Casa Pairal Collioure Hotel Review
My quick hotel review for those in a hurry:
The word “hidden gem” is a much over-used and over-hyped word, but I have to use it for this 19th century townhouse hotel, Casa Pairal. Tucked away discreetly, yet in the centre of Collioure, the world goes by and the hotel does its best to stay discreet and tranquil.
What’s it like?
Entering through the courtyard, one is greeted with a beautiful Victorian garden and the shade of a 140-year-old magnolia tree.
Entering the townhouse, I feel like I’m entering another era and the hoteliers have lovingly preserved its interior from its early 20th century heydays.
The rooms – both in the townhouse and the period annex – are lovingly well-kept and charming.
My Deep Dive Review of Casa Pairal Collioure Hotel
I’ve walked past Casa Pairal and seen its sign, but not thought much at all – in fact, I hardly noticed that it was there.
This is exactly how Casa Pairal likes it – discreet, luxurious and traditional with so much history that this review will start to resemble a history book, but I make no apologies!
In the summer of 1870, the Espériquette family moved into the newly built Casa Pairal for their growing family and the sound of children would echo through its halls, for it was here, particularly in room number three, that the family grew with the birth of their children.
Lovingly dubbed 'The Castle' by the family, Casa Pairal stood apart from the rest of Collioure with its unique zinc roof, Andalusian architecture and walled garden offering a serene oasis amidst the lively village sounds.
A few years later, in 1885, they planted a Magnolia tree to mark the birth of their daughter, Eva, and this majestic Magnolia tree is still with us in the centre of Casa Pairal’s garden providing welcome shade in the summer.
Later, the family built the central fountain, the cool touch of the “azelejos,” and the welcoming shade of the patio are reminiscent of a bygone era, where time moved to the rhythm of the seasons.
Casa Pairal is also well known for its historic connection with the Spanish poet, Antonio Machado, who fled here to escape Franco during Le Retrada and was rescued and hidden here by the Espériquette family.
As the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War erupted in 1936, Machado found himself in Madrid. The conflict was to cruelly sever him from his brother Manuel, ensnared within the Francoist zone, so alongside his ageing mother and uncle, he was evacuated to Valencia and then Barcelona in 1938.
With Franco's forces encroaching upon the last bastions of the Republic, they had no choice but to flee across the border and happened upon Collioure. It was in this refuge at Casa Pairal, on the 22nd of February, 1939, that Antonio Machado passed away, a mere three days before his mother.
In the midst of his passage to Collioure, he penned a reflection: "To the strategists, to the politicians, to the historians, it will all be transparent: we lost the war. Yet on a human scale, I am not as certain: perhaps, in essence, we were victorious."
Tucked within his attire was his final verse, 'Estos días azules y este sol de infancia', which translates to "These blue days and this childhood sun" in English.
This evocative line carries a deep sense of nostalgia and perhaps reflects a yearning for the innocence and peace of bygone days, contrasting with the turmoil and darkness of the era in which he lived.
Machado's resting place is in Collioure, at the cemetery further up the valley and he is still celebrated every year on 22 February and students and admirers of the poet come to the hotel to mark his stay here.
Casa Pairal transformed from family townhouse to hotel in 1970 when Guy Lormand was so enchanted by this Catalan gem that he purchased it on a whim and worked tirelessly to lovingly restore it into the hotel we see today.
He and his family personally dug up the earth with shovels to build the swimming pool and later they restored what was the laundry, anchovy drying stores and staff lodging into luxury bedrooms.
Now, under the attentive eye of his daughter Alix, each room, each rug, each piece of earthenware, painstakingly curated at flea markets and antique shops, tells a story. Each room is unique and different including rooms with high ceilings and rustic beams whilst others are vintage and antique, but with brightly coloured walls.
Each summer, Casa Pairal hosts painting courses in the grounds of hotel and some of the best paintings by guests are in the sitting room (see my photo of some of them).
In a world that never stops moving, La Casa Païral is a rare sanctuary where one can pause, breathe, and simply be. It is a touchstone for those of us who, despite wandering far and wide, yearn for the certainty of returning to a place that, though it might not have been our childhood home, feels as though it was always meant to be.
What I liked about Casa Pairal Collioure Hotel:
I think that you can tell that I’m a fan. My biggest impression was one of surprise that this hotel was an oasis of tranquility amongst the hustle and bustle of Collioure.
But, it’s also the old world feel of the place, the warm welcome of the staff, the well curated bedrooms and of course the garden and heated pool. It’s like the family invited you over for the weekend.
I’m awful at art, but this was a place where I wish I could just take up my easel and spend an afternoon painting in the garden. Likewise, the beauty of the location of Casa Pairal is that when I’m done playing frustrated artist, I can hop out of the hotel and, in seconds, I’m back in the thick of it in Collioure and free to enjoy the energy and life of the town.
What I liked less about Casa Pairal Collioure Hotel:
It’s hard not to like Casa Pairal, but I would say it’s not so modern, so if you prefer modern features, it’s maybe not the place for you.
Likewise, it’s a calm and still place, so it’s not perhaps for those who like things loud and vibrant. It’s more like a home from home.
It’s not cheap, but then what do you expect?
Everything you wanted to know about Casa Pairal Collioure Hotel, but were too afraid to ask!
I personally viewed Casa Pairal and made full notes on everything you could possibly want to know about the hotel:
-
27 rooms.
-
4pm / 12pm
-
Closed between November and February (except Valentine’s Day)
-
Yes
-
Baby cots are available – free of charge.
-
Yes – 20 euros per day.
-
Not possible.
-
Duvet – medium
Pillow – soft
Bed - 160cm x 200cm
Tea/Coffee – Yes
Mini Bar – No
Coat Hangers – Removable
Bed Lighting – Both Sides
A/C – Yes
Windows – Openable
TV – Medium
Ironing Board – Yes
Safe - Yes
Chargers – Both Sides of Bed -
Privacy – Firm Door
Air Freshener – No
Toilet Brush – Yes
Hairdryer – By The Mirror
Magnified Mirror – Yes
Toiletries – Nice Selection
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will provide value to our readers. Your support helps us maintain the website and continue to produce helpful content. Thank you!