Ohtels Belvedere Hotel

The food selection was the big surprise for us. At breakfast and dinner there were at least 3-4 fish dishes and 3-4 meat options, plus plenty of salads and sides. There was an open grill, and the trays stayed filled with fresh food. The dining room is spacious, with lots of tables and no wait to be seated. For a 3-star hotel, that range felt unusual, and we were glad we chose it. We visited in early October, near the end of the season, but there was still poolside entertainment during the day and activities in the lounge in the evening. The hotel was full without feeling overcrowded. Our room was modern and nicely kept, with daily cleaning, air conditioning we didn’t need, a small fridge for drinks, toiletries, and a TV. It was very good value for money. The reception staff were helpful and kind. A special mention to the cleaning ladies, who were pleasant and worked so quietly we hardly noticed them. They didn’t come too early, and they deserve a tip. There’s a small gift shop, a car rental service, and an excursions desk for booking a tour or car. Beach towels are available from reception with a €10 deposit, refunded when you return them, though you can’t buy one there. There’s a room safe, gym, and spa, but each costs extra, and we didn’t use them because there was plenty to do during the day and evening. If you drive, make sure to pay for the hotel car park, though there were some free spaces in front of the hotel.

The worst incident was with the lifeguards. They were busy chatting and didn’t notice my son nearly drown. I had to jump in and save him, and they barely reacted. Three days into our stay, he got hand, foot and mouth disease. A cleaner also took one of his shoes and a bag of sweets, and we never got the shoe back. We were on the balcony while she cleaned, with all our shoes there, but one was gone when she left. Instead of changing the sheets, they made the bed with the dirty ones. The thin walls meant noise carried all night and we couldn’t get a good night’s sleep. The room was tiny and filthy, with a mouldy bathroom and a broken glass shower door. It looked like it had never had a proper deep clean. There was no welcome pack or useful information when we arrived, which added to the feeling that nobody cared about cleanliness. The snack bar and bar staff were awful. Two in particular, one Spanish and one African, were very rude and made every order feel like a bother. Restaurant staff were somewhat better, but the food barely changed over our two weeks. Some was reheated and served again the next day until it was used up. There was no waste, but the chicken and fish could be like crispy leather, and the restaurant closed early too. Avoid this hotel at all costs.

We booked at the last minute for some October sunshine, and I’m glad we did. The food was excellent, with a great choice, and the entertainment worked well, children’s first and then adults’. Staff were friendly, and our clean, well-kept room looked over the pool. We hired a kettle for €9 and got the money back when we returned it. The safe cost €25. Checkout was at 10 a.m.; I asked to keep the room until 5 p.m. and paid €19. That was excellent value since our transfer wasn’t until 5:15.

It’s about a ten-minute walk to the beach, and the hotel is comfortable, clean, and well placed for nearby shops and restaurants if you’re not all-inclusive. The staff were helpful and friendly. There’s a nice bar, a pool, and activities for different ages. Parking is available, though it was quite busy while I was there. Wheelchair access is good, and several disabled guests seemed comfortable staying here. A great option for families visiting Salou.