California 304

The staff were all so friendly and helpful, and we’d stay again if we return to Salou. We spent five nights here for my husband’s 60th birthday. The apartment was clean, and we really liked having a big balcony. A kettle in the kitchen would’ve been handy for morning tea. We booked half board. Breakfast had a very good range at the buffet, while dinner was okay for what we paid. The white wine we bought on the first night was a letdown, though, much too acidic to drink.

The location made things easy, with a supermarket next door and the beach, strip and lots of bars about a five minute walk away. Some bar music carried over at night, but it stopped by 11:30 at the latest. We had a great stay. The reception team were always helpful and greeted us warmly. You could leave your key with them while out, though it wasn’t required. The aircon couldn’t be left running when we went out, but that was fine. Our balcony was a lovely size; some rooms didn’t have ashtrays, which wasn’t a big deal. We really enjoyed the food, there was always something for everyone. The dining hall Matron was wonderful, always smiling, and knew our room numbers by the end. The hotel bar was clean and pleasant, and the staff were happy to help. When my partner and I were the only ones there, the bartender asked if we wanted music, whether we had a preference, and if we’d like the aircon on. Thanks for a lovely stay, I’d highly recommend the place.

Kevin, the barman, was lovely. We met him here ten years ago and he still remembered us. It was nice to see him again. The apartments have a decent amount of space, though they’re basic and a bit dated. They were reasonably clean. The corridors get dark at night, and you have to find and flip a switch since there’s no motion sensor lighting. The doors use physical keys, and the safe needs a paid deposit for its key, there’s no digital code. Since the door key is attached to the room fob, you have to hand it in at reception when you go out. That means you can’t keep the air conditioning running to cool the place before you get back.

For what we wanted, the hotel did the job, and the location was convenient. Shops, the beach and nightlife are a short walk away, with a supermarket opposite. The rooms are decent for the price and mostly quiet at night. The pool is small and not very warm. There’s a little games room, but the pool table was missing balls and several cues were broken. Rooms have a microwave and a small two-burner cooker, both okay to use. There’s no kettle. Beds are made and bins emptied, but the floors still leave your feet dirty and don’t seem to get mopped. The keys were a bit bent too, and maintenance didn’t seem especially good. Staff were helpful, though taxi service depended on who was working. Some could book one ahead, but Lewis apparently couldn’t. The safes feel very old-fashioned and cost €35 for the week, with €10 returned when you hand back the key and barrel. Breakfast was alright, apart from frankfurters being used as breakfast sausages. We looked at the evening meal early on and didn’t think much of it, so we ate out most nights and wouldn’t recommend it.