Activated hydrotalcite catalysts were prepared via calcination and room-temperature rehydration. Replacement of water from the pores after rehydration resulted in an increased amount of accessible active sites. The performance of the catalyst was explored in liquid-phase aldol condensations at low temperatures. In the citral-acetone condensation high activities and selectivities were obtained. Usage in the citral-MEK condensation showed also a high citral conversion, with methyl pseudoionones as primary products.