KAKTUS Hotel Kaktus Playa

Reception staff were very friendly and helpful, and the buffet food was okay, typical of that style. But the hotel was advertised as five-star, and I'd call it three-star, with spa and rooftop pool access sold separately at a premium. We tried the spa, but the floors were dirty and the place was run down and in need of refurbishment. The hallway floors were dirty throughout our stay too.

The outdoor pool barely gets any sun, and access to the rooftop pool and bar costs an extra €20 per person per day. There is no spa or massage service. The food was passable, but it was all buffet, so you have to serve yourself. They stopped putting food out about half an hour before closing, and the one kitchen seemed to close at different times on different days. Once it shut, there was nowhere else to get food, not even a cup of coffee and toast. Getting to the beach meant walking at least ten minutes alongside the train tracks to a very steep access point. There were few wheelchair access routes, with more steps and poor signage. The outdoor wheelchair lift broke down four days into our stay. We had to use the staff lift to enter and leave, but the wheelchair was too large, so someone had to hold it up to make the lift work. The shower leaked into the toilet. We reported it to reception, but it still wasn't fixed when we left after 12 days. There are no taxi ranks nearby, so you have to order a taxi through reception and wait outside. Drivers don't tell reception or you when they've arrived. Wi-Fi in Calella was dreadful, so we kept asking shops, bars and cafes for their passwords. The rooms were extremely basic, and it isn't a beachfront hotel: another hotel blocks the view. Around the area we saw many hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and houses closed, out of business or derelict. I would never come back.

Hotel Kaktus Playa gave us a comfortable, cozy stay, and the service was pleasant and convenient, generally to a high standard. We sometimes had quite a walk to get places, but that was because we hadn't rented transport. The staff really added to the stay. They were friendly and professional, and created a warm, almost family-like atmosphere. We'd especially like to thank the chef, ANTOINE. His warmth, kindness, professionalism and friendly nature made a strong impression. His genuine, simple approach brought something special to the experience.

Breakfast opened at 5am on race day, which was great, and it had a wide selection of okay quality. The staff were friendly, and the rooms were nice and clean. The rooftop and spa cost extra. It's a nice place to stay for the Ironman, especially with the finish so close. I'd go again next year.