Apartamentos Finca Simó

The apartment was roomy, with a pool and a nice view.

I’ve been coming to Peñíscola two or three times a year for 18 years, but I wouldn’t stay here again or recommend it. The apartment was in dreadful shape: damp everywhere, even snails in the bedroom, musty glasses and dishes, ruined kitchen furniture and pans that were so stuck they weren’t usable. The bathroom lid moved around and the shower handle was broken. At the entrance, the furniture was filthy, and the mini TV remote didn’t work. Construction noise started at 8 a.m., with no warning before booking, so I couldn’t rest. They charged me a €150 deposit, and then called the day before to say the dog would cost €50 for four days. The listing mentioned a possible pet supplement, but the price had already changed when I selected the dog filter. My dog sleeps on the floor and causes no damage. They said the fee was for sweeping, though I left the apartment cleaner than I found it. Meanwhile, if you’re not careful, the place can fill up with cats.

The receptionists were unfriendly and gave us rude replies, so I can’t recommend this place. We booked for four adults and a two-year-old. One bedroom had only wires hanging from the ceiling where the lamp should have been; in the other, a ceiling fan threw a blade when we turned it on. There was just one fan for the whole apartment. We asked to move and were given an even worse place, without an oven and with lamps that didn’t work at all. The apartments were dirty and had insects.

The pool was the best part for me. It’s pleasant, usually clean, the showers work properly, and you can use it at any time without making much noise. The apartments could still be much better. Ours was furnished well, but arrived very dirty, especially the kitchen. There was a drawer under the counter with such a bad smell that we wouldn’t let anyone open it, though the bedrooms and bathroom were fine. Getting the keys can take well past 5 p.m., and in summer the office queue may be rough. There is a bar next door. Sheets and towels cost extra, though we brought our own. Many apartments have no air conditioning; a ceiling fan, if there is one, doesn’t do much to cool things down, and even that can cost extra. In the humid heat, especially in peak summer or a heat wave, air conditioning feels like a necessity. The beach is a bit of a walk, and getting down the hill is best early, before it gets too hot, or after 6 p.m. These apartments suit people with a car better. I also didn’t find the place accessible for people with limited mobility: there are no ramps to the apartments, and the pool isn’t adapted. I managed on crutches, but a wheelchair user would have a much harder time.