Salou, just south of Barcelona, is one of Spain’s most endearing holiday destinations, with reliable weather and a fun, laid-back attitude. An all-inclusive holiday is one of the best value ways to enjoy this part of Spain too.
(Photo: Golden Costa Salou Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
Situated little more than 100km down the coastline from Barcelona, the municipality of Salou is both more accessible than Spain’s far south holiday destinations and isn’t so hot that you could cook huevos on the bonnet of a car. The city was founded by the Greeks in the 6th Century BC but these days is a magnet for people all over Europe looking for a fun and affordable summer holiday. That said, it also doesn’t feel quite as touristy as other more well-known points on the Spanish holiday map, and features quiet villages and beautiful landscapes if you venture out of your hotel. However, with all-inclusive packages that throw in food, drink, accommodation and activities all for one price, it’s likely that the sunbed will be home for the duration of your holiday. Salou has a great selection of all-inclusive holidays, from adults-only to stays with them park tickets thrown in.
Golden Costa Salou
A fantastic choice for couples, this four-star adults only hotel is both modern and spotless – a world away from the tatty package deals of the past. The hotel faces the beachfront but also has three swimming pools, all tastefully minimalistic for peacefully reading a book with a cocktail, rather than dive bombing the deep end. There’s a spa and fitness center too for anyone who wants to burn off those extra all-inclusive calories. The rooms are naturally all air-conditioned and feature a wardrobe, coffee machine, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV and good-sized balcony. The food is excellent too, with nice touches like fresh omelettes on offer in the mornings, and there are water stations dotted around to fill up water bottles too. From €126 per night (based on two sharing during high season).
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Golden Avenida
(Photo: Golden Avenida / Courtesy Booking.com)
For something a bit more family orientated, the Golden Avenida is a great option. This is good old-fashioned family fun – the hotel is not full of fancy frills, instead focusing on a wealth of entertainment, from live evening shows to a kids club, to games that all the family can enjoy together. The rooms are simplistic but clean, bright and airy, and you can tell that a lot of thought has gone into making this a hotel where you can just drop your bags and relax. There are a number of swimming pools (and bars) dotted around, as well as outdoor and indoor Jacuzzis. Throw into the mix friendly and attentive staff and you have a highly recommendable family all-inclusive hotel. From €256 per night.
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Hotel Best Punta Dorada
This stylish hotel is situated near the beachfront with beautiful views over the Mediterranean sea. The sun-bleached, virtually all-white aesthetic, matched to cloudless skies and crystal blue waters, make the Punta Dorada seem like something out of an eighties pop video, minus the mullets. Everything is spotless and the staff are extremely friendly too. What you probably aren’t expecting however, is that it’s really quite cheap to boot, with high season all-inclusive rooms being a shade over 130 bucks a night. The four-star property has a large outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge and terrace and each room offers a desk safety deposit box, flat-screen TV and balcony. From €136 per night.
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PortAventura Hotel El Paso
(Photo: PortAventura Hotel El Paso / Courtesy Booking.com)
For anyone wanting an alternative to Disneyland Paris, where the weather is a bit more predictable, PortAventura Park is the most popular theme park in Spain, attracting some 3.5million visitors a year. The park is packed full of attractions and roller coasters, spread over different ‘worlds’ including China and the Wild West. Hotel El Paso is a bit more inland (1.6km from the beach) than other hotels but located right next to PortAventura Park. Aside from the fun features of the hotel itself – there is a swimming pool with a sunken pirate ship in the middle – a stay at El Paso includes unlimited free access to PortAventura Park (throughout the stay and on the day or arrival and departure) as well as one day access to nearby Ferrari Land. The hotel has two restaurants onsite, with à la carte options for dinner and El Mérida restaurant is a buffet restaurant. From €214 per night.
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Hotel Golden Port Salou & Spa
This is the kind of all-inclusive hotel that you may find yourself never leaving for the length of your stay. The Hotel Golden Port Salou is huge, with no less than eight swimming pools (including one indoor), an adult-only spa, fitness center and numerous bars. The restaurant at Golden Port Hotel Salou serves a range of regional specialities and traditional Mediterranean dishes. Light meals such as pizzas, pasta, sandwiches and salads are also served at the poolside snack bar. There are also loads of different activities to enjoy, including archery, badminton and water polo, plus evening shows. The location is excellent too – all situated just 900m from the beach. From €233 per night.
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