Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: thomas cook - July 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : 43,30,8,7,5,8moths
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
After reading the comments on here i was worried but the holiday was ok not the best i''ve been on but ok.The apartments were ok clean.the pool was nice good that lthere was a life gaurd there.We were there 6th of july to 20th of july the weather was really good.My kids had a ball at the kids club. There were a couple of bad thing the food was not good at all never ate much never ate much and was gutted wheni got home and i had never lost any weight lol! the night entertanment was a bit poor also! but it was just good to get away for two weeks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: JMC - October 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Jean - Glasgow (2x 60+, 2x30s, 6 and 2
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Was worried before I went after reading reviews. When we got there it was fine. Hotel clean. Entertainment a bit noisy and cheesy !!! Pool area clean. Staff helpful. For what we paid it was well worth the money.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: September 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Kimberley and Jane (both 24)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We went to Cap Salou as a last minute decision and basically went for the cheapest holiday we could find. We weren't looking for a wild holiday, just somewhere we could have a few drinks, nice food and party if we wanted to. The Vancouver apartments were the cheapest we could get and after reading some of the reviews on here, I was a bit worried that they were going to be horrible.
Somebody had mentioned that if you had an early flight then you had to wait for your room to be ready. We had to wait less than an hour for ours which isn't a huge problem. While we were waiting we went to have some food in the snack bar in the apartments. We weren't very impressed with it, the food we had wasn't very good. But we didn't go back so it may have got better, we didn' really give it a chance.
We didn't use the pool, I don't think it gets the sun all day. But there seemed to be plenty of people in there when we went past.
Once we got into our apartment we were really happy. It slept 6 and there were only 2 of us, so it was absolutely massive! But even if there were 6 of us it would have been plenty big enough. It was really clean and pretty much had everything that we needed. We were on the corner of the building so the balcony was huge aswell. We could just about see the sea from where we were. The maid came 5 out of 7 days. Clean towels everytime and made the beds, not sure if she changed them though. But the hole place was really clean, so those on here who said it was dirty - how high are your standards!!
Some of the reception staff were really helpful, others not so much.
It's a really short bus ride to La Pineda which has plenty of little shops and a really nice beach. We didn't eat down there but there were plenty of restaurants.
A 5 minute walk from the apartments there is a really nice little beach. It's like a little cove. You can rent sunbeds and there is a little restaurant, the food there is pretty good aswell. Perfect beach for kids as it is only little so you can't lose them! Sea is quite wavy sometimes though so be aware. Would probably be quite difficult to get to though if you have any kind of mobilty problems.
Slaou itself was a 6/7 euro taxi ride away. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Really nice place called Lunatic on the sea front. Excellent service, cocktails and food.
All in all a good holiday. Go to these apartments if you don't mind kids everywhere. Entertainment usually on till about 12.30am, thats the same at the hotel across the road so it's quite noisy until then. After that though, not a problem really. If you want quiet, not the apartments for you! But probably not good for groups of young people either because you have to reasonably quiet!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : David Bowes - Liverpool (20 x 6)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed at Vancouver apartments from 6th sep 06 to 12th Sep 06
The apartment was nice, it was cleaned every other day. The air conditioning in my room wasn't very powerful it was just enough to keep the room comfortable in September. The swimming pool was a bit small. The Entertainment in the hotel seamed good from what I experienced although I didn't join in with this much I thought Chloe did an excellent job and even included myself in the entertainment on one particular night. The Vancouver is opposite a supermarket, which was very convenient. Down a hilly road where a few nice restaurants such as Smugglers this area was family orientated. There where some lovely beaches down the hill where I spent some very relaxing days.
I spent the majority of my holiday in Salou, which cost around 6 Euros in a taxi to get there from the Vancouver in Cap solou. Salou is a lively place and has a good nightlife it is great for someone of my age group. Salou has good restaurants dotted about, you may need to look around for them. If you are into nightclubs Pacha is close by (in La pineda) I had a very good night there. La pineda also has a water park worth visiting.
Overall had a great holiday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: jmc - aug 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Louise Spellman - Surrey (36,39,16,13,11,10,5,3)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just come back from our holiday today, and for the 1st time ever i couldn't wait to get home. I was assured by jmc before going to the vancouver apartments that none of the apartments were privately owned and the kids could play with balls and floats etc in the pool. we paid £3500 for an apartment that flooded through to the hallway and bedroom every time you had a shower, no floats balls, snorkells are allowed in the pool, my daughter was thrown out of the pool for wearing a t-shirt in the pool when she was burn't.
The apartments are half privately owned all with dogs that constantly bark as they are left on the balconys you can imagine the dog poo. It smells and there are so many rules the other holiday makers were using other hotels for their pools etc.
The food is disgusting the entertainmet was the worst.We was put on the 4th floor and the patio door lock was broke we could't lock it the balcony was so loose it came away from the wall worried 4 my babies i asked 2 be moved 2 a lower floor but was told i was lucky 2 be on the 4th floor as the 1st and 2nd floors get robbed every week. The beds are on spring legs and they kept collasping i sliced my foot. my daughter sliced her foot in the pool on the broken tiles that are all round the pool. The hotel will be on holidays from hell.
The only good thing about the place was chloe,laura and tim who entertained the kids they were fantastic but even they was limited as the hotel had to many rules. if it wasn,t for then i would have cried and got a flight straight home. as for jmc kids club i saw them twice in two weeks. i can go on the smell of the sewer the railings broke on the stairs i nearly fell down the life guard smoking in front of everyone on duty the bleach in the pool that made every child sore and the lifts constantly breaking down there is so much more horror to tell but the best thing i can say is dont go there
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: holden-mowatt-JULY 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : s.mowatt-scotland(34,29,12,9,6)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
please take heed to this review.we spent2.500 on a holiday to spain and wow what a holiday.
ok to start with we arrived to the reception to get our keys and were dealing with a very rude receptionist who threw the keys on the counter to me.we took the keys then went to find our room with no direction,we got to the room it was ok,no tv but big and clean.we had 2 rings to cook on and a micro we had a milk pot and the size up.no tin opener or kettle,really its not a self cater you cant feed 5 with 2 pots.not much room service,in 2 weeks we saw a cleaner once and we had to ask for clean bedding,towels.we had 2 young kids contracted menenjitis and were rushed to hospital.the reps done and told no one nothing.then someone phoned the daily star.the hotel then put a small notice on the board to tell everyone to get medicines from the chemist.still the reps told no one.
then comes the entertainment.so sad,they try but its really poor,if you like bingo every day and night then your ok,i spent 10euro on bingo and i won,only 2euro.the kids entertainment NEVER change it becomes really boaring after a day or two. at night the bar closed at 12 so we go outside with our drinks 15 mins later the lights go out and the porter is telling us to go to bed WHAT is he having a laugh,no.we didnt bother we paid the money and we were staying out.but be warned bed by 1am.
there was a night we went to mickeys bar in cap salou village brilliant place for a song and its happy hour from 7 to 10 30 then 11 30 to 2am buy one get one free so we were walking back home 2am with another father,we started to walk up the street and the porter from the apartments across from us came screaming onto the street from inside our apartment and grabbed me screaming in my face,shouting about respecting the recidents then he phoned the police WHAT for walking up a street so we all got into our apartments then the police arived with guns and all the kids were screaming they didnt come to the room as our porter knew we done nothing so told them he didnt know our room number told the rep who wasnt intrested,she is on a working holiday thats all.so i wouldnt take my kids here again,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
(jmc) july 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : sarah stubbs -rotherham (31,28,9,7,7,4)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
these appartments are set in the small place of cap salou it is at the top of a steep road that takes you in to the small village of cap salou with a few bars and resterants and shops.
The apartments are very basic but not to bad.The running of the apartments though is a diferent matter, the bedding was not changed for the full 2 weeks we were there,the towels were changed but only when i asked the maides to do so.
The pool is very basic and you are not allowed to have any inflatables in there or play about or dive but the life guard shows some kids how to and tells others off for doing so that is when she is not sat playing on the bongos or sat talking to her friends or listening to her walkman.
There were a few major problems when we were there that were not dalt with very well at all by the hotel or the reps,the first being a little boy was rushed into hospital in the early hours of the morning with meningitus it was not till after the wispers had gone round that a senior rep came to the hotel and confermer it, this was 6 hours later after a lot of phone calls of a lot of unhappy people then they had to check wether or not they should get a doc in to check the other kids at the hotel the doc finaly came at 6 oclock that night and gave every one emergancy medication witch we had to take for three days.
the other problems were the water was turned off in all the rooms for hours the owner said that all oo cap salou had no water but when we checked with other hotels on the same street theres were all fine by this time the hotel owner had disapeared we called the rep once again and 2 hours later he arrived saying there was not a lot he could do and he disapeared the hotel issued us then with 2 liters of water per room witch for 6 people is not a lot,The water finaly came on 5 hours later.the other things that happened were power cuts,fire alarms going off at all hours of the day and night and the lifts not working.
All in all these appartments should not be touched with a barge pole. The lower level reps at the hotel were fine and tryed to do the best they could the senior reps were useless.out of all our holiday i can say the only thing about cap salou is the crows nest you must go there elvis is a must see. the beach is a little cove that is full with about 100 people on it,so if you want to do anything it is a bus ride into la pineda(witch is nice)or salou(witch is very busy)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
June 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : John Kath(58 57)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
I think we were lucky with our appartment according to other comments,it was clean we had a kettle(not electric)toaster,microwave and large fridge-freezer.The cleaners came at leest 5days a week,change of bed twice a week,towels every other day.You can book an appt if your flight is going to be later in the day but it will cost 35 euros that is if they have an empty one.The reception staff were very helpfull,you have to leave a deposit of £40 in case of damage, BE CAREFUL if you have any kind of accident with the property you will not get it back. I think the manager is very strict.
Cap Salou itself is very hilly with small cove for sunbathing,don't belive the brouchure, (beach250 metres away over small main road)as the crow flies maybe,then down a steep road or a lot of steps.You can walk into Lapinada in about 10/15 mins that has a large beach.Saluo takes about 20 mints on the coast road depending on how fast you walk.Eating out in Cap Saluo we found Rout 66 a very friendly and welcoming place,the food was good. The Paddock was O.K but you had to wait quite a while for your meal.
We won't be going back to Cap Saluo.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 06
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : David Holmes - liverpool
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
These apartments are situated in cap salou just outside of salou city centre.
The accomadation is very basic, we were told we would have a tv which wasnt there but they were kind enough to rent us one at 100 pounds for seven days! ye rite. The room comes standard with a fride freezer ad a two hob electric stove. The bedding and towels were not changed over the seven days but the cleaners did make the beds occaisionally.
The entertainment is a kid with a microphone and bad songs who plays them in the foyer. The food in the hotel isnt up to much but reasonably priced, but eat out and save yourself the bother. Drinks are expensive so if you are unfortunate enough to be going to this hotel the hotel in the next street is all inclusive but sells alchohol alot cheaper and the entertainment is alot better. Try the other hoels close by as the medeterrainian village has fabulous entertainment but drinks again are expensive. We found that the robin hood pub in salou centre was reasonably priced and good quality but was uncomfortable as you sat on benches.
The vancouver isnt a place for kids as they do have a kids rep but the hotel isnt much.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook (june2006)
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : 47,37,22,20,15,14
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
WE should of known when we climbed in to our taxis at the airport that this was going to be one of those holidays..each taxi at Reus comes complete with its own 40 or 50 flies..
Upon arriving at the Vancouver apartments we were told our rooms werent ready..we waited 4 hours and it was only after one of our party checked with the maid we found our room was at last ready,we hassled reception constantly over these four hours to check for us and the miserable thing just sat there with a face like a fiddle saying we had to wait.We had been up since 3am and by the time we got to our room it was 4pm.
Reception werent very helpful at all but saying that the rep was totally useless!
Our problem was our agents in UK hadnt given us our tickets for port Ventura - when we asked the rep to help us she couldnt/wouldnt so we had to ring thomas cook in england..thanks rep!
We still didnt get our tickets so now we are awaiting a refund on them..
We had a two bedrooms apartment which had no wardrobe in one room so we lived out our suitcases, the two beds in the lounge were ok for the two youngest but they also had to live out of suitcases!
cooking facilites were a joke - two rings and a microwave..lucky we took our own kettle !
maid service ERRR hello..She came to our room three times!
we had clean towels and bedding when we arrived. bedding was changed once and the towels were changed twice in a week!
we ended up using our beach towels.!
toilet rolls we ended up buying ourselves as we were left the grand total of 8 for 6 of us for the week!ok in England that would be more than ample but those were so small there was nothing on them!
luckily we hired a car for the week so we werent stuck in our apartment..phew!
Most night we ate at the Smugglers which was good food but the service was very very slow! one night we waited an hour for our food!
the water park in salou was far better than the port ventura one - we ended up going there twice and the dolphin show was brilliant.
BUT....when you hire rings for the rides they cost you 6 euros plus a 6 euro deposit on each ring..expensive and the queues take forever!
port ventura theme park was a great day out, brilliant rides but watch your bags!
I had someone behind me try to steal out of my bag, he had unzipped it and my husbands wallet was seconds away from being stolen, lucky that someone had banged into him which made him bang into me and at that point i turned round and caught him, he was off like a shot!
All in all our holiday was ok...we made the most out of it and by having the car for the week we managed to get out and about a lot.We spent time on the beach which was spotless and made sure we set ourselves down near the refreshment hut!
oh and one more thing be careful where you park your car..we parked up one day and when we came back our car was gone!
the police had moved it as some moron had double parked opposite us and the dust cart couldnt get through..it was a bit of a shock to find our car gone but the police didnt charge us for the pleasure..unlike the taxi drivers who over charged us twice!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: june 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : sinclair / walsh / heybourne 77, 47, 44, 30, 22,19 ,8, 4, 20 mths.
Resort Rating: No rating
Accommodation Rating: No rating
My/Our Holiday Review:
we arrived at the vancouver aparments 2nd june 2006, got room quiet quick but only as we arrived at 11 pm.
apartment was extrelly clean and very spacious as we had 9 in our aparment but only enough beds to fit 7 so the 2 children had to share.
the pool area is quiet small and doesnt allow inflatables in the pool which is a shame. the life guard seem to come out of his shell the second week we was there and joined in with the water activities.
the maid service was ok but you need to ask a few times for the linen to get changed on,the pull out couch bed.
cap salou is a very small village with literally a few shops and restaunts.
the food in the hotel was not very nice and prices would increase each week and also vary on who was serving behind the bar.
to get in to main part of salou or infact anywere decent you need to go by bus or taxi.
the entertainers tried very hard to encourage the guest to participate in all activities such as dances, hypnotists, miss / mr salou competitions. there is a variety of acts on for the children to for example we had parrot shows and magicians while we stayed as well as kids fun time every evening. while we were there the entertainers also adpoted my grandma, to which she was then known as nanna to everyone in the hotel for the two weeks.
the last day of the holiday was such a dampaner on the holiday as we had to be out of our aparments by 10 o'clock and we was not being picked up till 6 : 30 in the evening. the hotel does not cater for courtisey rooms.Therefor we had no choice but to sit around the pool for 8 hours with 3 children, and 6 adults. we asked the representative if we could book our rooms till 5 : 30 so we could have some were to go to freshen up in the day but we were refused as there was no rooms available. we were then told by a lady she had been offered a room vacancy for her and her son till 5 : 30PM and she refused, we then approached the representitive again asking about the room as were even going to share with a family we met there just to allow us a break from the pool and some were to make luch and get cleaned up ready for our departure. the representive was very obnoxtious and told us basically that they didnt provide any accomadtion to suit.
the place is very hillly and would NOT be suitable for disabled.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Mrs j Barnes, nottinghamshire ( 38.29.10 and 5years)
Resort Rating: No rating
Accommodation Rating: No rating
My/Our Holiday Review:
After booking an holiday in salou, and finding out that you are in cap salou is enough. but then to sit there waiting from 10.20am in the morning and not getting your room until 3.45pm is out of this world, the receptionist was very rude under pressure, as she couldn't cope with all the new arrivals. we were told that we are not allowed in the rooms till 4pm and that we had arrived to early.we had to let our 2 young children get changed from the suitcaese in the toilets, as it was to hot for them to sit and wait for the room.
we went into the bar for a drink and it looked like to tables hadn't seem a cloth for weeks, this was like this every morning, full of beer and pop spillages aswell as the empty glasses from the night before.There is only ever one barman and a so called cook at anyone time, you need to have napkins to MOP UP THE FAT from your plates.once the cook had finished their shift the barman then took over,so he was trying to serve at the bar aswell as cook.
THE BEST place we found to eat was just to the left of the Vancouver called THE TREASURE ISLAND, very friendly and the food was good, in the very tiny village of CAO SALOU, is also another nice bar called the PADDOCK. If you want to sit and wait ages for your meals then try one just down from the PADDOCK called SMUGGLERS INN,we went and ordered a meal there at 8.20pm and got it at 9.40pm. for a family of 4 people.
The 2 entertainers at the Vancouver Tim and Chloe tried really hard to keep everyone happy, so credit where its due, WELL DONE TO YOU TWO. we had to be out the bar by 12.00am and not allowed to sit outside the bar area after 1am but the night watchman would move you on at 12.15am,the same with sitting on your balcony, he will make you go inside your room as you will wake the SPAINISH RESIDENTS, it didn't matter that thier DOGS would be BARKING early hours in the morning, as every one to thier own.
It states in the broucher BEATUIFUL WOODLANDS it forgets to mention about the abandend apartment blocks smashed up.The bus driver never knows what to charge from one day to the next as you need the bus every where . there is NO tobacconisht in CAP SALOU,and no shops sell them, you may find vending machines in the odd bar.We went everyday from the same bus stop paid for 2 adults and 2 children and it would be 2.80 euro's one and 5.60 the next same pick and same drop off.The taxi's were the same between 5 EURO'S TO 9 EURO'S.
To hear my two young children singing the football song WE'RE GOING HOME on the day we were leaving was heartbreaknig, to think that we had paid £1350.00 for THE HOLIDAY FROM HELL, all we have from this holiday is two GREAT FAMILIES that we made friends with , so if this is the sort of holiday for you and your children then be my guessed and book it, but you will be sorry .
JUNE 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- May 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Pauline & Jenny age 37
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
No complaints about the apartment is was very clean and spacious, however during our stay there was a party of young girls and guys who constantly woke the other holiday makers up, i felt especially sorry for the one's with small children.
In our opinion they should have been removed from the complex as it
was a family one, even after the police were called the Thomson Holidays
rep
still didnt take action which was very disapointing.
the resort was nice and quite at this time of year, the small alcove beaches were lovely, great for relaxing. I wasnt impressed with the pub/restuarants in cap salou, food was nothing special and the service wasnt that good either, it's a lot better in salou.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Fran & Andy Dumbarton Pensioners
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Reception area small but efficient check in.
Although it is made clear beforehand it was unusual to us long time travellers to have to leave a deposit ( ?60 ) at check in --- returned at check out if you haven't wrecked the place.
We were allocated a room in the second block well away from the bar and pool area so it was nice and quiet.
The room was excellent , large and spotless with all the self catering equipment you need except unusually for a kettle and toaster which you have to rent. We did without a toaster and boiled water for tea in a pot , rather than be ripped off for rental.
The maid service was top class and the maid personally was immaculate and very friendly
The Thomas Cook Rep was friendly and seemed to be always there for you. Hi Fiona--Thanks for your help with the computer.
While the Vancouver is listed as being up a slight incline from the road , the road is up a mega incline from the beach. For a beach better to take one of the many local buses to La Pinada , ?1.30 and 5 mins away. This place is very flat with endless beautiful clean safe beaches and lots of shops.
Cap Salou , where the Vancouver is , is about 2Km from Salou itself. Do not believe you can walk to Salou in half an hour as has been said--very hilly.
Better to jump on a local bus for e1.30 , takes 10 mins.
We visited Salou a couple of times but FOR OUR TASTE IT IS TOO CROWDED , like Blackpool in the sun---OK for some.
There is a supermarket across the road from the Vancouver which is only just adequate. For a major supermarket spend a few euros and take a taxi to "INTERMARCHE" at the corner of Barcelona St and Carrilet St in Salou.
We were not troubled at the pool by continuous loud music from the bar. Occasionally they would play a few discs then give it a rest.
Yes we enjoyed the hoiday and the Vancouver is a very good and well run apartment , but another time we wonder if we might not stay at La Pinada as mentioned above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook -AUGUST 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : PAUL SWAIN-EDWARDS-PORTSMOUTH (46,35,16,13,10)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our first holiday abroad, wasnt sure what to expect but certainly wasn't what we got.
The main reception smelled, and some of the staff were rude yet Yolanda was very nice and helpful. Appartments were good but you dont get a kettle, you have to hire everything, even down to hire a tv and you need to hire the aeriel to watch it. The pool was not a very big size and over the fortnight that we were there it got progressively dirty and lights that didn't work were floating in pool, and a thick scum mark lined the top of the pool all the way round, there was a pool man who attened it every day but that was just to hook leafs out. Entertainment was awful and our rep disappeared half way through the holiday and no explanation was given. Anna Banana was excellent although you have to pay for activities, that go on in the kids club.
Thomas cook rep wasn't very helpful and didn't seem to know much about the place. We found out through the holiday via other holiday makers that approx 33% of the apppartments were lived in by resiential spaish who came down and complained at 8pm to turn music down in the entertainment lounge. Food down at the Paddock and Smugglers Inn good, not too expensive, also would try Mick's Inn and the Diner. The beach ar Carla Font was very dirty and full of cigarette ends we only stayed 10 minutes and left.
Overall very dissappointed with whole holiday and could have spent that amount of money on something worth while.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) JMC - Aug 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : S Wilson - Scotland (43,40,15,10)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Our Stay at the Vancouver was appaulling. Firstly they dont tell you that the appartments are 60%full of residents who complain about the holiday noise. The bar staff were useless they were rude and very unhelpful. The reception staff were miserable unhelpful and very abrupt. The first few nights of entertainment were okay - the usual cheesy entertainment you get on holiday- but it went downhill fast there was a rude comedian who swore all through his act and a hypnotist who's show according to the entertainment rep was slightly turquoise - i can assure you it was blue,which was totally unappropriate when there was children present.
The bar closed at midnight and the night watchman told everyone to go to bed. He then scanned the outside pool area with his torch scanning the balconys for lights. He rang our buzzer and told us to go inside and put our lights out on the balcony saying its late - bed time . It was 1.30am we were having a quiet drink on our balcony. The pool area was grubby and un lit at night which was dangerous as the kids had to pass the pool to get to the "swings"which were totally inadequate., broken lights in the pool floating at surface. Nothing for teenagers to do - pool table lights were put out at 10pm to stop them hanging round the pool tables. Definately not a family oriented place JMC rep was useless as she didnt try to solve any problems just saying that she was stuck in the middle - BUT on a positive note if you have booked then you must go to the Smugglers Inn in Cap Salou their food is great and the staff are lovely Jackie makes you feel really welcome.The maid and Fernando the life guard are the only positive things about the appartments -definately would not go back.
Cap Salou is small and Salou was far too busy for me but La Pineda is a lot quieter than Salou and only a 20min walk down hill and they have lovely beaches and lots of shops and restaurants also the water park which was great.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : 40, 37, 15,
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed in Cap Salou nice and quiet Hotel is really clean in apartments, no kettle, toaster or tv. Microwave is combi so also toasts. The pool is filthy one guy tries to keep it clean bless him but its still dirty my daughter,sister and myself all got ear infections. If you like Blackpool you will like Salou. Personaly i don't. It is really expensive to eat out and because of buses everwhere it will run dear if you have a lot of kids as there are no child fares they cost the same as adults. La pineda is really nice beautiful beaches and just a 20 minute walk downhill.
We enjoyed our holiday but i would not go back to Salou i found the whole place too touristy and dirty.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : c&j gray 45,40,11,9,6 August 2005
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
we found the Vancouver apartments to be fairly good. Very clean with maid service every day - nice apartments with balcony. Good swimming pools which the kids loved. However, the snack bar was absolutely dreadful. We ordered breakfast one morning and waited an hour and a half and then asked for a refund. The girl working in the kitchen could not cook. She was seen putting sausages into a deep fat fryer.They did not bring it out to you and it was just a free for all. Anyone could help themselves and they just sat it on the bar. The rep did not speak to us the whole two weeks we were there, made no effort at all.
Other than that we found Cap Salou a lovely place for families. Quiter than Salou which we appreciated at night time. Nice small cove beaches where you can keep an eye on the kids and hire loungers. The village of Cap Salou was where we mainly ate. The Paddock is excellent - quick to serve you, quite friendly but remember to leave a decent tip. The Smugglers was a decent place also but hard to get a table. They could not cope very well when it got busy. Other places in the village, but were mainly greasy spoons! If you have young kids there is a good fairground with trampolines, games, bungee jumping and a nice bar in it. If you enjoy a happy campers type holiday, there is plenty going on at the apartments - bingo at the pool entertainment every night, stuff for the kids and a nice kids club. However no pressure to go to the entertainment - depends what you like - either staying in hotel or going out at night.
All in all a great holiday and kids loved it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 6th-20th july 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Heather 37, Scott 38, kids 13 & 7.
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Apartments are clean but very basic, only 2 rings to cook from in most of the rooms. No kettle,no toaster, no iron all available for hire at 16euros each for a week!! Deposit on arrival of 40euros!lifts to all floors are available but Cap Salou is not good for disabled people or pushing buggies! Its very hilly! Floors in the reception area are very highly polished & are extremely slippy mostly caused by traffic going in & out to the toilets from the pool.
Entertainment was mostly geared for the kids during the day although some activities did go on for the adults. Our entertainment reps were sacked 3 days before the end of the holidays! So there was nothing on offer for adults or kids!! Our friends stayed in apartment 2002 which was broken into during our stay! We have later found out that other friends who were there in May also stayed in apartment 2002 & they were robbed too! So Beware! Port Adventura is great for adults & kids alike so its worth the money if you like rides & rollercoasters.The Smugglers Inn was recommended by the reps but to be honest its over-priced & Not that special.Better quality eating in Salou itself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
july 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Martin - bolton [39,32,13.10,5
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well where do i start no music allowed between 3-5pm as spanish where having there siesta no music outside after 7.00pm also everything closed at 12.00 midnight. We were all told to go to bed. The entertainment in our first week was excellent with marcus and rhian. Second week went down hill. Bar staff very slow also food was not very nice we had breakfast on our first morning and it was cold never eat there again.
This holiday would have benn holiday from hell if we had not met some lovely people from London, Newcastle and lancaster. This is the first time our children have wanted to come home on a holiday and we go abroad every year. The kids clubs were ok well done to Anna Liam but not much for kids to do at nigth for kids. Only good thing was the weather and when we went into Salou. I recommend eating at Big Bens it is lovely
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : kenny,leiper -Scotland from 2yrs-46 yrs
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
first impression,a bit drab really. no proper reception area seating ect.
Pool- dirty, line of scum around water level, broken light and broken mosaics. Very slippery, no inflatables allowed in pool, lifeguard on duty at all times which was good.
Children's play area-not suitable for under 3 years, no baby swings, surrounding area was grubby and unsecure, not as advertised.
rooms- very clean and spacious, although 1 bedroom has no storage whatsoever. don't need to hire toaster, micro combi oven does the job, be aware kettle hire though.
Bar/restuarant- Prices variable depending on staff. as for food, very bland and simple, desperate diners only. bar staff sometimes cooked the meals in kitchen, got dodgy burgers, sore bellys on last day. what a bummer.
entertainment- at beginning well organised kids loved them dance floor busy. day time activities, not as stated on notice board but none the less good. Sadly as the week progressed the same music tape ,same dance routines,same games (ok so the 2yr old had it mastered but for the rest) a bit repetative and tiresome.
depature times- please be aware if late dep. time rooms to be vacated 10am.if "late check out "not booked prior then from 10am. till dep. time no proper waiting area available.
supermarket across good value for money and well stocked.
Location- ideal for everywhere really. local buses run 24 hours(plana) try nou camp and magic fountain's tour (25euros) far cheaper than rep's tour.
Beach- steep hill La pineda better
Cap-salou, eating places smugglers and the paddock a must
Port Aventura- an absolute must, but buy tickets in the UK. or at the park (71 euros)14 days +1 day at costa caribe water park hidden charges at water park,lockers,sunbeds and rubber rings.
Salou- eating out try "Ritas" excellent value for money T-bone steak+salad+chips 6 euros.
Taraggona- Gold ship chinese restaurant at the shore end of ramblas worth finding.
Barcelona-what a place.Visit The hard rock cafe, La Ramblas
Nou camp stadium magic fountains.
All in all we had a good holiday,weather brill.But we would not return to the Vancouver apts. but will return to the area
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook- july 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : a person- newcastle (adult to young child)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
just arrived back from my holiday. overall it was good until the last few days, this was because of problems between thomas cook and the entertainment staff, marcus and rhian. All i can say is that before the trouble started they were the best entertainers ever.
i was also upset at thomas cook reps inparticular as they didnt care about the guests. me and my family were due to leave the vancouver at 2:20am on a wednesday morning, making our day of departure wednesday. the terms and conditions said that you had until 10am in your room on your day of deprture, so when we were told we had to leave the room on the tuesday morning and spend all day without it we were obviously angered and complained to the reps as the youngest in my party needs her sleep. thomas cook did nothing for us and we ended up sleeping outside on spare lilos until 2 in the morning. this is horrendus and people should not be trested like this on the their holiday. if you were thinking about going on holiday to the vancouver...dont. its a waste of time and money and i wouldnt want to pay again to be treated like dirt.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC june 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : McBride 39,31,5,3
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Never been to Salou before and was not sure entirely what to expect.Not my type of resort although we were a good bus ride away from main Salou ( I was very glad).
Cap Salou poor in facilities and fed up of getting buses everywhere. Apartments clean but noisy and poor in the fact you get no kettle or toaster.
Bar area too small and service poor although management helpful.Pool not good in that kids could not use half their toys in it!
Thank God for the kids club or the kids would be totally bored!
I will not go back but then again it will suit other folk depends what u want from a holiday I guess.Port Aventura good and La Pineda very nice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - may 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : d murray - irvine ayrshire (45, 35, 18)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
these apartments are situated in cap salou, a five min bus ride from the main resort (bus costs 1,euro+50,cent). the apartments are very clean and spacious, maid service is great.no kettle or toaster in apts, although these can be hired (we paid 16 euro for toaster for 1 wk) luckily i had been on this site and read other peoples comments and took a travel kettle with me. entertainment in apartments was ok for families with small children, however have to go into main resort for best entertainment. we walked into resort during the day which is a lovely walk roughly half an hour - 3\4 hour walk has a very steep climb at end up to main resort.
For a great nights entertainment the mad scotsman bar is a must its the only scottish bar in the whole of the resort, the staff sandy, judy and freddie really make you feel welcome, its just across from the playa de ore,+ mariposa apts. great beaches plenty to do, visit the theme park port aventura although you need to spend 2 days there to get round it and do everything, also the waterpark in la pineda- aquapolis is a must there is a dolphin show before the park shuts and included in the entry cost to waterpark.
overall we had a great holiday 8 out of ten for apts 10 out of 10 for entertainment. also go and see the dancing water at the top of the beach, superb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook- May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Ernie Newall- Edinburgh (50, 78, 53, 49, 37)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
arrived at Vancouver at 11.00pm and found out we weren't booked in to these apartments but got it sorted out. got to bed at 4.00am.
Woke up in the morning to find that Cap Salou is not suitable for the disabled or infirm. The hills are atrocious for pushing a wheelchair and the pavements are very narrow down to Cap Salou. Buses were in abundance but had difficulty in trying to get on bus with a wheelchair if busy. Salou was okay. Nice and flat.
Apartments in the Vancouver were spotless but with no kettle or toaster which you had to hire for 16 euros. Also had to pay a deposit of 40 euros for appt keys which was refunded on departure. Pool was clean and got quite busy during the day. The menu in the restuarant was abysmal, okay if you had kids and they liked burger and chips but the service was poor. There was one cook in the retuarant most of the time which was unsuitable for the amount of holidaymakers in the complex. the poor barman was getting it from all sides as he often had to tend the bar and restuarant as well. I felt sorry for him at times.
I'm sorry it's not suitable for special needs persons. I won't be back.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: co-op travel - 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : db, 35,25,4
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
my first holiday abroad!!!!
arrived at vancouver apartments to find that you now have to pay 60 euros deposit for your key!!!
our apartment wasnt ready in the main building so we were given one in the 2nd building,which was a blessing as loads of other guests complained of swarms of ants!!!!!! (we were just pestered by 1 wasp)
you do not get a toaster or iron or kettle but the combi microwave toasts(slowly) and we used a pan to boil water.
the apartment is basic but clean, with a twin bed room and wardrobe and another room with 2 singles but no wardrobe.
the bathroom has a mixer shower which was powerful and even a bidet!!!
the apartments are not built well though, you can hear everything happening next door and outside.
the "restaraunt" is abysmal and we only used it the first night vowing never again to go in there!!!!
we saw our rep twice, on our second day and when the coach arrived to take us to the airport.
we didnt bother with the kids club as it seemed very poor and the entertainer even poorer!!!!
salou is very touristy, so if you love blackpool this is for you.
go to dannys irish bar its excellent and there is a beautiful chinese restaraunt on the corner.
we never encountered any bad food, we ate out every day, and the prices are reasonable enough.
the beach is lovely and clean and you can attempt to catch crabs in the rocky pools.
we attending bonnavista and la pineda markets and they are impressive.
one thing you must do is visit Barcelona on one of the bus operators tours, it is breathtaking and you will want to visit again (29 euros each)
the buses to different towns are frequent and cost 1.5 euros to salou (sometimes they dont charge kids) and we always got a taxi back at night (6 euros)
port aventura is excellent if your child is over 7 due to height restrictions on most of the rides.
all in all not great but not terrible, enjoy salou(blackpool) visit the markets, definately visit barcelona, haggle with every shopkeeper, and make sure your apartment is in the 2nd block.
would i go again?? no but i would go to barcelona.
im trying sunny beach bulgaria next
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : 22, 23, 21, 25
Resort Rating: No rating
Accommodation Rating: No rating
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hi there, i would diffinlately recomend going to salou but not to stay at the vancouver apartments. Yes, they are only 2 years old but they are still a bit rough, especially outside around the pool area. There where broken lights floating in the pool area and from what i've been reading they've been like this for quite a while. The staff wasn't nice at all. Not much to do at the actual hotel.
Food discusting. Very small lobby and on the last day we had to be out of our rooms at 10am sharp and our bus wasn't leavning until 8 that evening which i think is a bit harsh! If you bring travellers cheques DO NOT get them changed in the reception- they give them to you at an awful rate. We came in one night from being out in the town and it was roughly 1-130am. we where sitting in the balcony having a quite chat--as u do-- and the night porter came and told us to go in and that it was late etc. sure thats what you do on holiday. also- apartments are very out of the way. i would diffinlatey go back to salou but stay in the main salou town- not cap salou.
on the second night of our holiday we noticed A LOT of ants climbing all over r walls in both the bedrooms. the next morning when the cleaner came in we said to her and she told us to be careful as they give you nasty bites. she got rid of them all with some powder stuff,, but then one night i woke up about 4-5am and turned on the light and there was thousands of them crawling everywhere- im not easily shopcked but believe you me i got as fast as i could moved everything out into the3 living room and thats where we slept for the rest of the holiday. We didnt want to complain as there was already to many people complaining about them.
also if u want a fan, tv, kettle, toaster etc you have to rent them and also if you want a tv you have to then rent an ariel. I would never go back again to this resort.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC - October 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Iain Wallace - Ayrshire Scotland - 45, 43, 16
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The resort was very good and our room in the apartments were good too, very clean and spacious, maid was in everyday! The kitchen had a lot of equipment but had no toaster or kettle which you had to hire.
Entertainment in the apartments for children was ok but not the best, nothing for adults. No kids club advertised in the apartments you had to ask at reception! Not much for the children to do during the day at the pool. No pool games or entertainment during the day at all! Did not see reps during the day.
The Bar staff were useless, did not speak much english, very slow at serving, the same bar man served the drinks at the bar and also the food! It closed at 12 midnight which is terrible as it is far 2 early on holiday and you got asked to leave by bar man after midnight. Night porter made sure everybody went to there apartments when bar had closed, you could no even sit and have a chat with out any drinks, if you did so he would tell you to go to apartments, which was ridiculous as we paid money to come on holiday not to be told to go to bed at 12 midnight! Not much lighting around pool side at night or by the pool tables very dark indeed!! If you stayed in the second block you could hardly see to get to them.
The JMC REPS were the worst ever! did not introduce themselves at all, sat all night at bar drinking. Did not mix with families at all. Did not help either!
Would reconmend apartments but nothing else as they were spotless.
Eating out very good the paddock near by was very good, Rovers Return it was in salou, it was very good for family entertainment open till late, entertainment lasted all during the night! Cap Salou 2 mins in bus to Salou which cost about 1.25 per person they run very often! Bus stop just outside apartments!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC aug 2004
Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : Jamie Wood Birmingham
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
I av 1 thing to say to you just dont go to the vancouver beccause it just spoils your holiday you dont get a kettle, toaster or nothing. 1 good thing about salou port aventura, dont forget to go on the dragon khan there costa caribe is also amazing, if i was to go back there i would not go to cap salou or salou. I would o to la pineda and if u want just greasy burgers an chips go ere donna the rep was kool. and laura behind the bar because she lets have the sky control and watch what u want.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC August 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : 21, 23, 23
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
On arriving at the Vancouver Apartments a £40 or 60euro deposit was payable which was no problem as if you do check the brochure it does state that, may I add u do get the deposit back at the end of the holiday. The apartments had a very friendly atmosphere with the bar staff and JMC reps being around all the time. The vancouver has a JMC exclusive Kidsclub available to all JMC guests within the club ages, we found this very useful as the 2 girls that ran it were very nice and friendly and always found time 2 chat and entertain every1, whether it was their work time or not, they were always around, there was plenty on offer entertainment wise 2, day and night.
If you like a bit more of the night life try heading into the centre of Salou and trying Snoopeys and Charlie Chaplins, if you find thats not ur style head to La Pineda and try PK2, thats a very friendly bar which we were in most nights, drinks are cheap and there are podiums and a dance floor, after that we would head to Pacha nightclub which is very busy with Spanish English and Dutch people, friday night in there is Ladies night were its free entry and free drinks all night for ladies only, sorry to dissapoint all you guys. Also if you want to tan yourself try La Pineda beach, its a long golden beach thats very peacful and relaxed and we prefered this one to the one in Cap Salou.
All in all we had a fab holiday in Salou and Cap Salou and the reps made our holiday 1 of the best.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC august 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : anne wood 39,33,12,10
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
If you want a holiday that anything can happen this is the place for you. We arrived very early in the morning to find you could not get a cup of tea unless you hired a kettle from reception which in a selfcatering apartment we found this very poor, the children are not allowed inflatables in the pool,of which in the brochure it shows them in the pool, There were two entertainments reps at the beginning of the holiday but only one when we left as one give up, Donna the singer was very good to cater for the people staying there.
The pool was very scummy and in our opinion was not cleaned properly,The entertaient room was the restaurant, games,pool bar, and only had 22 table/chairs which was not enough for 78 units, staff were rude especialy one man on reception would not go back there again,
would not recomend this holiday to no one, overall opinion nil.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC august 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : andrea leader
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Nice hotel but vancouver apartments were out the way needed to get a bus or taxi into the centre of salou where it was more lively, could not get a place to sit on salou's beach very packed, cap salou has a little beach which was nice.
i found the resort a bit dingy,and very dear on their prices,port adventurea was good i took three kids and they all enjoyed it. A bus takes you there between 7 and 10 euro's, the weather was not very good cloudy and overcast most days and that is in august , we expected nice weather but only got three days of sun out of seven which was dispointing, not worth the money and expense of taking a family of five.
we would never go back to salou or cap salou.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Michelle Devine - Birmingham (39,36,12,10)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We arrived at the Vancouver Apartments at about 7.00am and the check in was quick and simple (there is a 60 euro deposit upon arrival) The apartments were clean but we were shocked to find no kettle or toaster, something that I would expect to be there on a self catering holiday I also had to ask for clean sheets on 5 occasions and we were always when up the cleaning lady came.
We had a great first night there and thought we were in for a great holiday at the resort. The next day one of the entertainers resigned which just left Donna the singer, who is a credit to JMC and she did her absolute best to keep all holiday makers happy with no budget at all. There was the usual bingo and other games but no entertainment was brought in.
The resort did not have enough staff at the bar at all,there was one person to take food and drink orders and we were often waiting for a good 20 mins. The pool was not clean until the last day of our holiday there was a line of scum around the main pool that people actually wrote their names in. The beach is just a short walk away and is more of cove, it was lovely, it costs 4 euros to hire a sunbed (not bad really). There is a little square near the beach with lots of bars and a fantastic Pizaria, the food was excellent and the prices were reasonable. Young children will also love it in the square as there was lots for them to do.
Behind the Vancouver apartments there is another resort with a bar attached called Treasure Island. The staff here were excellent and so was the entertainment, recommend this place for a good laugh. We went into Salou in the first week but found it very busy and quite scruffy. If you like Kareoke there is a great bar in Salou called the Robin Hood. Port Aventura is Excellent and you should visit, get your tickets before you go though.
WOULD NOT recommend Vancouver Apartments to anyone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook (First Choice flights) - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : B Bruce - Market Harborough (55,49,17,10)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had been to Salou before and enjoyed it but on previous occasions we shared one room (package holiday) so this was our first appartment self catering holiday. The Vancouver appartments are very spacious and clean with regular towel, sheet changes. However almost everything useful that you need in an appartment (kettle, toaster, tv etc.) had to be hired from a company that the Vancouver Appartments use.
A good small supermarlet is handily placed across the road from the appartments. Cap Salou is well outside Salou (20 minute walk or a short bus ride - 1.35 Euros single per person weekdays (increased at weekends), return tickets not available). So transport costs would have to be considered if Salou is the resort that you wish to visit regularly. The Vancouver Apartments entertainments were poor in our opinion although the two entertaiment organisers tried valiantly to keep the holidaymakers happy, but with not much budget it appeared to us. The Ontario appartments across the road had regular acts on as was our regular port of call. (quiz, bingo followed by fire-eating / singing acts etc.)
The Vancouver bar was poorly staffed compared to the Ontario appartments too. The Vancouver appartments has a good sized pool with a lot of sun loungers which could not be used before 10 am each day. This is to to stop the 5am brigade reserving loungers early as happened at the Ontario appartments nearby. This was a good idea in our opinion and there was always a pool safety person in attandance watching for incidents in the pool. However every morning at 10 am several people placed their towels on the loungers (the ones that had adjustable backs were most in demand)then they disappeared until sometines mid afternoon which stopped other holidaymakers from using the loungers. I would have preferred if the pool saftey rep had removed towels from loungers unattended for more than one hour.
The bus stop was not far from the appartments and regular bus runs were available. However the Spanish bus service tends to cram the buses with holidaymakers from the front to the back of the buses on busy days (not a pleasure and not good for safety).
Trips to Porto Adventura are a must as there is something for everone there (not just fast roller-coasters although the Dragon Khan is awesome) Lots of shows to see in the various worlds (Far West, China, Mexico etc.) Lots of food available in the Porto Adventura with the Cantina (Mexico world) expecially recommended. There is also a reasonably new Costa Caribe water park which is great fun. Bargain tickets (69 Euros oer person for 15 days access) were currently available for Porto Adventura which is excellent value for the many pleasures available from Porto Adventura.
Salou is a Blackpool (or Benedorm) type resort as there is lots to do and fun to be had but it is not upmarket. It can be scruffy and noisy in places which is why Cap Salou is ideal for those prefering the quieter holiday. However there were some noisy holidaymakers as is the norm in these type of resorts which hindered sleeping before 12am.
We enjoyed the two week holiday and went to Barcelona by train from Salou for 9.90 Euros per serson return. One of the train stops is near the famous Rambles and Corte Ingles store which are interesting to see. The Monday Salou market was not of much interest to us as the stalls all tended to sell the same things at similar prices. There is also a small 'village' area with several pubs / entertainments etc nearby which is good for some evenings out.
The lady on reception in the Vancouver appartments was very friendly and helpful and she stood out as a plus point for the appartments. We would certainly consider visiting the accomodation / resort again as some point as we had a good time with great weather.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC-July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Teresa Baker - (33,32,14,13)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived nice and early ready to take a look at Cap Salou. A 60 Euros deposit is required on arrival which we were aware of.
The apartment was very adequate for the four of us. The only thing I must make everyone aware of is there is no kettle,no toaster, no oven and only two hobs. If you can use a combi microwave then you will be fine. It took us 45mins to cook a breakfast in stages funny but cold. There is a list at the desk of things to hire this includes your tv and aireal which is 140 Euros for 15 nights. You can hire a kettle,toaster,sandwich maker,Iron and you could even hire a dvd player and video player and cd player. In all i would be a very expensive do. You have been warned!
The staf we found to be very pleasant and the reception were great. More so because I was in hospital for three days and my husband needed help with taxis and ringing the hospital. The JMC rep was great as well. Always available.
The maids came everyday but Sunday which was a bit of a pain as they would come in whilst you were in bed, so no lay in. They can get in even if you leave a key in the door.
If you have younger kids than mine then JMC have plenty going on for them during the day, and they have a disco for them at 8pm -8.30pm then its bingo and quizzes different every night except Tuesdays JMC day off.
If you wish to wash your laundry then the nearest laundrette is in Salou or if you are cheeky visit the hotel down the road they have one.
Food. If you dont mind chips with everything or a average breakfast then the Vancouver do good for value meals the kids will love it.If you want a proper meal or something different to chips The Paddock is the place to go. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the food is great, reasonably price. The Smugglers in was always busy and the waiting area was a sham so we never ate there, so get there early if you want to try it out. There is a games area with pool tables, dancemat,internet and playstation games like rally racing my kids loved that. Just 1Euro to play pool there and 2 Euros at the Vancouver.
When traveling by bus or taxi please be aware the prices change every day. Eg.trip to Port Aventura(A must for the kids and adults) ranges from 1.25-1.65 Euros & Salou center was 1.10 -1.45 each. AVOID THE TRAIN we paid 9 Eurs to Port Aventura and it takes ages to get there.
Aquapolis at La Pineda was great as now they have a show with Dolphins and Seals it cost 17.50 each to get in & the food was quite expensive. I was a bit concerned about some of the slides as I did see a little girl cut her back on one of the, there just didnt seem to be enough water on the slides but my lot loved it.
Costa Caribe was great for the younger kids all the family could get involved on all the slides and there was an indoor pool if you wanted to get out of the sun for a while.
Buy your tickets for Port Aventura at home then you can get a free day in Costa Caribe.
If you want a nightclub night out visit Salou they go all night but if you just want a wild night near to the hotel vist the Irish Bar. There is always someone handing out leaflets for it so go its a must. We did have a laugh one night when we strolled in at 3am & there were guards outside hand on hips giving us a funny look but I blamed my husband for having too many as he had severe hiccups very funny.
Overall we had good holiday, but we wouldnt go back to the Vancouver Apartments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook-June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Pamela & Andrew-Lanarkshire (20,25)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our first visit to Salou together and we were not disappointed.
We arrived at the apartments at around 11 in the morning only to be told that we would not get our room until 1.00pm. We were also advised that we had to pay £40 deposit for the room, refundable upon departure from the accomodation. We did not have any objections to this but it would have been nice to have been advised of this before arriving!
We stayed in a three bedroom apartment and it was spacious and spotlessly clean. The maid visited about four times in the week that we were there. The pool was a fair size and there was always enough sunbeds to go around. The bar had a 'happy hour and a half' from 7.30 till 9 in the evening with selected drinks on a 2 for 1 offer which was also very good.
The apartments are in Cap Salou which is a short bus journey away from the centre of Salou. There is a bus stop about 2mins away from the apartments and the buses come regularly-the buses are cheap, around 3 euros for 2 adults to the centre of Salou. Taxis are also fairly cheap at around 6 euros but we never found the need to get a taxi as there were always buses waiting at the stop.
We visited a beach that was only a ten minute walk away from the apartments, it never seemed to be too busy.
We attempted to visit the theme park at Port Aventura but there was an approximate 2 hour waiting time just to get in so we didn't bother (this may be due to the fact that it was a Spanish holiday). We also visited the Aquapolis water park-excellent! I would recommend that you hire the large rubber rings-it was fairly cheap to hire these and it meant you didn't have to queue for one.
Eating out was cheap and there was a large selection of places to choose from. Bus Stop and 007 are good pubs with reasonable priced drink-kids are allowed in these pubs too, so ideal for families.
All in all, this was an excellent holiday with a large variety of things to do-you would never get bored. I would recommend it and would definately return to the same apartments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC may2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : kirsti, and dave wales (23,27)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
vancouver apartments are in cap salou which is just outside of main town salou it is a fairly quiet part not reccomended to younger couples or groups who are looking to go clubbing.
we stayed in a 2 bed apartment absolutely stunning and spaciouse everything we needed for a s.c. holiday with a balcony overlooking the pool.
the bar was a bit too small and they only had childrens entertainment nothing for adults (ATALL) although they served snacks right up until midnight - a basic menu but very nice food.
not a bad sized pool very well kept and clean surroundings, the supermarket was only just around the corner and easy to get to.
not alot of bars and restaurants to choose from in this area but we would reccomend the smugglers bar for food - lovely food mainly english menu though staff are friendly and make you very welcome.
if you wake up with a mad hangover then jump in a taxi go into main town salou find ritas cafe' for one monster of an english breakfast just what you need, cheap prices and big portions!
if you would like a quiet and relaxing holiday then this is the place to go but not if you are after a lively resort with nightlife, i cant even recall seeing a nightclub anywhere in cap salou we were told to go into salou for nightlife but the bars around cap salou would stay open until the last person leaves - no pressure to drink up and leave - they really dont mind staying open as long as you are there!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC - 2004 / 5
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Sarah Ryan-London (39,38,8,5)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Vancouver Apartments exceeded our expectations and proved excellent value for money.The resort is a quiet retreat away from the rather tacky looking Salou.Our apartment was clean and spacious.We have to pay special mention to this years JMC Entertainment Rep Marcus.He was absolutely superb and all the kids loved him.This is an ideal base if you don't want the hustle and bustle of the main Salou resort.Salou itself and the Port Aventura theme park ( a must!!) are only a bus ride away.The Smugglers was the nicest eating place followed closely by the Paddocks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vancouver Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC Holidays - Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Best Family (37, 35, 9, 7, 5)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
If your idea of a great holiday is chips, bingo,karaoke and loud music all day then the Vancouver is the place for you.
The apartments are quite nice although 4 seats in an apartment that sleeps 8 was hardly adequate, clean enough as well although already showing signs of neglect. The air conditioning unit is situated on the balcony and blows hot air out so it impossible to sit on the balcony and enjoy the view of the building work to the front of the hotel or the busy road to the back.
Universal studios is fab as is the local water park and La Pineda just down the road from Cap Salou is a much nicer town, stay away from Salou unless you are under 25 and looking for a club 18-30 type holiday.
Also take plenty of money the Euro has made it very expensive and try the small coves around the apartments instead of the big beaches they are much nicer. In my opinion Salou is very much like a British sea side town, if that is what you like enjoy if not try and stay at one of Universals hotels they have their own beaches and are much more civilised.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Vancouver - Cap Salou
Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Sharp 39,39,14,6
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel is at the top of a steep hill so not suitable for the less fit of us, especially in the heat.
Very little in Cap Salou itself, had to go into Salou on bus which only took a few minutes. After a few days of going into Salou got sick of seeing it. It is like Blackpool with sunshine. We hired a car and travelled a fair bit. Enjoyed the drive to Barcelona.
The JMC reps were fantastic. Fiona chatted to all her guests and knew them all on first name terms. Anna and Nuala were the kids club crew. Our 6 yr old went most days free of charge to the club and had a whale of a time.
One down point was the life guard didnt let the kids take inflatables in the pool which was a shame as after spending good money on them was quite a waste.
Marcus and Rhiann, the hotel entertainers were a fantastic twosome provididng daytime and evening fun for adults and the kids. Wont ever forget getting up at night to dance to the kiddies songs. Especially King Caractacus at full speed!!!If you are in Apartment No 2006 as we were, be aware of the kids playing football right outside the balcony as the ball regularly flew into it and knocked things flying even hitting us on the head!!!
All in all had a very good holiday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: medinland - 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : julie dave-plymouth 40 38 13 10
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
when we arrived at this hotel we were realy pleased it looked lovely.after we unpacked we went for our evening meal which was absolutely unedible ,it was disgusting .as was the attitude of the bar manager we were made to feel really uncomfortable.
this hotel promises non stop entertainment,there is none. it was the worst all inclusive holiday we have ever been on myself and my children wanted to come home after the first day but we wee stuck for 7 miserable boring days
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: independant - 2006 / 2007
Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : metcalfe party 35, to 55
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
after 15 min transfer from Reus airport we were in our hotel, ps could not fault Ryanair on time both ways and plane very comfortable, taxi cost 25 euros.
hotel looks fine, but we should have been warned by the haords of Spanish OAPs outside..... the inside was swarming with them! that sums the hotel up... totally geared towards them!! and they were not the most polite people we have met, pushing in and not even a smile when we gave way to them...and people say British holiday makers are ignorant!!!!
all inclusive quests are treated as 2nd class.... left waiting in a special section of bar for nearly half hour.. while people who came after us in the other bar were served instanly.
bedroom was fine with heating welcome as beginning of March. Food very very limated with no labels lots of fish stews. mutton!!!!! etc... lived on salad and bread.. only hot thing we saw at breakfast was bioled eggs!!
Salou is nice, the beach and front are first class lovely walking all the way to harbour this cannot be improved, and in the other direction some lovely natural beaches all 5 mins right out of hotel.
will return to Salou for the beaches and theme park but NEVER NEVER EVER to this hotel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Jean Cooper Party 50+
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were a party of 6 and we ALL had a wonderful time.The Hotel was excellent, Pool Bar, Food and staff were first class.
The rooms were cleaned to a high standard daily. Would hesitate to book again. We were more than happy with the resort of Salou where there are numerous bars , shops and restrauntes. The Rose and Crown was our favourite (owned by Alberto and Ann-Marie) Wonderful nights, including bingo and quizzes, Spirits and wine on offer to winners. They also serve excellent snacks! Beaches are lovely too and beach bars every 200 meters.
First Class Holiday and would certainly go back there. Thank you all at the Venicia Park Hotel!!!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: media travel - August 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : sharron parsons 28 craig parsons 35 and two kids 3 and 9
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just arrived back from our holiday,Brilliant location to the right up a hill two minutes away is a gorgeous beach and to the left out of the hotel is the main town centre with plenty of bars and restaurants.The steps to the beach were hard work and lots of and with a young child very difficult.
In our opinion the hotel was average rooms ok basic but clean,Food was plentiful but always the same on the menu,You can only have so many chips and chicken nuggets,always fresh and well presented ,Staff i feel could of learned to smile alittle more as always seemed like it was a chore to be at work,As far as entertainment,ha ha there was none a couple of live singers but nothing any good to listen to we.
We found good company so didnt matter where we were had a great holiday overall not bad and what more can u expect for a week for just under a grand AFTER ALL U GET WHAT U PAY FOR.WE WOULD GO BACK TO SALOU MAY BE NOT HOTEL BUT PLACE WAS GREAT AUGUST 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: travel councellours - 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : trevor chaplin - london (31, 33)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this as a late deal and going with all inclusive we thought would be a good idea........hmm well it didnt work out quite that way! although the hotel and room was clean, it was cleaned everyday unless you put the no cleaning sign on the door and towels were changed regularly as were bedding.
Most of the staff didnt speak much english the only ones who did were the front desk staff, some of them didnt seem to care or looked as though they couldnt be bothered, the bar staff were ok however if you wanted a snack (which is always the same either burger, fries, chicken nuggets, hotdogs or sandwich toasties) they would go off to do it while you waited so if only 2 staff were on it left only one!
the activities at the hotel are few and some kids may get bored easy, the outdoor pool was the most popular, as were the pool tables there were a few arcade games and table tennis game, down at the back behind the pool there is also a mini golf game.
the evenings entertainment was non existant a dj on a laptop for the most part and the music always seemed the same.
What let this hotel down the most for me was the food above all the buffet style breakfast/lunch/dinner they served which although looked good was very bland with the same sort of stuff being served everyday turkey, lamb, sausages, fries and various veg. there are some tapas options but I never got to try them as i explin next, one evening though (we had only been here 2 days) the food made me ill so after that we never went back there for dinner again we ate out for the rest of the time.
which brings me to salou itself which is lovely plenty to see in the way of shops and lots of places to eat with a varity restaurants from spainish (obviously) to italian, american, chinese and so on, pubs are also numerous from english pubs to lrish to scottish and the people were lovely.
the beach which in itself had plenty to there to do from jet ski hire to paddle hire, climbing frames for kids.
from the hotel you are also not to far from porto ventura.
so all in all i would go to salou again but not to this hotel.
one thing i will say if you do travel to salou take a good insect spray and a cream for yourself as my partner was bitten a few times by the local insects, however dont let this put you off as ive said its very nice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: medhotels - Oct 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : kev worrall - llay
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
well where do we start?my partner and i arrived early october this year. checked into the hotel and had our mugshots taken for your all inc identity card. went up to our room and unlocked the door with a key with a huge keyring on it(ps dont go in the pool with it in your shorts pocket or you will drown). got in the room the misses fancied a nap after the journey so she pulled the covers back on the bed. SHOCK...the bed was full of hairs.
we only ate breakfast twice in the hotel it was terrible,it was either cheap cereal and the full english breaky (well half really ) was cold. it was beans,scrambled egg, boiled egg and sausage no bacon,you get bacon the next day instead of the sausage. then you had to queue for toast as there was only one toaster.everyone was moaning,there was dirty plates and cutlery amongst the clean ones and you had to wait for clean cups to arrive.the meals at this hotel was pathetic it was a small salad bar, hot meals was fish,one veg some times mixed,french fries,and two meats thats it.the misses had to eat her rice pudding with her fork because there was no clean spoons.the hotel is very very short staffed,the waiters were scrapping your plates then going into the kitchen and bringing in the fresh food (never heard of cross contamination i have i am an hygiene supervisor ).
its a good job we left our kids in her sisters cause there was nothing on in the day.entertainment started at 10.00pm,no mini disco for kids, there was no atmosphere at all so we went out. the bar closes at 11.45 and you get kicked out into a another bar were you have to pay. two days before we left i asked the rep what time we were being picked up he said between 7.30 7.45 the next day i checked at reception and it was 06.50, if you like fawlty towers you will enjoy this hotel . this is our 7th all inc holiday and this is no way near as half as good as the others, our verdict is dont even bother.... ps... ELS BELLS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos Sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Joe and Jill Hyde(over 50s)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
We went all inclusive but there was only one person serving and they had to do all the cooking for the snack bar, sometimes we waited over half an hour for a drink,also some of the staff were rude.The food was poor quality and usually stone cold.
The hotel was mainly for Spanish people and all the entertainment was for them,there was no day time entertainment not even CDs.
The Hotel was clean exept for the pool.
We complained to the rep but she was useless eg If wwe said the food was cold she would say her breakfast was hot ect.
I would definatly never go to this hotel again and would advise others not to.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - Aug/Sept 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Dee & Chris Rogers - Doncaster (24,22)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned this morning from a night flight from salou after a weeks holiday at the Venecia Park. We chose to go on this one week holiday and booked it 1 week before we went on an allocation on arrival basis.So we had no expectations really.
On arrival to the hotel we were greeted by a lovely irish bloke who seemed very friendly even at 4am! The lobby was warm and friendly and the other receptionists spoke very good english. The room was basic and clean and although there was a strange thing of turning the tv off with the lights everything was fine and we had a great view of the pool and could watch the nightly entertainment without leaving our room. The entertainment was very basic on some nights but others were fab, all sorts of dancers brazilian, kiwi etc. And the flamenco dancers were exceptionally good and they even turned out to be the everyday waitresses in the dining room too!
The food in the hotel was adequate enough for me and my other half as we arent fussy about what we eat, there was always a choice and most days i had fish because it was gorgeous! There was always plenty of food and desserts to choose from even though most of the time it was guess work to what they were. We heard people complaining about the food being cold, we agree that it wasnt always red hot but when the food has been out for a couple of hours it is bound to be a little cooler than when first cooked, ideally like we did go when the doors open. The wine is also lovely.
The all inclusive bar was well stocked with every possible liquor and if you got the right bar staff who could speak english they would make you anything you wanted!! The only trouble with the bar was that when you ordered a snack they would go and cook it for you leaving a queue to develop at the bar. Some people couldnt stand waiting 5 mins and constantly had a go at the poor staff. Sometimes the hotel would be short of bar staff and order one of the waitresses to serve drinks, she didnt speak much english at all and if you didnt want a beer or coke you were involved in a guessing match!
The pools were cool and inviting and we even played squash and went in the sauna!
The Cosmos rep tried her best at the hotel to make everyone happy but some days she was hard to find.
We went on only one excursion which we looked forward to all week.. the sunshine cruise but ended up getting half our money back due to 10 foot waves bouncing us up and down, being sandblasted on a beach with huge waves when it was supposed to be a private cove to sunbathe in and around 30 people being sick on tables, floors, over the side and even on each other!! It was the weather that ruined the day, personally i think the cosmos team should look at the weather reports in future and just in case things like that happen and have an alternative.
Overall apart from coming back with not much of a tan due to the changeable weather, the holiday was pleasant and was okay for what we paid for. Although i dont think we will be returning to salou in the future as it isnt lively enough and theres not alot to do.
Hope this helps, The hotel is a good hotel and i would recommend it value for money if youre on a late deal like we did.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: medinland august 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : paul kelly craig@ abbie, hartlepool (37 28 14 9 )
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
accomodation below average,no english entertainment at all,food was awful!spent lots of our money eating out although we went all inclusive,pool bar waiting 45 mins to get a drink only 1 bar staff serving all week!some days they wouldnt serve children any snacks,pool was dirty all tiles in and around pool were broken abbie cut her foot in pool after 10 mins on first day,
the beach was lovely,port aventura was great!shops and bars were to!
hotel was a nightmare!spent as much time out of hotel as we could and to entertain children because they did not want us there,so if u going to venecia park good luck to you. paul kelly craig @ abbie.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - august 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : christine eric catherine - wigan (48, 49, 15)):
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
hotel too far away from the beach situated on a hillside not for the less mobile. food in dining room not up to our expectations not much choice. we left the dining room still hungry most days. all inclusive bar staff friendly and plesant which is more than could be said about the rep and security people. childrens entertainer was brilliant with kids, always worked very hard. not enough english speaking receptionists. rooms and bathrooms not very well cleaned although comfortable. one of our rooms situated at the rear of hotel had a strange smell and we never found out what was the cause of the strange smell. holiday overall was quite good.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Janie Johnston - Glasgow (46,40,12,08)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Accomodation was basic but clean, food was average and repetitive but you could usually find something each day, after all it was not an expensive holiday and you get what you pay for. The staff were friendly and pleasant and reception staff were helpful and we did not have any problems with any staff not understanding English. The first week we arrived was quiet but the entertainment staff did their best to liven things up, and the kids thought the DJ/Entertainer was great.
Salou itself was lively, plenty of choice of pubs and places to eat and Port Adventura park was excellent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos July 04
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Andy + Caroline (41,30,5,3)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Non english speaking staff, average 30 minutes queueing time to be served at the bar as only one serving and he was cooking fries/burgers etc at the same time so very slow all inclusive service, one bar for all inclusive one for non all inclusive, all inclusive guests treated like cr*p because they already have your money.
Rep was argumentative, and useless, she said she wanted every one to describe her as excellent when filling in the end of holiday questionaire, when i did not she argued with me.
One bloke doing all the entertainment everyday, he was great but severly overworked so he could not focus his attention on the kids.
rep failed to tell us that one of the day excursions was not toddler friendly, what made us say that she said, perhaps the fact that walking along steep drops and my son slipping and falling over the edge and being thankfully saved by a hero following from behind.
food repetative, cold, discusting. rooms cleaned daily, son cut foot in infant pool on broken tile, cheap all inclusive holiday that was not value for money and has put me off all inclusive (first time i have been all inclusive)
shop opposite friendly, english speaking and fair prices.
Beaches great, except for hill, long way from centre of salou. resort is ideal for families, but spend a bit more and go for a different hotel than this one.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Nicola and Teya (29,02)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Awful and disgusting. No entertainment for children, food revolting, never no bar staff, an absolute waste of money. Good luck if you have booked.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos june 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : lianne roberts north wales 25, 27
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
when we arrived at the hotel it was very much in darkness only a few wall lights were lit making it difficult to see the hotel loby. then the guy at the desk asked us to look into a camera and smile this was for our all inc cards and at four thirty in the morning after we had travelled all that way we were not in the mood for smiling we just needed to get to our room and sleep. finally we got to our room which was clean and tidy and very basic with a room with three beds two of which were pushed together to make a double a small bathroom with a bath and shower a leaking bedea and a toilet and sink so clean but basic room. our room luckily over looked the pool.
the next morning we got up to meet our rep who was basically putting it CR*P! she was a 19 year old who knew everything but nothing and she had been in the job all of 6 weeks! she was useless.
the pool and hotel were lovely and peacefull for three days untill a load of spanish school children invaded the hotel for the rest of the holiday five coach loads. who our rep told us they were there for only one night and that particular night they all decided to spit throw glass bottles and different foods into the pool along with smoking cannibis and drinking alchohol these children were still there a week later after they went more of them came but according to our rep they only stayed one night what utter rubbish.
right food and entertainment at the venicia ha what food what entertainment there was none well there was food but not a thing worth eating and it was always stone cold anyway the restraunt repeated itself all the time and i dont recall ever seeing a fried egg for breccie as there was not any when we asked for a fried egg the waiter brought out a cereal bowl!
and entertainment well they had one guy who was supposed to entertain the kids he played maybe two games all day something like bingo and water basket then he would leave and left us with this dreaded cd that continued to play all day and all night thoughout our stay the cd never changed so there that was the entertainment fun hey not. luckily we met up with good company so when the bar closed at twelve we all went to reception to drink our beer as there was no where else to go how bad is that the bar closed at 12 and you are on your holidays most nights we were in bed by 12.10!! some holiday hey.
salou itself is lovely and has plenty to offer but as for the hotel venicia park and cosmos they are a definate no no we had no kids but i dread to think what our holiday would have been like if we did.at the end of our stay the receptionist decided to tell us that the hotel was aspanish hotel and catered for spaniards rarther than the english em great i wish they had told us that when we booked oh but then we wouldnt have booked with cosmos would we so thats why they never told us so that is why i am telling you now stay away from this hotel and this company!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos june 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : carl dawn 38,36, 13,11,5,3, 1 , 6 months
Resort Rating: No rating
Accommodation Rating: No rating
My/Our Holiday Review:
hotel very clean but very empty every 3 days you are overrun by spanish kids they invade the pool. late at night they are spitting over there balconys and very noisy . food well ,disgusting only ate there twice and was all inclusive. the entertainment was a c.d playing the same music day and night . some of the staff lovely but one was horrible wouldnoy give you a glass for your beer put it in a plastic cup. as for the rep she was useless said she was well experinced she was only 19 and had been there 6 weeks we ask her to change our hotel she sent me in a taxi on my own to a hotel out in the sticks knowing a wouldnot go there . my advise to you if you have booked change it know.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia - Salou
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice- January 2004
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Hotel Venecia definately was a great choice for our first holiday abroad. The staff were extremely friendly, the food was good and the value for money was brilliant.
My only bad things to say about this fabulous resort is, be careful of the childrens swimming pool, my daughter cut her foot open on a broken tile. Be careful of the main swimming pool, as there are no warnings of the dip in the pool, so watch younger children, as they may drown. I am a 36 year old woman, and even I come into difficulty with this. I also reccomend not trying the chicken nuggets, as they were always undercooked.
The beach is really fun, and safe for young children. The stairs to get to and from the beach are a killer though!
Whilst in Costa Dorada I suggest going to Port Aventura, its a wondeful place for children. Some activities may charge extra, but they seriously are worth it.
Ooh, before I forget, you should also go to the shop over the road, they have a bakery in the back, and they sell a really nice bread. You MUST try it!
The rooms are really clean, and so is the rest of the hotel.One thing I have to say though, is somnetimes the manager doesn't really take to some families therefore, seems to take it out on the children.
I spoke to a few families who said that he had acted in an undesirable manner to their children for no reason.
A rule of the restaurant is you must be fully clothed to go in there, eg you can't go in wearing a swimsuit, or sarong. Once again, the manager approached my family for wearing a vest top, and sarong, with shorts underneath, he said that this wasn't allowed, yet he let other families dine wearing only bikinis!
All in All, Salou is a brilliant family resort.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotel Venecia Park - Salou
Operator and Date: fiesta sun (medinland) - 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : sarah john deb @ john (30 29 13 @ 8 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
our first time abroad,well we loved salou, our room was lovely and clean but we were told being all inclusive they was entertainment, the only entertainment was spanish! no english entertainment at all!the children were in the pool all day which they enjoyed because they was nothing else for them to do apart from pool table and machines,a few broken tiles in the pool caused my daughter to cut her toes,
the hotel was full of spanish just the odd english which is y we shouldnt of been put there as medinland fullybooked our 1st hotel and said we had to accept it because they couldnt give us a refund,the food was awful the children lived on cold chips for a week!
the beach was lovely, port aventura was brilliant we spent a full day there the firework display was great,we went for breakfast at hollywoods every day which was nice,if we go back to salou we would not stay at venecia park as it was depressing,was ok to sleep there,i read reviews before we went and i was dreading going dont know how people can say anything nice apart from the room,one couple complained to staff and they said it was a spanish hotel and they only catered for spanish,( there were dead right)
our first time abroad was a holiday from hell!we were glad we only booked 1wk,some were staying 2wks and they were wishing they were going home,if we went selfcatering then we wouldnt complain,just we paid all inc and wot a waste of money!we have tried to get intouch with medinland and they never return the call,we av sent complaints letter lets hope we hear something!
weve booked with firstchoice this time for next year going to corfu as we read reviews and they are excellent staying in sadari,zafaris appartments and i let you know all about it,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ventura Park Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
Flight,Apartments
Internet-June 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Michelle-Barnsley (38,37,36,60,57,10,9)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from another lovely holiday in Salou. For a family resort I don't think you can go far wrong. The beach is clean and plenty of things to amuse kids, climbing frames ,swings etc. The promenade is really nice especially all lit up at night. The best thing of all though is Port Aventura theme park. We booked our tickets in uk and only paid £32 each for 7 days entrance including 1 day in the ajoining water park. There is something for everyone,rides,shows and they don't rip you off with high prices for food and drink once inside.
Our apartments were in an ideal position,about 5 mins walk to the beach and 15 to the park. They were residential aparts which I booked via the internet with the Universal Holiday Company. They were great and provesional,with proper offices which ae open till 9pm for key pick up.Aparts were very well equiped with 3 double bedrooms,2 bathrooms,t.v.,fridge freezer,washer-dryer and huge balcony. Only spoilt 2 nights by very loud Spanish group of lads coming in at 6am and re-aranging furniture but they're on holiday too!
All in all a great week and brill weather. Would go back in a couple of years time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Village Park Apartments - Salou
Operator and Date: going places - 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Lorraine Cameron - Greenock (ages 51,32,30,14,7)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Where to start! when i first booked my holiday and looked on this site i cried and wanted to cancel my holiday and felt sick untill we arrived.Yes its apartments so there is no entertainment at all and a basic child pool and larger pool with lots of grass to sunbathe however you are allowed to use Costa Dorada pool and facilities where there is entertainment every night.
The apartments themselves ours was spotless a livingroom with 2 bedrooms one with en suite cooker fridge basic utensils you have to hire a kettle/iron but to these people who made me nearly cancel my holiday i do not see what their problem was!! salou has millions of ants everywhere but not in our apartment. we booked our 14 day port aventura passes back home this was my only mistake as when you get there what you really need is express passes we ended up only going 3 days because the queues were 2hr or more wait times also this does not get you into aqua caribe you have to pay each day on top of your passes, if you buy when