Express By Holiday Inn Girona, Cami Dels Carlins 10, Salt, Girona, 17190, Spain. Tel. 0871 423 4896 email: express.girona@ihg.com website: www.hiexpress.com/exhigerona

If you fancy treating yourself to some winter sunshine, a plate of tapas and a refreshing glass or two of sangria, you could do a lot worse than head for the old city of Girona (or "Gerona", as we English call it) in north-east Spain. This new three-star hotel makes for a convenient and comfortable base from which to explore.

HOW do you get there? Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies to Gerona Airport from Bristol International Airport (www.bristolairport.co.uk) four times a week. The airline describes the destination as Barcelona, despite the larger city being some 100km further south (see below). The hotel is about 10km from the airport, a trip that will costs between 25 and 30 euros by taxi. Alternatively, a bus to the city-centre bus station, then a bus out to the hotel, about four km in the suburb of Salt, costs less than five euros.

FIRST impressions: Our bus dropped us outside Espai Gironès, a huge shopping centre that sells everything from shoes and mobile phones to Jack Russell terriers, Chinese food and perfume. The hotel is right next door. It was only 8pm but the door to reception was already locked. The female receptionist was the only member of staff on duty and, alerted by a buzzer, she let us in with a smile and dealt with the formalities in minutes.

WHAT are the rooms like? Having opened as recently as February 2008, you'd expect everything to be shiny and running perfectly. We weren't disappointed. Our air-conditioned room, one of 93 (62 of them non-smoking) was on the first of three floors. It was smartly decorated with blond wood and plenty of lamps. There was a small desk, plenty of plugs and a modem connection. A wall-mounted flat TV offered satellite stations and radio. Hanging space was limited to a small wardrobe. The twin beds were comfortable and well dressed. Tea and coffee was provided, as was a hairdryer. The bathroom – fully tiled and hospital-clean – included free soap and shampoo. Safety deposit boxes, irons and boards were available at reception. And if you happen to forget your toothbrush, razor, etc, reception staff keep a stack of freebies. If you need it, parking is free.

WHAT else can you do? There's a tiny bar next to reception (open 11am until 1am) which sells a range of soft and alcoholic drinks including draught beer and excellent coffee. The hotel has a meeting room, which can accommodate up to 25 people and there's a fax machine, photocopier and PC, with internet access in reception.

WHAT'S on the menu? The hotel doesn't have a restaurant, but the bits and pieces for Continental breakfasts are delivered daily and there are hot and cold drinks machines. A couple of vending machines in the reception area are full of soft drinks, chocolate bars, savoury snacks and sandwiches. Reception staff are happy to recommend local restaurants, or you'll find a menu for a local pizza delivery company in your room.

WHAT else is there to see and do in the area? You will never be short of places to see and things to keep you occupied. One way to see the best parts of Girona is to take a two-hour walking tour. These depart at 10.30am every day between April 1 and November 1 and cost 10 euros. They include visits to El Call (Jewish quarter), Sant Feliu church, the ruins of Gironella castle, the Arab baths, the medieval walls and the Rambla. The city is built around the Placa de la Independencia where you can find many bars and restaurants. A number of well-known resorts on the Costa Brava, including Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Blanes are a short bus ride away to the east. Barcelona, one of Europe's most exciting cities, is a 90-minute train ride away to the south-west and is a bargain at just 12 euros for the return trip. If you head north you could call into the town of Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali, or if you continue a little further you could be skiing in the Pyrenees – there was plenty of snow in evidence as we flew over them. More details: www.about girona.com

ANY gripes? The trip backwards and forwards to the city centre can become tiresome – and expensive if you are using taxis at 10 euros a pop.

HOW much does it cost? Double rooms cost from 60 euros a night for up to four people (two adults and two children) plus seven per cent VAT, including Continental breakfast.

THE verdict: This bright, unpretentious, clean-as-a-whistle hotel is ideal for a no-fuss, low-cost stay. The staff – night and day – are friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.

STEPHEN WHITE