café bars and restaurants. At the end of this is the port area - A very fine city and worth a days visit. Marineland is apparently very good too if the kids like the water and you get good weather.

The weather was brilliant about 28 degrees on average fine and sunny with only one day of cloud, but still very warm.

Overall my advice Go to Spain by all means - Go to Costa Brava too just pay the extra and get some quality, don't travel Fleetway, don't travel Ryan air, don't go to this hotel.

We made the best of it and had great fun with Nick and Bekka, Lorriane and Ian, so cheers guys hope we keep in touch

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aqua Hotel Bella Playa - Santa Susanna

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2006