Hotel evolution

The Hotel Hostalet has existed since ??? It was there when I first came to Argelès in the late 1970s: dumpy, dusty and run by people who must have gone to the Basil Fawlty School of Client Service.

Then it was bought by a Danish artist who certainly made it cheery with her presence, sent the dust packing and used it for the many artists that came through her atelier and some other guests.

She sold it and for several years, the new owners made minor improvements but never opened it.

Finally Matt and Jonathan bought it four years ago and any turned the rooms into cheery places to stay. They did more than just cosmetic work, modernizing it as well.

Now it is more than a pretty face and exudes the warmth of the two owners who are also great neighbors.

Then this month, they took it step farther and opened a café in the back overlooking the music school and the Place de la Republique.

What a perfect place to sit mid morning for a cup of tea or coffee or for an apèro in late afternoon. The Place is always cool even on the hottest days.

Rick and I tested it out last night as a reward  for our good working day.

There's a song, "What a Difference a Day Makes" but it took more than a day and two forward-thinking men who love their work to make a difference.

For more photos of the house and village visit here.