If you're looking for a total luxury (and you'll have to check costs yourself - I haven't stayed in any of these!)

Parador Aiguablava ( http://www.paradores.com/english/index.jsp ) which is tucked away down by Begur. Very quiet and romantic private coves but pretty isolated. Not good if you're after nightlife!

Palau lo Mirador ( http://www.palaulomirador.com/ ) which is a 5 star place in Torroella de Montgri, about 7 km away from the beach resort of L'Estartit. This is a 'blow the budget' type of place though and not actually seafront.. sorry. But it's nice so worth a mention!

If you know what beach resort you want, check out the Catalonia Tourist Guide ( http://www.publintur.es/ang/accommodations/ ) which has a way to search for hotels, campsites, apartments, etc all up and down the coast and a way to contact the hotels directly. Some hotels have websites as well...

If you aren't fussed about being on the beach, another really nice hotel is Castell dEmporda ( http://www.castelldemporda.com ) which is again, really lovely and total luxury but tucked away (you would need a car and just rereading your post, you'll probably not have one..).

I'd recommend narrowing down the resort first - do you want lively party town or quiet beach town or close to a beach town, but typical catalan town, etc..?

Best of luck! Good time to come - the weather seems to have improved since our terrible August!

t0rie
__
*Edit sig removed - Glynis HT Admin*