Decathelon Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: holiday rooms direct - 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : annette gill wigan 29/09/2005
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
these apartments are on what is known to the locals as slammers row. we were moved to these apartments because within 20 minutes of checking into our original apartments we moved out they were that disgusting,those apartments were named zahara. avoid at all costs. or be forwarned.
the decathelon apartments are beyond basic, self catering without even a kettle,crockery,clean bedding etc. the pool doesnt even have a single sun bed!. they are owned privatly by the spanish and each one is presented exactly the same...bare...no tv no air conditioning no nothing. this is a traditionally spanish speaking area who simply ignore you. there are nightclubs which open early and stay open until 4.30am playing loud music and youngsters are all over the street till all hours. at 8am builders started work in the same nightclubs creating all kinds of noise.
we found a heavy police presence constantly and when we complained to our rep we were told we knew we were on slammers road, how did we know we hadnt been there before and wont be returning again.
we moved out yet again the following day. my personal opinion is we went with myself aged 42, my husband 46, daughter 22, son in law 25 daughter 14 and grandchild aged 6 months this wasnt suitable for any of us. maybe someone in their early twentys who just want to binge drink get laid sleep all day etc but certainly not a family. i can assure you we are not prudes quite the opposite as we run a pub that is constantly full of rugby players and foofball fans of all ages. i have another daughter who didnt come with us aged 18 so im pretty clued up on youngsters, to me it seemed the kind of place more like the town centre of somewhere, a place where trouble drink etc go hand in hand, a place to be avoided if you are looking for a traditionally family holiday to relax and unwind
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: DIRECT HOLIDAYS- june 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : RODGERS (27,51)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read some of the reviews before we went we were a little worried all that changed on arrival.
As soon as we walked through the glass doors of the hotel we thought we were in the wrong place reception was very clean, tidy with marble floors. only took 5 mins to check in.
Rooms are clean and spacious the bathroom could've done with re-grouting but other than that no complaints. the only thing is the walls are paper thin so you hear everything in the next room and i mean everything!!!
We went half board on arrival you get allocated a time for dinner 5pm,7pm or 9pm we had 7pm which was a good time you can change but once you do you cant change back. the food was fine they have a carvery of differant meats everynight as it was only 2 of us we had to share a table with another couple that didn't bother us at all.
the hotel is 95% germans they took over the pool area you can NEVER get a lounger we never used the pool as the beach is only a 5min walk away. the hotel does do entertainment at night but again the germans get there first so you have no chance of getting a seat.
For an afternoon drink on your way back from the beach stop at the old brown cow across from the hotel we stopped there everyday the staff are lovely so is the larger ha ha! The food is much nicer there than at the hotel and its very cheap.
The one thing we noticed is salou is very cheap a 3 course meal for 2 people will only set you back about 40euros. The pubs at night are great they all have some kind of entertainment on the loved Dannyboy irish pub you'll find it on the walk down to the beach on the right side of the main road they do good food too.
all in all we liked salou would definatly go and stay in the same hotel again its a good base so close to everything.
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook oct2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : s.devois swansea 50.45.15
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
well delfin park on arrival looked very good mind you this was 04.00am got to our room then crashed out. the racket started about 07.30 doors banging no thought for other people this continued through out the two weeks we were there.one night i had to call the night manager after the people above were having a party this went on until 4am we did not get much rest .by the way thank god we were a party of three we had a table to ourselves ,if you are two you share with another party of two.another thing the hotel/resort was about 95% germans they took over the pool area loungers etc even the three telivisions in the lounge/bar areas ,they had to be first in at breakfast lunch and diner all in all a bit of a let down.a charge of 16euros a week safe plus 10euros dep.also 25euros a week for a fridge.
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: Futura - Aug 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Gillian and Kyle (19, 19)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hotel - on arrival was very pleased with the hotel it was very clean and tidy with very helpfull and friendly staff. rooms are cleaned everyday, towels chaned daily and beds changed every 4 days. Pool is cleaned every morning and always kept tidy around the surrounding area. was put off by re[orts of noise being extremly loud, although the noise of people in the corridors at night and someone singing in the bath next door to us the noise was exceptionally low. only complaint about the hotel was the food although we are particularly fussy eaters and managed to eat in everynight.
Resort - Salou offers a wide range of resteraunts, pubs and nightclubs, this resort is very lively if youwant but also quiet if you go to pubs although there are a good number of nightclubs. i would highly recommend going to Bechlife bar, we went here most evenings during our week stay, the staff couldnt be any nicer and very funny with entertainment on every night and cheap drinks, it also runs in conjunction with sylvester oscar scary's illusion show which is downstairs, i would highly recommend a visit here (£25 euros for adults) but the show is amazing.
Portaventura - massive theme park with scary rides to baby rides and photo with woody woodpecker, betty boop etc well worth a visit.
Aquapolis - again brilliant with a dolphin show and also you can swim with sealions
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by :
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
My girlfriend & I stayed at the Delfin Park Hotel on a 2 week half-board basis. I am 27, she 24 & are both from Bristol, England. Here is our review on the Delfin Park:
Hotel and Accomadation:
The hotel is a 3* & is in an ideal location of Salou, close to the main town centre & only minutes away from Portaventura theme park & 15 minutes from Reus airport. Upon arrival at the hotel, we was quickly checked in & allocated our room which was on the 5th floor & quite high up! Room was clean & tidy with the usual facilities & had a fridge which cost 25 euros (we did'nt use it) & a safety depsoit box which was 10 euros deposit which you got back & 10 euros a week. You had to hire the TV remote, but we also did'nt bother with this as all channels are foreign anyway. One complaint we had with the accomadation is we felt the maid service was disgraceful! They ignored the 'DO NOT DISTURB' sign each morning & even removed it! They cam round earlier & earlier in the mornings & repeatedly banged on the door, they only changed our towels & linen once in our 2 week stay! Needless to say they got no tip! Also at night, we was subject to noise from nextdoor late at night, although the security guard sorted this once I had complained several times!
Food:
I found the food in the hotel to be enjoyable & always freshly prepared with lots of meats, fish, pastas & salads. However, my girlfriend who is vegeterian, had difficulty finding suitable food as they seem to chuck meat in everything. One complaint we found regarding meals is you are allocated a evening meal slot time upon arrival (either 7PM or 9PM) you can change your time upon arrival, but you must then stick to your time. We found this a big inconvenience as it meant rushing around to get to the resturant on time & if you was so much as 5-10 minutes past the time, they would'nt let you in. Some nights he tables was pushed together & was'nt very private, not ideal for couples & the resturant also got quite crowded so we did'nt see how allocated times helped in anyway.
Resort:
The resort of Salou is ok, not the best part of Spain in my opinion with some bars & resturants being very expensive. Good food & service can be found in the Fox & Hound pub which is a British pub directly opposite the hotel entrance. There are loads of bars, clubs & resturants in Salou. We recommend the Lazy Wave karaoke bar which is seconds away from the Delfin Park. Turn right out the hotel to the end of the street, then left & Lazy Wave is at the end on the right. Ideal for families or couples & is a family bar open til 2AM. If clubbing in Salou, be VERY CAREFUL as there are PR's everywhere trying to entice you into their bars, some being pushy & aggressive! We recommend Idol's, chaplins, croc's disco & snoepy's if going clubbing. Croc's can be pricey for drinks but it plays decent music til 4AM. All bars/clubs are easy to get to, just ask around for directions or catch a taxi.
Portaventura theme park is minutes away, even walkable, although we recommend the mini-train which will take you to the entrance for around 2 euros. Barcelona is alos only an hour away, although beware of pickpockets!
Conclusion:
My girlfriend has been to Salou in the past, although she stated prices have increased & Salou seems to be commercialised. I would stay here again, perhaps another hotel though unless Delfin Park scrapped the ridiculous evening meal arrangement & the maids went on a customer service course to change their attitude problem! Overall verdict 8/10.
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Emily - Kent - 20
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel I felt was a big disapointment, could never get a sun bed round the pool as they didnt seem to accommodate enough for the number of guests in the hotel it self. The staff I found were very rude as we had problems with the key to our room, my cousin went down to reception to ask for assistance and they said they havent got time and that it was our problem, so we was left to fight a battle with the sliding electronic key device until it decided to work, total of 45 minutes.
The hotel food was very repetative and bland, me and my cousin ended up eating out the last 4 nights as we couldnt bare the same dry food again, found a lovely english restaurant called the vines. Value for money and good english food.
Hotel was located in an excellant place for the pubs, clubs, and shops. We never actually stayed for any evening entertainment as we wanted to spend as little time as possible at hotel, spent most nights at Danny boys and charlie chaplins but wont be visiting charlies again as they have very unpolite bouncers and they push you around for no reason.
Was glad to get home after a 3 and half hour delayed flight.
Wont be going back to delfin park
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Melissa Hirst, Chris Lofthouse - Huddersfield (23, 23)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Hotel was in a very good position near shops, bars and the beach. It was well maintained both inside and out.
There was entertainment 3 times a week but we had the same singer for all of these who didn't really appeal to our age group.
The rooms were modern and very clean, the staff were all very friendly and polite.
The only downside was the food which was bland and repetative.Most dishes didn't have a label so it was unclear what to choose. Also dinner was served in 2 sittigs one at 7pm and one at 8:30pm. For both of these we had to share a table with other people.
Overall we didn't pay a lot for the holiday so thought it was value for money. Compared to other Hotels in the resort ours was in a quieter location than most.
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Sam - Yorkshire (23,22)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Hotel itself is very clean, the food is eadable and the facilities within the hotel are good. However the walls are extremely thin! if you are a light sleeper take ear plugs as after a week I was exhausted due to limit sleep - the Spainish don't have conversations they shout them - regardless of the time!!
The pool are is very clean and the staff are friendly the only downside with this was it is quite a small area and if you want a sun lounger in a nice spot get there early - however the beach is fantastic so we spent all of our time there. Salou is very commercial and full of bars! However the best by far is Charlie Chaplins it's a bit of a walk from the hotel but well worth going!
Overall we had a Very good hotel and were reluctant to come home.
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Hotel (H10) Delphin (Delfin) Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - august/september 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : natasha, david 20,20
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
salou is a lovely resort lots to see and do, i would recommend going to see barcelona while you are there as it is only about an hour and a half a way.
The delfin park hotel generally was nice, it was very clean and the rooms were very nice, however i personally would not recomend this hotel. firstly because of the food. the delfin park is half board which includes breakfast and dinner. the breakfast was practically inedible, the bread was stale and the bacon was just fat. no meat. dinner was bearable it was buffet but practically the same every night. some of the hotel staff were quite rude (especially the men at reception) while others were very pleasent.
although the rooms were very clean especially the bathroom, you could hear everything!! The people across the hall, next door to you etc. plus everything inside the room seemed to be at an extra cost. the fridge was 25 euros, the remote for the tv was 15 euros and the saftey deposit box was 16 plus 10 as a deposit. if you are going on a night flight as ours was the organisation of the hotel is terrible. our rep assured us that we would be getting our evening meal on the last day even though we had to check out at 10 am and we were not being picked up until 1:40 am the next morning! when we sat down for dinner (which you were allocated a table) our table had been rebooked!
after 'talking' to the manager who said we should of come to talk to him first to see if there was any room! (which we were never told to do) we eventually had our dinner! if you do have a late night flight you have to check out at 10 am , if you want to carry on your room that is also an extra 25 euros but is only until 6:00 pm.
Generally salou is a nice resort with plenty to see and do however i would not recommend the delfin park hotel.
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Hotel Delphin Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Tori + Colin - Cleveland (20,24)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This hotel was great, the only thing was the walls are quite thin but it didnt bother us as we were out all the time, my boyfriend is a light sleeper and it didnt wake him during the night.
The reception area is massive with loads of sofa's and a very small internet cafe. The pool area is really nice. Its has a big swimming pool with a bridge across, it has a really big waterfall at the end of the big pool, it has a really shallow baby pool which is good for familys with toddlers, and it has a medium size pool with seats which have bubbles coming out (kinda like a jacuzzi but more like a pool with bubbles).
The rooms are good size and cleaned everyday. The towels are cleaned everyday. The cleaners are brilliant. the other downside was to turn tv on you have to hire the remote which is 15 euro a week but you get it bk. and you have to rent the fridge at 40 euro, but if you ask the cleaner nicely she might open it free of charge.
Salou is brill ive been 3 times now and its clean, friendly and you dnt get harrassed walking around. the beach is spotless, with showers, toilets and sun loungers for 6 euro each for the full day (sun loungers can be reserved just go down and pick the ones you want on that day) and if you want any at all be down at the beach around 11ish.
Night time: Charlie Chaplins is the place to be. The DJ is absolutely brill, and they play a game every night in between acts where you win free shots. it has hypnotist, drag acts, 2 comedy acts, tribute acts and singers etc. There are loads of clubs, and snoopeys is a night club along with kiss.
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Hotel Delphin Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays-JULY 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : paddy,gail- derry(49,44)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Salou bigger and far more built-up than expected with countless shops all selling basically the same stuff so shopping was not very interesting.
Hotel was first class, very central but in a reasonably quiet location. We were half-board and ate in the hotel every night not having expected to do so. There was a wide and varied range of food on offer every night. It would have been difficult not to find something palatable each night.
Thank god for air conditioning in the rooms as the weather was very hot while we were there and it would have been impossible to have slept otherwise.
The beaches in Salou,Cambrils and La Pineda were all really nice with "proper sand".The prom in Salou was very impressive and inviting.
Lovely market in La Pineda on a friday-well worth going to.
With Portaventura and Waterpark in situ there is plenty on offer to keep the kids happy but as already mentioned found Salou bit over developed to be comfortable.
Reus airport on departure was chaotic-it wasn't big enough to handle the number of passengers leaving and on arrival there we had to wait an hour and a half for our baggage to come through.
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Hotel Delphin Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- october 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : blackpool- (19-20)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
the hotel delfin was a lovely hotel always clean and two excellent swimming pools.the staff very friendly and helpful and do very well with their english, bar prices are very reasonable too! the food was ok breakfast was always the same and so was dinner same choice of meat every night.but overall a lovely hotel apart from my party were made to feel unwelcome by other nationallitys stayin in the hotel we're not sure if this was because we were young or english or both!
salou is an excellent resort with plenty of shops and bars would recommend oo7's and bus stop and kiss in the season as it was quiet when we went.
barcelona was a great day out the tour round the stadium was excellent and the city is a great place ti shop!
port aventura was fantastic as we went just in time for halloween would definitly reccomend going and takin a ride on the dragon kahn!!!!
great place for people of all ages!
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Hotel Delphin Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- June 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Paul, Shan, Min, Beck (41,34,72,4)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
lovely hotel, staff helpfull, if you are going to Salou for the first time - this hotel is in the middle of everything. Something for everyone in Salou - good for children, excellent for disabled - low pavements. Plenty for shops, bars, playgrounds for children. Give it a try.
We really enjoyed it - as you can see we were a mixture of ages and suited us all.
Hotel in excellent central location.
Breakfast was good - evening meal - we didn't bother with this - plenty of pub meals everywhere. Pools brilliant all three of them.
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Hotel Delphin Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - May 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : D & K + 2 children (6 & 3)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
The hotel/apartment was clean and well maintained. The rooms were spacious enough for 4 and the kitchan area was adequate. Our balcony - although large had a naff view of a local house/garden - they had a nice goat though!
The hotel pools were all clean but a bit nippy in May - we only saw a couple of people brave the deep end! There were plenty of sunbeds but I can imagine it can get busy in high season.
We stayed self catering but you can pay to use the hotel resturant which offered a good selection of foods. With 2 young children it was handy to feed them early and go out for desserts/drinks. They also did a good breakfast selection and the price was quite reasonable.
The on site supermarket is expensive - if you go out of the hotel and turn left about 100 yards up the road there is a cheaper market for water/papers/beachballs etc.
Past this is the bus stop for buses into Salou itself - they are regular & cheap and run in a circle so you get to see the resort if you miss your stop!
Turn right out of the hotel and down a path through the pine trees and theres a tiny little beach - it can get quite dirty with litter after the weekends as the locals use it but mid week its fine and nice for little ones.
Salou itself has the usual selection of bars/cafes/gift shops etc - its cheaper to eat away from the seafront. The beach is sandy and clean and wasnt very busy in May.
Port Aventure Theme Park is excellent (try to go Tues - Thurs as its not quite as busy) We got a bus straight to the door and did it ourselves or a taxi will drop you by the underpass - either way is cheaper than an organised trip. My 6 year old was big enough to go on 90% of the rides (105cm tall) for those under this height or 1m - you are a bit limited but they do provide areas of shade to wait in while others whizz past you on rollercoasters! Start at the back of the park and work your way forwards to avoid the main queues.
The attached water park was also good but can get busy - get there early - there is an ondoor area for little ones. Food choice is restricted and the resturants get busy.
All in all a good holiday and we will be going back when the youngest is over that magical 105cm tall!
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Hotel Delphin Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : matt + amanda ashman 27,23
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
the hotel is clean and tidy.some staff are rude but most are ok.the walls are very thin and you can hear everything that goes on next door (everything)
the food is the worst we have ever experienced out of the 4 holidays we have had abroad so far. we went to the nearest english bar one night YE OLD BROWN COW which is directly in front of the hotel. needless to say i was on the loo for hours in the early morning seeing the meal again , so avoid this place like the plague!!!!
entertainment is rubbish but the pool is very nice and well kept.
our toilet leaked fom the back which smelt and the water for the showers would suddenly shoot through scolding hot water.
for dinner you will get paired up with complete strangers to fill the tables up and you will be stuck with them for the rest of the holiday as you stick with the same tables , so u better hope u get nice paople.
the hotel is close to the beach and shops which is good and there are plaenty of local transport stops nearby.
on the whole SALOU is a clean and tidy place with lots of shops and bars, they all sell the same stuff so after a day you've basically seen it all.
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Hotel Donaire Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
sept 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : 37,35,13,11,10,8
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
i would'nt recommend anyone to go to this hotel cos its in the middle of nowhere and there's nothing much to do,if you like just being in a hotel all the time this holiday is for you,the entertainment was a load of rubbish and the kids hated it and could'nt wait to get home,overall the food was ok but the staff were arrogant towards the kids,the best part of the holiday was going home and we strongly recommend that you dont visit this hotel,and just one more point too the hotel is miles away from the centre of salou.
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Hotel Donaire Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- July/Aug 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : A. Smith - Kidderminster, 30, 28, 2
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well, we drove through La Pineda to reach our hotel which is right on the border between La Pineda and Salou. Initial impressions were that it was fairly quiet and not your average bustling resort.
The main entrance of the hotel is located literally 10 yards from the beach and so from this respect the location is excellent. It is also a mere 5 minutes walking distance to the main strip of shops, restaurants and bars which are pretty much on the promenade.
The rooms in the hotel were quite small and clearly the hotel had been built with the sole purpose of packing in as many rooms as possible. However, they were neat and reasonably clean with all required facilities - shower, bath, toilet, sink, tv (with sky sports 1) and balcony. Our balcony overlooked the entertainment stage which is adjacent to the patio by the pool. This had it's pro's and cons. On the positive side, we could watch the entertainment from our balcony if we didn't feel like going downstairs, but on the negative side it was VERY loud until midnight which was a nuisance when we tried to get our 2 year old son to bed early some evenings. I imagine that the rooms on the other side of the hotel would have been much quieter so may be worth requesting a specific room depending on your preferences.
The food in the hotel was reasonable. I personally think it is very difficult to try and please all guests with the choice of food for 14 days but they made a good effort in providing different varieties of dishes. They also supply ample desserts, fruit and selections of bread. Sometimes you knew you were eating "mass produced food" but considering we went in the busiest 2 weeks I think overall there cannot be too many complaints.
The entertainment was fairly average. Most of the acts were typical of what you'd expect from a family orientated holiday - magicians, dancers, singers, acrobats etc. They certainly were not world class performers but what do people expect given that they probably weren't being paid great amounts of money to perform for us. Even if their performances did not always captivate the audience, they provided good background activity whilst you were chatting.
The drinks were cheap compared to the UK but we often chose the 20 yard walk to the nearby shop which sells alcohol, water, soft drinks etc at much cheaper prices. Bar staff were sometimes moody, but then again, how many of us really enjoy work and are smiling all of the time?
We thought the pool was quite small and certainly did not allow you to swim properly but was adequate for the ocassional dip. There were a couple of hours of activities each day based in or around the pool. Our favourite entertainer, Albert, mysteriously disappeared halfway through our holiday, and we understood he had stopped working for the hotel (we don't know if he was pushed or he jumped!).
Other facilities included internet access, pool tables, table tennis, arcade machines and snack machines.
The hotel had a 3 star rating. I'd agree with that rating in all areas apart from the rooms which I would give a 2 star.
As for the resort, La Pineda is a very nice and clean area primarily visited by families. There are a plethora of your usual "nik-nak" shops that sell souvenirs, fake football shirts (allegedly) and other clothes. There were also some smart designer stores for the more affluent tourist.
Restuarants and bars were close by and usually intermingled amongst the shops, although as we were half board we never really frequented any of them.
The beach is nice and compact and the sea is very clear, ideal for paddling and swimming but I didn't see too much in the way of other more extreme water activities such as jet skiing.
The bus service is excellent in the region and we visited Salou, Cambrils and Reus without any problems. Salou is bigger than La Pineda and more suited to single revellers. Cambrils is probably the most cosmopolitan area (that means expensive!) and is full of restaurants. Reus is a more traditional city with far fewer tourists but worth a visit if you have time.
A must is Port Aventura theme park which caters equally well for younger children as it does adults (plenty of rides for our 2 year old).
Aquopolis water park was also an enjoyable day out, and like Port Aventura, has good attractions for younger children.
I'd also recommend a trip to Barcelona. Although we had visited on a long weekend in Nov 2004, we still very much enjoyed our day-trip which included a trip to the Nou Camp (again!), some free time in the shopping area and a visit to the fountains at night.
In conclusion:
Hotel - if you're not overly fussy and can put up with noise (the walls are thin so you're in trouble if you have noisy neighbours as well!) you won't have a problem.
Resort - excellent for families and couples. Nice relaxed atmosphere and you certainly don't have to watch your back for a load of drunk Brits as I suspect is the case in Salou
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: August 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : 36,33,9
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
I read all the previous reviews and was looking forward to the food and service at this hotel.
Reception service at the hotel is absolutely great, quick, helpful and freindly. Rooms for half board are tiny. We had a twin room with a sofa bed for my child to sleep on all in the same place. Seriously the rooms in this hotel are too small.
Breakfast is not bad, however the evening meals are bland and boiled, no taste at all. Don't get me wrong there's lots to choose from however very boring and the same. We ate out 6 of theseven nights we stayed. Very annoyed with the way in which most of the guests would get up early to get the sun beds and spend all day out. The hotel has some very strict rules on dress codes and behaviour which I am all for, however these are not enforced, which makes the people breaking the rules more likely to repeat.
First Choice kids clubs are rubbish and reps are out to get all your
money for the excursions - avoid - plan your own, you'll save money and
have a better time. We went on one at night to enjoy the Salou fiesta
from a boat, we were supposed to have had a 3 tier glass bottomed boat
and ended up on what can only be described as the local fishing boat. We
were all sick and did not even get to see the fireworks. The excuse was
that at the last minute Thomson Holidays
s got the bigger boat as they had booked
more people. Surely they knew this before taking us????
This hotel is not a four star and and I would not recommended it to anyone expecting four star service. The clientele is 2-3 star, so buyer beware. There a new set of apartments across the road from the Dorada Palace (AQquarius) these are fantastic, try booking these if you can, lots of space, very modern and work out to be the same price as staying in this hotel.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Choice August 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Smith - Wirral (54,52, 14, 14)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Just returned from a weeks holiday staying in an apartment in this hotel.
Had a long delay from Manchester so arrived in resort about 6 a.m. Had to queue to check-in, about 40 minutes (not much fun at that time of the morning when you are all exhausted).
Accommodation small but very clean. Towels changed every day. Our apartment was on the 5th floor overlooking a busy dual carriageway which was very noisy day and night and with only what seemed single glazed windows this made it hard to sleep and not the kind of view we want to see on our holiday! The air conditioning was v. good and much needed. Reception staff were efficient but not overly friendly, bar staff seemed to think they were doing you a favour by serving you! Didn't really bother much with the entertainment as we ate out most evenings. Don't think the 4* is justified.
It was a good 15 minute walk to the beach and not a very pleasant walk at that. The whole place seems very rundown with graffitti everywhere and rubbish all over the ground. Two sunbeds and a canopy cost 14 euros and beach very busy at this time of year.
Had a 7 day ticket for Portaventura Theme Park which we purchased on the internet beforehand which works out cheaper. Its about a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Our second day was cloudy so decided to go to Portaventura, arrived about 11 o'clock and stayed until 5pm by which time the sun was shining and we were flagging. Best time to visit is late afternoon/early evening. The fireworks and water/light show at midnight are a must.
Went to the Aquapolis Waterpark in La Pineda - good day out but we thought it was quite expensive 22 euros each. Bus from Salou to La Pineda about 6 euros for 4 people. We have stayed in La Pineda before and its a much nicer resort than Salou, particularly for families.
We ate out most of the time. Lots of English bars serving breakfast at about 6euros and reasonable evening meals. Not many spanish restaurants.
This was the first time we had travelled with First Choice and I don't think we we will be using them again as we had a long delay on the outward journey and another delay on the return journey and anyone who has been to Reus airport will understand when I say this airport is about 20 years behind everyone else!
To sum up - My daughter and her friend enjoyed the theme park but Salou needs to 'clean up' its act. I would say we will most definitely not be returning to this hotel or this resort. In fact I don't feel like we've had a holiday at all just had to endure endless traffic noise and dirty surroundings.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: july 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Mary Howson - Glasgow (40,40,16,14)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Just returned home to Glasgow from Salou with First Choice after staying at the Dorada Palace. Originally stayed at this hotel in July 2004 and loved it - this time though definitely not worth the four stars.
We took the option of Half Board and what a mistake that was - if you like the same food every night then great but got a bit bored after three days of eating nothing but turkey, chicken or chips. The food was horrendous - and my 14 and 16 year old sat eating a plate of chips every night. Food was drenched in olive oil and they didn't even have anything decent for the kids - ok if your kids can survive on chicken drumsticks and chips. The breakfasts were awful too - the omelettes were half-cooked so beware!
The rooms were spotless - as long as you clean them yourself - the maids will change your towels every day (providing you don't have to ask them to give you extra towels as there were 4 of us in a room and they would only leave you 3). They do not change your bed linen - at least they didn't whilst I was there - my kids don't call me Monica for nothing!
The entertainment was rubbish - okay if you like Karaoke but why stay and pay the bar prices at the hotel when you could have a better night out five minutes away at the main strip in Salou - feel that they let their customers make their own entertainment rather than the hotel providing it - rather poor for a 4 star.
Watch out for the late checkout - they don't have one - we arrived on the Wednesday morning at 5.30am and the hotel wanted us out 13 days later on the Tuesday at 10am, even worse when your flight doesn't leave until 4.25am on the Wednesday morning - feel a bit cheated there. Even worse - while you've been waiting for the best part of 14 hours (homeless) for your coach to pick you up from the hotel to the airport - the staff ask you to leave the bar area inside the hotel and wait outside the hotel for the next 40 minutes or so because they want to close the bar (they don't even want you to wait in the foyer!) - A case of you've paid your money so away you go! - Customer service very poor - just ask the maitre'd at the hotel restaurant - that's if you can get a hold of him - we tried walking around the restaurant a couple of times trying to get a table (by the way one side of the whole restaurant has tables reserved (funnily enough these were all taken up by Spanish or German guests)!!
We had a great time in Salou and made our own entertainment - Portaventura and Costa Caribe fab - the pubs and the beach at Salou are great - George and the Dragon pub is great for happy hours and do a great breakfast - If you get the chance to go to Cambrils then make the effort (buses go along the main strip) - this is where you'll get the authentic Spanish restaurants, great stretch of quiet beach and if you want to go Scuba Diving then this is the place to book.
Would consider going back to Salou but not to this hotel again!
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Choice - June 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Pete, Karen 35,30
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from this hotel. Lovely place, but there are busy roads close by, which put me off going back. Portaventura a must. We spent a fab day there. Buy your tickets on line before you go as it is a lot cheaper. The First Choice childrens reps were fantastic. They were so enthusiastic and great with the kids. Well done Jenny, Alex and Hayley. You are a credit to First Choice. The caberet show on Monday night is such good fun, as is the family bar crawl. It was so well organised, and our kids loved it.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: first choice-june 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : les redhead-cambridge (51,52,22,21,48,73
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
we were a bit worried after reading about this hotel but we didn't have to worry it was great, rooms clean, food was lovley not much choice for veggies though.
the resort was clean and loads of shops
the beach was a bit further from the hotel than we thought.
we did find a lovley place to eat lunch and it was so good we missed dinner at hotel and went back one night and had the best steak ever it was the captains cabin and they were so friendly (hope the baby is fine)over all we all had a good time and would go back
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: first choice- may 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : rachel murfin- barnsley south yorkshire (24, 21, 1)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
just arrived bak from a weeks holiday in salou stayed in the club dorada palace hotel absolutely gorgeous hotel.
No bad comments at all, rooms lovely & clean, clean bedding & towels every day! We went half board, food in hotel spot on, something for everybody every day! Hotel staff very friendly and polite!! Pool nice and big, plenty of sun loungers and parasols. Entertainment on in hotel bar area every nite we only stayed in hotel once but enjoyed it. We took our 1 year old baby and had no problems at all, although we went half board there was a mini fridge in our room for baby food and drinks which you can hire for only 12 euros which is refundable. Also you can hire beach towels from reception for only 10 euros a day which is also refundable. The hotel is situated not far from beach and plenty of shops just down the road. Salou not as lively as we expected not many bars and entertainment. Theres just nothing there at all just a few bars and restaurants and thats it!!
All in all we had a lovely holiday but we won't be going back to salou in an hurry!!
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: fiest choice
Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : stephen,20 angie 47,peter,17 tony,54
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
we went in the high season
the food was excellent and there was a guy doing show cooking with steaks in the evening,
there was a couple of nights where we went out beacuse we dont do seafood or mexicon food there was a kids area for food.
but overall the food was really nice
there are two pools to the hotel one at the side of the hotel where it was easy to get a sun bed if you are not a early person.
the staff are really helpful and friendly.
i would go back to the hotel
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: first choice - october 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : evans family (45,40,6,4,2)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
the holiday we have just taken was fantasic and just what we wanted. we have used first choice many times before and this holiday was no diffrent to what we usually recive.
the resort reps (steve,matt,craig) we fab and very helpfull as well as knowledgeable and truthfull.
The kids reps were second to none. Jazzy jem and power ranger paul ( yes this is what we called them during club times) we great and the kids loved them. We even had to plan the holiday around club times as they didn't want to miss out. Theyr realy enjoyed the chocolate party and there brill 4 hour halloween party. The reps really got into the swing of it and dressed up themsleves and it gave us a huge break. Nothing was ever to much trouble for them and they were very approchable and freindly. Just what we wanted thanks every so much jemma and paul we realy enjoyed the break!
We will be returning next yr, thanks again first choice for a fab two weeks in the sun! See you next yr!
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Choice Oct 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Dave Harwood-Mids.35,29,10,7.
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We came self-catering but decided to upgrade to half board rather than wandering where to eat every day.The food was fantastic,a wide choice(even our kids were happy!)The hotel was spotless clean and towels changed most days.The entertainment was ok and the drinks prices fair 1.81 a pint of local lager!We had tickets for the park which I sold on to a German family for 100 euros-2 days left to run on them which they were happy about and I could buy some fags and spirits with the money I got!The park itself was ok but thurs and sat was chaotic and the Spanish people seem quite loud and ignorant.Salou itself is ok,the beach and sea safe and clean.However,a few of the backstreets were a bit dodgy and graffiti everywere which was an eyesore.On the sunday night I went to the Barcelona game which as a football fan was absolutely brilliant-only 91,000 people there.
We might come back but not in the near future and we would stay at the Dorada Palace again without hesitation.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Choice - September 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Paul Thurgate - Hampshire (35,28,26,30)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading many reviews for this hotel (mostly good but some bad) we opted to book a package deal with First Choice, after having already had a Caribbean Cruise this year, and with Florida booked for next year, we only had a budget of around £500 for the week (for 2 of us). The main reason for booking this resort was because of the Port Aventura theme park, and Caribe Aquatic park, as we love all the rides etc.
Check in at the airport was easy, we were on the 6.00am flight, and after an uneventful short flight (which was only half full....so we were able to have a row each if we wanted)! we landed at Reus on time. After a couple of drops at other hotels we were at the Dorada Palace within 20 minutes.
We were unable to check in until 2pm, so we left our cases at the hotel in the luggage room for a 1 euro charge, first impressions of the Dorada Palace were very very good, we were all very impressed, everything was very modern. We headed off into the resort to explore as we had a few hours to kill.
Initial impressions of the resort weren't great, as we headed off in the wrong direction, and thought that the few bars/restaurants that we came across was 'it'
We soon realised when we came across the main 'strip' of bars/shops/restaurants that there was a lot more to the resort!
At 2pm we checked in, there was a queue, but it was quite short and went down quickly, (no queues from 1pm like other reviews mentioned, but this could be because we were there at the end of September) We were self catering so were staying in the apartments, so needed to leave a 100 Euro or £70.00 deposit (which you get back when you check out after your room has been checked, to make sure it's not been trashed)! We were given a little goody bag which included milk, biscuits, tea, coffee, jam, butter and melba toast) which was a nice touch. Then we were off to our room, I had emailed First Choice and requested a pool view, which we were given, so were happy with that. We found the room to be more than big enough for the 2 of us, as you walk in we had a sofa bed on the left, and the bathroom on the right (which was also a good size) then through another door to the kitchen/dining/sitting room area, this included a table and 4 chairs, a large wardrobe, kitchenette, another sofa bed, and TV, with patio doors leading out onto the balcony. Through another door was a separate bedroom, with double bed, bedside table, dressing table, mirror and large wardrobes, and also patio doors leading out onto the balcony. The balcony was a very good size with a small table and two chairs, with a great view of the main pool area. We have to say this is the nicest apartment we have ever stayed in, the maids came daily, they changed all towels, and the bed linen was changed a few times in the 1 week too.
We had breakfast in the hotel once, there was a large selection of food to choose from, but we found it to be cold, the food was hot when you served it, but by the time you sat down to eat it, it was cold. I think this is mainly due to the plates not being warmed through. The other couple who came with us had an evening meal in the hotel and said the food was very good, and there was a lot of choice, and it wasn't cold as the plates were warmed through. Breakfast was 6 Euros each, and the evening meal was 14 Euros each.
We went to Port Aventura twice and Caribe Aquatic park twice, we bought the Port Aventura tickets on line before we went and got 7 days for the price of 3 (£41 each) these tickets also gave us a 20% discount for the Caribe Aquatic park (which is normally 19.50 Euros per adult)
As Port Aventura is part of Universal Studios we were expecting it to be similar to the Orlando theme parks, the attention to detail wasn't there, it wasn't quite up to the Florida standards, none the less we really enjoyed the park and had a fantastic couple of days here, there were some good rides and attractions/shows, and the food we had, we were very impressed with (now this was better than what we have had in Florida parks before)! and we didn't think it was as overpriced as other reviews have stated. Both days we went were very quiet so every ride was a walk on, some let you stay on and ride again, all in all a good couple of days, and it was nice to have something different to do other than sit by the pool. Well worth a visit.
The Caribe Aquatic park was fantastic, a nice clean place, some fun rides, and the food again, was excellent and reasonably priced. You do need to pay 4 Euros each to hire a sun bed for the day though. You can also hire lockers and towels.
There were lots of mosquito's at both parks, so make sure you take your repellent with you!!!
There's a good supermarket a short walk from the hotel, as well as souvenir shops and bars and restaurants. Some good bars and restaurants we went to are:
The Butler (English pub) - shows virtually all live footie
The Black Bull (English pub) - shows footie, nightly bingo, good selection of cocktails, reasonably priced drinks, friendly bar staff
The Parrot - nice area to sit outside, again reasonably priced drinks
Titanic - nightly entertainment, comedians, DJ etc, good selection of cocktails, drink offers
La Nona (Spanish owned restaurant) - Fantastic Pizza's - see if you can eat the 33" pizza!! (22 Euros.bargain)! Friendly waiters, we went 3 times we liked it so much!
Casa Lorenzo (Spanish restaurant) - they don't speak English, but food was great, large portions
Chinese Buffet - 8.50 Euros all you can eat, good food, good selection, open late
Uncle Sam's (American Restaurant) - really good food, 20oz T-Bone steak 15.95 Euros, good selection of food, and large portions
All in all we had a fantastic holiday, we would definitely go back to Costa Dorada, and we'd definitely stay at the Dorada Palace again, a great holiday for a great price
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Chioce - Sep 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Phil Astbury (37,38,12,4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from 2 weeks at the Dorada Palace - Salou.
2 adults + 2 children (12 + 4) staying in a self-catering apartment.
Overall we were very impressed with this Hotel, room was good and big enough (note: if you are half-board you probably get a smaller room !) Rooms were cleaned daily and towels changed if you needed them.
After a few days we decided to upgrade to half-board. At 15 euros for Breakfast & Lunch we felt this was a pretty good deal and doubt we could get breakfast + dinner locally for that price. The food was pretty good (buffet of course) and as long as your not too fussy there was enough variety.
The pool area was good, we did find necessary to be up early to reserve sunbeds if you were planning on staying in the day. Drinks prices were OK - my only quibble would be the cost of kids drinks (eg. 3euros for a small slush, 4 euros for a non-alcoholic cocktail).
The only thing that slightly lets this hotel down is its location. To get to Salou (and the beach) there was a very dreary walk along tatty backstreets followed by trying to get our children past the souvenir shops. That said, once you were at the beach it was lovely.
Our preference was to have a day by the beach rather than stay at the hotel.
We had heard previously that Port Aventura was within walking distance but decided to get the bus (which is an excellent service). The park itself is massive and if you do decide to go, consider going to difference zones on different days (the Wild West was our favourite).
Evening entertainment at the hotel was OK - bit cheesy at times (but what do you expect), all taken with humour.
All in all we very much enjoyed our stay at this hotel and would probably return if it not for Salou (bit too 'towny' for us), we'll probably look for a quieter resort next time.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: aug 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : 37, 31, 6, 3
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
this hotel is really nice & very clean, however they have so many rules. eg: no standing in the corridors without shoes, kids not allowed to lie on sofa's in reception etc. the main pool is another story. we were in salou the 2nd week in august so it was busy, but we had to queue in reception to get sunbeds in the morning. it was so funny, the reception staff synchronised watches before unlocking the doors to the pool area. people then ran out throwing towels at their chosen beds, hilarious!
The food was very good, we really enjoyed it. saturday is seafood night which was nice. The grill at the back of the restaurant was good with steaks, chops, omlettes etc. The kids food was very good too, not just chicken nuggets etc.
We visited both waterparks and they were very good, the kids loved them. Portaventura was ok but having been to Florida last year there was no comparison and it's not cheap.
The resort itself was ok but I don't think we will return.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: first choice - aug 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : P.Ostle - Cumbria
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were a bit apprehensive about this holiday after we had read some negative reviews, but we neednt have worried as it turned out to be a lovely 2 wks away. The Daurada Palace was a lovely clean spacious hotel, yes the apartments were a little on the small side in the living area but you soon adapt.If we decided to stay by the pool we did have to do the Pool run but we didnt go down until 8.50 and were back up in the room by 9.05am and it ended up being a bit of a laugh.
I would recommend The Old Brown Cow for cooked breakfast, the chinese restaurants that do the buffet and the indian restaurant opposite The Lazy Wave.We didnt bother with the reps excursions as we decided each day what we wanted to do.Its easy enough to catch a bus by shops to Porteventura and we also got a bus to Aquopolis water park which the kids loved, especially the dolphin and seal show.The Go-Karts just outside Salou are also worth a visit especially for teenage boys, but 2hrs ther is enough then back to the beach.
We ate out every evening but Spain is not as cheap as it used to be.
Overall we had a lovely holiday and if we decide to go back to Salou we would definetely stay at The Daurada Palace.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: Aug 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : elizabeth williamson & Joseph McEnroe
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
I did not stay at this hotel, i was at the one across the road (early hours of 9th aug - 15th aug) but when i arrived at mine we could not get the keys so i went across to the dorada palace and asked about how to use the phone as i could not get money to go in but the girl Rosanna went above and beyond the call of duty and called it all for use and spoke to them in spanish to make the process as quick as possible she is a real asset to that hotel and deserves some type of bonus for her customer service skills truely outstandind.
On leaving our hotel there was a prob with our transfers and once again i went over there and she wass on reception and i was asking about number for taxi and she remembered me and did her best to get me a taxi to airport she called several copmanies for me.
I hope her manager reads this review and gives her the credit she deserves, i will be sending a fax to the hotel for her manager.
Thanks you so much rosanna your are a star.
Liz and Joe (Glasgow)
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Choice - July/August 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Jo Black (40,26,3,1)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Holiday here was fab, don't like the tightness of hotel rooms so took an apt and opted for half board ( you can only do this online). Food was great although is repeated the second week.
Have to admit as with other reviews only prob was joining the rat race in the morn to get a sun lounger.
Salou is a beautiful resort without rowdy crowds of young men and women a perfect family resort.
Have already booked up and will be returning to Dorada Palace in June 2008.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Choice - July/August 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Liz Schofield - Peterborough (46, 36, 5 & 3)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stayed at the Dorada Place on a half board basis during the busiest week of the year. Our kids are 5 and 3. We had a twin room which slept 4 people and it was quite small. I'm glad our kids weren't much older as it could have been very cramped. The beds were basically 4 singles lined up against the wall and that was the complete length of the room. The housekeeping however was immaculate and the rooms were cleaned early and to a high standard every day. We had fresh towels daily (and plenty of them) and we had our bed linen changed 4 times in 7 nights which is more than acceptable.
The hotel was extremely busy and as other people have mentioned the 'charge of the sunbeds' at 9am is pathetic. People were skimming their towels across the pool area as soon as the doors opened to 'bag' their sunbeds. As the saying goes 'if you can't beat 'um join 'um' and by the third day we had ashamedly joined the 9am 'charge'. We did however go down at 9am on the dot as the doors were opening - there reallly is no need to queue from 8.15am as some people were doing!
We are blessed that our kids are unfussy eaters and although we went half board we usually eat out a few nights. we did not however feel the need to do this and were perfectly happy with the food at the hotel. We found there to be plenty of choice and it was widely available.
Considering how busy the hotel was the staff were exceptionally efficient. They had a bit of the 'gestapo' touch to them but they needed to have due to the behavior of some people (shouting at the reps and feet on furniture).
We went with First Choice as they are extremely competitively priced but we did not use the service of the reps, go to the welcome meeting or go on any First Choice excursions so it would be unfair to comment. Our girls did go to the Bugs Bunny Club a couple of times. They are both well versed in kids clubs and the five year old did say it was 'rubbish' so we gave them the choice of going or not and they chose not to go again. In my personal opinion First Choice kids reps look like they are there because they have to be and I didn't feel they made the kids feel welcome. They showed zero enthusiasm in their job, but this is only my opinion.
Salou itself suprised me. The buildings are hideous but the resort itself is immaculately clean as are the beaches. The sea was wonderfully warm and there were plenty of sunbeds (8 Euros for 2), lifeguards, toilets and litterbins around.
We were suprised to find so many Spanish restaurants in Salou serving the locals. There are a few by the far end on the beach (the very last 4 restaurants) and on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes we couldn't get in as they were full of Spanish - always a good sign. We purposefully avoid any restaurants showing pictures of food but if it's English food you've after there are bars and restaurants a plenty.
Overall we had a great holiday. The hotel was clean and efficient, the weather great and everything was value for money. I wouldn't go back to Salou or say its a 'must do' destination but if you want a cheap week in the sun with reliable service then this hotel is a good bet.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: ECLIPSE DIRECT JULY 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : JANETTE & CHARLIE RENNIE (49,44,13,11)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hotel well deserved it's four stars. Probably the cleanest hotel we have ever stayed in.
Food was very good. Had beautiful poached salmon and smoked salmon one evening.Every night there was a cook doing steaks and chops on a grill, and fried eggs or omelletts in the mornings.Always lots of fruit and salads. Rooms were small for four but we only slept in them so it was not a problem.Room had a small fridge which was excellent for juice and beer! There are two pools, the one at the rear is in the shade till about 11.30 which is excellent if you do not want to be in the sun all day.
Did a trip to Barcelona on the train 36 Euro for four. Then got the metro to Colblanc for the Nou Camp 1.40e each. Spent at least three hours there, then got the metro back to Sagra Famillia again 1.40e each. Lot cheaper than organised tours.
Went to Tarragona on bus 8e for four. Nice city pleanty to see. Acropolis was very good lots of water rides for all ages. Portaventura was very good, bought tickets of internet £41 for seven days. This is not availible in salou. Can walk to theme park from hotel takes about twenty mins but there is a lot of trees giving shade. Salou itself was like any spanish resort, busy and full of shops selling same rubbish. Beach was lovely and plenty of room unless you wanted to be at the waters edge.Lazy Wave pub was good for food and also the HongKong chinese buffett 8.5e each. Robin Hood bar was good for Karaoke.
All in all had a good holiday and would reccomend this hotel to anyone. Only bad point was that we could not get a late checkout as hotel was fully booked and you have to be out by 10am. Apparently the only way to keep your room on is to book it in the UK when you book your holiday.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: Falcon - June 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Fitzpatrick, 32, 31, 2
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
What a holiday! Couldn't rave enough about Salou or about the hotel. Hotel is spotless. Yes, rooms are a little on the small side, but cleaned every day. The food is excellent, and a great variety. I never had a problem getting a sunbed, maybe they have invested in some extra!! And I certainly wasn't up and ready to go down there at 9am!
My two-year old loved the baby pool and the play area. We didn't put her in the creche, it was just a small room and was a bit stuffy.
There is a mini-fridge in the room and just a EUR12 deposit for the key. We thought that EUR17 per week for the safety deposit box was a bit steep, so we locked our passports and tickets in to the fridge and took the key with us - hey presto, a safety box and fridge all in one!
Port Aventura is brilliant and even lots to do for my 2-year old.
We hired a car and went to Barcelona a few days. Wouldn't recomment the zoo at all - the animals look totally de-hydrated and have very little space.
Enjoy your holiday!
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: first choice June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : gary Bourne 11.7.67 hayley bourne 8.2.72
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The dorada palace in salou is a good familly holiday the hotel is very good and the food is good aswell.
Upon arrival in the hotel i put my bag down next to the checkin desk inside was tablets camera and 2 x ipods for my children money a watch and prescription glasses,when i checked in and came to pick my bag up it had gone! coach but it so we went straight to our rep ( waste of time first choice )only to be told we will look into it.Two days later they said sorry we dont have a clue whats happened the coach park is facing the hotel but it took them two days to contact them ! we will give you a report to take to the police,We requested a look at the cctv cameras only to be told they are black and white and not of good quality! amazing for a four star hotel.
We spent two days of our holiday trecking round salou getting statements of the police,tablets from the chemist,and various phone calls to england to our insurance.
Dorada palace is a great family hotel,but just be aware that the hotel managers and reps couldnt give a toss about you or your belongings once you arrive. we spoke to about five other familys who had the same experiance,and said late at night when coaches arrive there seems to be a lot of locals hanging around reception for no apparant reason?? Also the bar staff are really slow you can be stood at the bar for 15 mins before you get a drink !!!!
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: First Choice - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Sarah Malekout - Wolverhampton (31,34,2)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Hotel was fantastic and very clean, the restaurant was buffet style and there was always plenty of choice, there was even a separate selection for children. The doors to get to the sun longer's by the pool didn't open till 9am, and there was always a queue to go and put your towel out. My little girl loved the park that was next to the children's pool. There is an Adult only pool on the roof, which we went to when out little girl was in the crèche (that was really handy, but book your sessions as soon as you get there) but you must get a pass from reception to get into the adult roof area otherwise you will have to go all the way back down from the 6th floor to get one.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : wendy 39 kev 38
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
went for a week in may 2005 cannot find fault with hotel very freindly staff food was of a very high standard rooms were very clean and well maintained. pool area was spotless and well supervised lifegaurd at all times. my partners very first time abroad and he loved it hope i find a simalar hotel for next time dont wanna dissappoint him lol
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - Oct 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : John Hallam - Sheffield (52, 56)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a week at the Dorada Palace. We found the hotel excellent and well worth the four stars attributed to it. We went on a self catering basis, but, on the first night after looking around Salou and the restaurants /bars we decided to upgrade to half board at a cost of 13 euro each. This was on the basis of a minumum of 5 consecutive nights. We paid our 130 euro and glad we did. The breakfast and evening meal were excellent. Food was cooked to a good standard and not in any way greasy. Sometimes the food was a little tepid, but if you watched when the trays were renewed you got it piping hot. The soup was either brown, orange or clear, whichever you had tasted the same, not very appetising, but the other options in way of salad etc made up for it!
Good to see a dress policy in the restaurant, though some moronic people found it acceptable to be going down to evening meal in 'long shorts' , flip flops and football shirts, some even with baseball hats on. Needless to say these tattoed people were either English, Welsh or Scottish!!
Our room was on the third floor (301) overlooking, as requested, the swimming pool. It consisted of space enough for two and a large balcony with opening full length windows to the living area and bedroom. We were only there a week, but our bedding was changed four times. Fresh towels every day and cleaning to a high standard. The standard of the room decor and furniture was excellent.
The pool area was kept beautifully clean and we experienced no 'rush for the sunbed' scenario.
The bar was OK and reasonably priced, much the same prices as the bars in Salou. However one waiter to cater for 300 people was not enough. Children were allowed to run wild in the bar area whilst their parents chatted amongst themselves. You joined a queue at the bar, a bit reminiscent of a working mens club. I think they preferred the waiter to service the drinks, but it was very slow due to the amount of people. The entertainment was poor. We went out every night and just 'finished off' with one in the hotel bar.
The resort ... well, the bars and cafes in Salou are rather trashy, catering for the downmarket , roll-up smoking, football shirt attired English clientel. We spent an evening around the Avenida Sargasso, ( the avenue with the canopy) and didn't wish to repeat the experience the following evenings.
Most of the pubs are 'The Old Brown Cow', 'The Hare & Hounds', 'The Black Bull'. Need I say more, you get the picture. We found the bars around the the Railway Station/Avenida Barcelona to be more akin to the Spanish way of life.
We will visit the Dorada Palace again, but next time not when the kids are on holiday.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - oct 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : j.a.d. -23, 33, 1
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
would definately recommend this hotel.
FOOD- very good excellent choice.you can have fresh eggs & ommlett for breakfast & fresh meat e.g steak,sausage,chops 4 tea.The only prob was the high chairs.It was a tall chair with no bar between the legs and no straps so he was sliding out.Everyone with small kids kept them in the buggy or on there knee.
ROOMS- very clean the only prob we had was the air conditioning.It was just room temp air coming out.We had the setting on the coldest.Told reception we were changed room but it was no better.we have a 1 year old who cried all night because the rooms were so hot.Reception didnt seem bothered.
TWEETY CRECHE- we paid 11e for 1 1/2 hours.kids reps were were brilliant.our 1 year old loved all the attention he was given and loved playing with the other kids.
BUILDING WORK- there is building work going on request a MAIN pool view because if u just say pool view u could get the over pool view as there is a smaller pool by the building site.
Would i go back.Definately but only if they get the air con fixed.We came back the end of oct had 5 days of hot weather 2 days of rain be prepaired.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - October 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Pitmans (33, 31, 2)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this Holiday last minute. We had previously booked two weeks holiday and had not planned on going anywhere until Saturday morning, we booked self catering and flew out on the Tuesday. We had very late flights and with a toddler is not advisable. We finally arrived at our hotel early hours of the morning and were dealt with quickly and efficiently - we were given a hospitality bag containing milk, coffee, tea and biscuits. A very warm welcome and first impressions - excellent. Our room was ok, I didn't like the idea of my son sleeping on a bed on the floor (although the sofa's can be used, but not ideal for a small child). Walls are paper thin as another holiday maker stated, and yes you can hear everything. Maids can be seen every day, with fresh towels and bedding regularly. If you are self catering - I would take your own travel kettle as it can take up to half hour to boil the kettle!!! The staff were always friendly and helpful and the hotel was always spotless.
The pool area is great and there was a good play area and smaller pool for the kids. Entertainment was not too bad, especially as it was late in the season. Kids entertainment however was a little too late for our liking, kids disco started at 9:00 - 10:00 not a good idea to have small children and toddlers running around and dancing at such late hours. And the room can become a smokers den.
It seems that the 'hotel' holiday makers are situated on the right and the 'self catering' on the left of the hotel - which is great as you are not over the entertainment area - as I would imagine it can be quite loud!
The beach was only 10-15 minute walk away and fabulous. Lots of play areas on the sand for the children, and different styles every couple of hundred yards or so. They can never get bored.
Lots of restaurants and pubs, quite disappointing though as they cater typically for the Brits. Every place we went to had the same list of things for kids, sausage & chips, nuggets & chips and so on...... I think you have to go out of Salou itself to find a typically spanish restaurant and taste the more traditional dishes.
Port Aventura is definately worth a visit - and you are situated in an ideal place as the hotel is only 15 minutes walk away.
Cambrils is another little town to visit and only a short journey on the local bus. Again some great restaurants and a lovely boating area where you can watch the fisherman.
Overall, our holiday was great. Hotel was superb, beach - fab, food - good. Weather: still hot in October, but you have to be prepared for the odd shower and the evenings can tend to be a little chilly...and come to think of it so can first thing in the morning. We would go back again, but perhaps stay in Cambrils.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : 30, 35
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked our holiday through First Choice online and they automatically added premium seats on the plane. Would thoroughly recommend this addition. Seats were very spacious and you get food and a free drink. Got the holiday off to a brilliant start.
The apartments at the hotel were very good and clean. The hotel provides a basic welcome bag containing milk and coffee etc which was a really nice touch. We did not really make use of the hotel entertainment but it seemed quite good.
The hotels beach towel facility is excellent. You give them a 12 euro per person deposit and this gives you unlimited clean beach towels whenever you like. At the end of your holiday when you give back your towel you get your money back.
A great tip I used from this site was to visit barcelona by train and get around on the tourist bus. This is a lovely day out. Go early and get to Parc Guell before the crouds. They give you a discount booklet which contains buy 1 get 1 free adult tickets for Port Adventure - Don't buy them from the rep!!! This saved us 34 euros.
We also went to the Nou Camp to see Barcelona v Zarragossa. This was a brilliant experience. First choice charged us 69 euros each including transfers but if you are on a budget the ticket was actually 29 euros and there is a bus back to Salou from barcelona late at night.
Salou itself has a lovely beach and good nightlife but it is very English. It was good for a week but would not go for a fortnight.
The only drawback to the hotel was that you have to check out at 10am and we were not able to pay to keep the room. Would suggest pre-booking late check out before you go if you have a late flight home.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - september 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : mike,irene
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
GOOD POINTS
weather was brill. and rooftop adult only pool a godsend
staff friendly
BAD POINTS
hotel full of school-age kids at this time of year shouldn't they be in school?
asked for quiet room and were given one overlooking the pool.disco music played LOUDLY from about 10.00 until 18.00 then from 20.00 till 24.00
kids ran up and down the corridors at all hours.
food was definately samey.Practically the same menu every night. Show cooking in the evening consisted of SAUSAGES,CHOPS or BEEFBURGERS every night.Kids buffet was better than the adult one!!!
Rooms were fine for two people but not for three or four.
A quiet area for adults would be good. There isn't any area in this hotel where you can sit and have drink and a chat without being bombarded by the entertainment or t.v. blaring . So in short if you want a noisy hotel with the same menu every night and plenty of noise this hotel will suit you. if you like some quiet areas and a varied menu this is not the hotel for you
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Eileen Roberts - Rossendale, 33,32
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This is the first time I'd been to Salou so I did'nt know what to expect. We stayed at the hotel on a S/c basis and after trying the hotel breakfast on the first morning we were glad, really runny scambled eggs, horrible bacon, frankfurters (which I didn't mind) and various other fried options which seemed to live in an inch of oil. We never tried the evening meals so I can't comment on that.
The reception staff were very knowledgable and helpful with excellent english language skills. Our room overlooked a coach park and a building site which could be quite noisy during the day, you probably wouldn't hear it if you overlooked the pool. I can highly recommend the Danny Boy bar for food and footie, the food is very yummy and good value. The evening entertainment is also top notch! Avoid The Vines like the plague, the food is over-priced, the staff very unhelpful and lazy and they insist on broadcasting every episode of the X-factor at the loudest volume possible! Complete dump!
The resort has something for everyone and portaventura is definitely worth a visit. We went on a thursday during september and we hardly waited for any rides. Oh and by the way you get really wet on the log flume, I mean soaked to the skin! - really funny though and we soon dried off in the sun! Would definitly go again but maybe to a different hotel.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: Fiest Choice sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Robin & Margaret Rumble - hartlepool 47 & 49
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well where to start,the dorada palace is a very nice hotel, rooms better than the bouganville playa in tenerife. lounge area very big and comfortable, ground floor pools nice but impossible to get a sunbed after 10am although there are no people there just towels!. the adult pool on the roof of the hotel is a different matter. no problem getting a sunbed at any time of day no screaming kids running about and a jacuzzi and pool for people to enjoy. this made the holiday for us as our kids are grown up now we want to enjoy our holidays so if you fancy a nice relaxing holiday without hordes of bored kids running about then DONT go to the dorada palace.
the dining room is very nice but repetitive food let it down. The staff in all parts of the hotel are very nice and friendly however the barstaff are not the quickest in the world.
salou is not a place i shall rush back to.
there are very little in the way of shops most of them are the beach towel and suitcase type with the odd sports top shop thrown in for good measure.
however whilt in salou a trip to BARCELONA is a must if only for the NOU CAMP. well worth the ?10 entrance fee.
we did not visit port aventura so cannot say what that was like.
there are plenty of bars to visit but very little in the way of entertainment besides football and the soaps shown on tv.
the hole in the wall was a very nice bar with good food, the black beauty was another with good food, the robin hood was very poor food and the titanic wants sinking.
overall will not be going back to salou will stick to palma nova,benalmadena,or playa las americas in future.
however if you have kids and want a nice aparthotel then this is the place for you.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: august 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : maria 44/ 47. 18 17, 30 32
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We all found that salou was very very dirty, also it smells terrible, ;
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Stuart Pemberton - Wigan ( 42, 40, 8 )
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Reading previous reviews, I must have been to another planet!
The plusses:
Rooms were nice and very clean, the maids were excellent and cleaning times were flexible.
Good, efficient reception and good location for the excellent Port Aventura.
The minusses:
The waiters, in particular, and the restaurant staff were at best miserable and at worst rude.
The breakfasts were a joke as we always had to clear our dirty tables and got told off for setting our own, often the evening meal plates were not cleared. Bar service was a joke. Our opinion on the food differs, I thought it was ok but my partner didnt. Some people raved about it?
The costs for safe/fridge hire etc was high and provisions for a changing room for evening flight consisted of a toilet.
I agreed with the relatively strict (enforced) rules of the hotel but balcony lights out at 1am !?
Whilst accepting it was a peak period holiday, the hotel's facilities ie pools and staff could not cope well with the amount of guests. This is not a 4* hotel but probably is for the Salou region!
Despite the money clearly spent on the Salou coast, inland it is shabby and very dirty (yes the tourists must be partly to blame). We had to step over piled up, spilled bags of rubbish, rotting food and even a discarded mattress. The beaches are dirty and littered with fag ends and the traffic congestion on the several wide roads does not contribute to a feeling of being on holiday.
To end on a high, good child friendly pubs all over the resort and the two we ate in sold great food!
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Macdonald/Mackenzie, Wick, 32,32,30,11,6 and 4
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from a fortnight in Salou and am delighted. As you can see we had a range of ages in our party and the holiday catered well for everyone.
The hotel was clean and friendly, food was good but a "sameness" to it all. I agree with the previous comments regarding teh sun loungers! My only other negative comment would be that the rooms were too small for a family of 4.
Portaventura was great, not so impressed by Costa Caribe, went to Aquopolis and it was much better.
My neice and nephew loved the mini-disco, so much so they are home with the CD and have their own mini-disco at home!!!
I thought the entertainment was good and the waiters done their best to cater for everyone, and always with a smile.
I would certainly consider returning here at some point and would return to Dorada Palace.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Sandra Harrison -Leigh (57,65,13,10)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from salou and it was great. the hotel was up to 4* standed.
The hotel was very clean and the staff were very freindly (expecily the bar staff)
The rooms were small but who stays in their room on holiday.
The only problem was that the pool area doesn't openuntill 9am and you have people queuing from 7.45am. At 9am they open the doors and everyone runs out to get a sunbed.So be quick!!!!!!!!!.
The resturant area is lovly and the food is amazing.
i would go to this hotel again definitly!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Mandora's - 45, 42, 19, 17
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
DORADA PLACE APARTMENTS
1) Even if your flight arrives early (ie 10.00am in our case) you can't check in until 14.00pm! The queue starts forming in reception around 1.30pm! We recommend having a small bag with your beach/swimming stuff, store your suitcases in the basement (charge is e1) and make the most of the facilities!
2) Be aware there is a e100 deposit required on arrival to cover any potential breakages. This cash only!
3) Hotel beach towels can be hired for the week at reception for free.
4) There is a mad rush at 9.00am for sun beds and by 9.15am they are all gone! Either you wake up early or miss out!
5) Breakfast buffet for e6 is great and all you could possibly want (till lunchtime anyway!)
6) Dinner is a bit more formal (men to wear at least ¾ length trouser!) and costs e12. We found the Italian night the best.
7) Rooms are a bit small for 4 adults but you only sleep in them anyway - so who cares!
SALOU RESTUARANTS/PUBS
There are plenty of restaurants around and we would recommend:
1) The Spaghetti House - Good for pizzas, pasta but we enjoyed the desserts even more. Service is slow but the food is great and quick!
2) Uncle Sams - Good for burgers, nachos etc and a great all round menu with very down-to-earth (friendly) staff. Very good value for money.
3) Taj Mahal - Next to Uncle Sam's is a tasty Indian restaurant. Service is not great but the food hits the spot!
4) The Butler - next to the Spaghetti house is a good English pub with English TV is you're a soap addict.
5) Shankleys - Opposite Uncle Sams is another English pub and a must for Liverpool fans.
6) The George & Dragon - Good for food and English TV.
7) The Old Brown Cow - Family business - great food and service.
DAY TRIPS
Do Barcelona first as your bus discount book gives you 2for1 tickets for Port Aventura!
Do not visit Barcelona on a Monday as all the museums are closed!
Do visit Barcelona on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, as on these days there is an evening fountain show.
1. Barcelona
Trip to Barca is a must! Forget the reps trip its massively overpriced e50! We got the train we no problems from Salou Station (7 euro from hotel in taxi). Buy return train tickets at e11 per adult and enjoy the 1 ½ hour train ride. Sit on the right is you want to see the best views/beaches. Get off at Sants (Barcelona) station its the first one in Barca. Step outside the station and look right for the open top bus stood at the bus top (called BusTuristic). If one is not there then one appears every ten minutes. Get on the bus and pay the guide/driver e17 per adult. There are three zones Red, Blue and Green, you can use them all and change at certain points, we started and finished on the Blue which took us back to the station to catch the train home. They will give a map and discount book. Remember you can hop on and off at all the main sights. Brilliant... don't miss the dancing fountains in the evening.
Also well worth a good look are the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, the Olympic Stadium, Park Guell and best of all if you're a footy fan the Nou Camp. Look out for the holographic photograph on the pitch at Nou Camp. Remember to use your discount book at most the sights. Tourist info is underground at Placa Catalunya and they are very helpful. Shopping in Barca fantastic also particularly around Las Ramblas! Only down side is that last train from Barcelona was at 9pm. NB Your return train ticket may not work in the automatic machine (ours didn't), don't panic, show the guard your ticket and he'll let you through.
2. Port Aventura
Port Aventura was also excellent. I suggest though that you bring enough to cover food expenses as the food snacky rather than filling. Limited choice for vegetarians. Even so there is something for everyone; the queues were not long, longest 20mins. The park was very clean and tidy but smoking appears to be a national obsession! It is much cooler and the queues are even shorter and the atmosphere is more relaxed. The firework and laser show at 11.30pm is not to be missed although the crowds start gathering around the lake from around 10.30pm so you need to be in that area early to get a good viewing point. www portaventura com
3. Sunday Market
Bonavista has a Sunday Market for cloths, shoes, fruit & veg, gifts etc. Don't spend e13 on the Rep's trip as the local bus will take you there (and back) for around e5! NB All buses/coaches drop you about 5/10mins walk from the market!
4. Supermarkets
The supermarkets are plentiful, the best being the Michaelangelo chain.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : John,Jackie,Jessica& Alice-Wolves ( 36,37,10,8)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Dorada Palace is an excellent base for Port Adventura. Everywhere in the Hotel is Spotlessly clean. The room was a little small for four, especially when getting ready for the night time. It really is just 4 beds in a row, 1 wardrobe and a bathroom, but we only used it for sleeping and getting changed in. The maid service was very good. The biggest problem with the rooms though is the walls are wafer thin. You can here everything your neighbour says and does, and i mean everything.)Top tip for the rooms get a key card for the roof top bars, once the maid has cleaned put this card in the slot that controls the power in your room and you get to keep the aircon on all the time, and trust me you need it)
The food in the Hotel is of a very good standard, Something for everyone including kids. They have a dress code for gents during the evening meal
The pool area is quite spacious, with loads of beds, though as others have said the queue for the beds starts about 8.45, which i guess isn't that bad. The pool area opens at 9, when the rush for the beds begins. Why oh why do people put their towels on beds at 9 and then go awol till lunch time. The First choice reps kept threatening to remove towels, but don't have the bottle to carry out the threats. There is a pool attendant/life guard on duty every day, and she was very strict when it came to kids diving in or having inflatables in the pool,
The bars were okay, and the staff worked very hard. The beer was 2.5Euros a pint, with halves and soft drinks 1.5Euros, which was pretty much the same as in Salou town itself. The bottles of water were i thought very expensive 1.25euros for a 330ml bottle(the supermarkets charge about 60cents 1.5-2litres)
My kids didn't go in the First Choice kids club, mainly because they didn't want to sit in an air conditioned room when they were on holiday. They did go in the Hotel run one though most mornings, which was always outside(in the shade or under parasols)and they always had a good time. The evening entertainment wasn't bad, with outside entertainers 6 out of our 7 nights although the Chinese acrobats were that bad they were funny(kept dropping stuff)
We spent the mornings sunbathing, before packing up and going to Port Adventura on the afternoons. This place was brilliant. 5 out of our 7 days we went and still didn't see all the shows that are going on. The rides were great. I think the longest we queued was 30 minutes for one roller coaster(stampede). Most of the time the queues were a max of 5 to 10 minutes. We could not believe how quiet the place was. Dragon Khan is one hell of a roller coaster, and def not for the faint hearted. I actually witnessed a Spanish girl about 16 break down in tears after getting off it. The night time fire works were worth seeing to. Inside the park the drinks were very reasonable and we never once felt like we were being ripped off. It costs about 5Euros in a taxi to get there, and with the road system about 7.50Euros to get back. Its about 15minutes walk from the hotel(up hill going)Next to the Theme Park is A water park, which again is well worth a visit. A 7 day pass to the theme park will get you 1 days admission to the water park and you can still go into the theme park the same day. We bought our tickets in advance off the internet £47 per adult and £38 for the kids(for 7 days) which when you think how much it costs for 1 day in Alton Towers it really is worth the money.
Other than the promenade and what looked like a very nice golden sand beach, there is nothing pretty about Salou itself. A little too much concrete for my liking, although it was very clean, Although as a family we spent that much time in Port Adventura we saw very little of it.
Would i go back to Salou again YES, but only because of Port Adventura
Would i recommend the Dorada Palace, again YES, because of its cleanliness and position for Port Adventura
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Calum Macphail - Isle of Lewis Scotland (42,38,8,6)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Weather great, hotel very clean. Staff and management make a great effort to maintain a very high standard. In house Spanish entertainment team for Adults, Children provide excellent entertainment, kid club, kids disco and opportunity for adults to try archery shooting water volleyball etc. Food very good . Saturday night seafood extravaganza most excellent. Salauris Restaurant down the road does excellent seafood paella.
Great holiday. Great hotel.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Sophie and Leon (18, 20)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just arrived back this evening, so I will talk my way through the holiday as its so fresh in my mind.
Considering its July the flight was empty so plenty of space for you and your family to move seats (don't bother wasting your money by pre-booking seats)
The transfer from Reus airport to Salou was only about half an hour and we were the last drop off.
Reception staff were friendly apart from one that had a moody attitude. We received the key to our room within 5 minutes of arriving at the hotel.
Really pleased as soon as we entered our room (564 - top floor looking out onto pool area) It was nicely furnished, clean and spacious for the two of us. I didn't like the fact that instead of a double bed it was two singles pushed together, this meant no in-bed cuddling unless you wanted to fall down the gap!! The bathroom was nice, the only complaint I have is that the shower would start off at the right temperature then go either freezing cold or boiling hot, and once I had sunburn this was not very pleasant at all!! (May have just been in our room though)
Air conditioning in the room was really good and we had it on constantly!
Breakfast in the hotel was ok, very greasy sausages and salami, runny scrambled egg, nice beans and hard bread/rolls. Cereal and fruit also available, I'd only give breakfast a 4/10.
Dinner was set out beautifully, everything looked delicious but we were severely disappointed when we tasted it. Nothing seemed to have any flavour and there was many a time where I'dpish my plate to the side and refuse to eat anything else. The only thing I can say I truly enjoyed was the fruit... 3/10 for evening meal.
Didn't stay at the hotel for evening entertainment so can't comment.
Bought a 7 day pass for Port Aventura, had a great time there and at the water park Costa Caribe. Well worth it. Port Aventura has some wicked rides as well as fantastic shows and the firework display. In the day queues were 15mins at the most (and this is in JULY!) in the evening the most you'd wait to get on a ride is about 10mins. I had a wonderful time there. Costa Caribe was good and queue times weren't too bad.
I would recommend Buddys restaurant/cafe because of the friendly helpful staff and yummy food! We visited a few times during our stay.
Went to the beach briefly, was lovely and hot, we hired a pedalo for 8e and hour. The sand and water was nice and clean which is always a pleasure!!
We paid 30e each to go to the 'Night of 1000 stars' put on by the First choice reps. We got a coach to a hall and had free drinks all night whilst being entertained by the reps, I recommend it if you want a good night out thats a laugh (the male reps stripping was by far the best bit!!)
Overall we had a good holiday, I would go again but I would decide against going Half Board due to the bad quality of the food.
Hope this review has been helpful.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : julie-alan-jack-charlie (30,44,7,1)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from salou 2 weeks ago. Great holiday would go back again,great for the kids there is plenty of things to do. Twenty minute walk from the beach loads of shops on the way.The hotel was great there was different entertainment every night and the food was lovely.The staff spoke great english and they loved the kids.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thompson june 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Lisa - London- 30,33,13,7,1
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hotel rooms are fine, not really 4* but adequate.
The problem with this hotel is that the entertainment is dire. The entertainment area is set around the pool, which is totally open so as you can imagine with an adventurous 1 year old this caused some problems. There was one waiter trying to serve about 300 people so service was awful. The standard of entertainment was poor.
For a family plus holiday there was absolutely nothing for my 13 year old son as all daytime activities such as archery and rifle shooting ect which he has enjoyed on previous holidays was for over 18's. The other annoying thing was the massive rush for sunbeds. Queues started at half 8 for doors to pool area to be opened at 9. I have never seen anything like it. We gave up and went to beach which was great.
Port Adventura was fantastic and worth a visit for the fireworks alone. Titanic bar was good with a better standard of entertainment than hotel and very friendly staff. A good holiday marred by badly managed hotel.
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Hotel Dorada Palace - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Jeff Peake - Barnsley 42,38,11,6
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just arrived home from 2 weeks in salou. Had a great time Hotel is very good overall
Rooms clean alittle tight with four in but manageable if your tidy.staff very helpful in general especially reception, and resturant staff. Special mention for jesus,julio who makes the best omlette in salou. Because the Hotel has an intenational flavour they try to cater for everyone e.g. only served proper sausages every other day. wide variety of dishes provided. Service at the bar can be a little drawn out as they prefer you to order via the waiters and this can be quicker and they do work hard if you get a smile from Antonio well done. The BIG Man runs a tight ship even though he can just see over the bar.
Resort very busy beach also wellworth a trip roun and about on the resort train 2 euros per adults 1.50 children. Porta ventura theme park only 15 to 20 min walk from hotel does get very busy i would recomend buying a 7 day ticket for a fourtnight and the Aqua park Costa Caribe is great also helps to work opff the ver-indulging walking up all the steps to the rides. Once in there is a charge for the sun loungers of 4e but chairs appeared to be free.
The kids enjoyed the First Choice club and attended a few of the hotels daytime activities but these were not as good the Mini Disco was teidious after the second night favourite song was Chocolatae!!! Evening shows on the whole were good with the exception of the karaoke but we did take part after a few beers. will stick to the day job....
Had an enjoyable two weeks would go back again hope this has been a help
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