Hotel Gran Palas Experience Spa & Beach Resort

We visited in mid-October, so the hotel may be busier in summer, but it was quieter than a typical holiday hotel, which we didn’t mind. The beach is next door, with bars and shops a short walk away. There’s also a bus stop right beside the hotel for the Plana bus to Salou, Port Aventura and elsewhere. The room was huge, with really comfortable twin beds, a great shower and bath, and everything felt clean and fresh. The food had loads of variety, with healthy and indulgent options. It was a bit of a stretch for the fussy eater in our group, but that’s not the hotel’s fault. Staff were very nice and helpful. I’d read some negative reviews, but that wasn’t my experience. There was a restaurant staff member, I think Monica, who was especially cheerful and joked with my son. We enjoyed the spa pool when the outdoor pool felt like an ice bath. We also played padel on site with a small deposit for the equipment. Great holiday, nice staff, clean hotel, good food and a handy location.

We had a spacious room with a sea view, and the staff were professional, friendly and helpful. I loved watching ships come and go, along with the sunrise and sunset. But the buffet meals, breakfast and one dinner, really weren’t up to the same standard. The eggs were cold, and the fruit gave me indigestion. The bar food, pizza and salad, was fine. If food matters to you, be aware.

The care and attention were there from the start, and the service was impeccable. This is one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. I can’t wait to return. I’ve forgotten the name of the staff member who checked us in, but I remember she was from the UK and she was amazing.

The food was always cold, and for a five-star hotel it was two-star food. Everyone seemed to complain to the restaurant manager, who I felt sorry for. The blame should have been with the head chef and hotel manager. The dining room staff couldn’t do enough for us, and the rest of the staff were brilliant. I wouldn’t go back. We booked an accessible room, but reception initially told us there wasn’t one available. I use a wheelchair, and the room we were given had no grab rails in the shower or by the toilet, so it wasn’t accessible. We tried to reach our Jet 2 rep and couldn’t get hold of anyone for six days. When we finally did, he said they would call the hotel. They called us back half an hour later and told us to go to reception to be moved. We got another accessible room. The entertainment was all in French. The entertainment staff spoke French, and only one of them could speak English. The other five didn’t bother.