Villa Romana

Chose this hotel in Salou as wanted to visit Barcelona and Portaventura with my two teenagers having had an amazing Florida trip last year. Was pleased with choice of hotel, lovely reception with beautiful pool area. Quite a small hotel but fine at this time of year, could always get a sun bed . Had emailed the hotel to request interconnecting rooms if possible and was thrilled to be given two twin corner rooms with an exterior lockable door which was perfect! A big thank you to the hotel for this. Usually we travel all inclusive in Europe so was a bit apprehensive how much we would spend on a half board holiday but drinks and snacks were so reasonably priced at mostly around 3 euros , cocktails 5 euros. Also water and drinks from the supermarket were so cheap, we actually brought money home. Beware of mozzies at this time of year though and bring a strong repellent as we all got bitten to shreds! I have looked at this hotel many times over the last few years and wondered why it had dropped so far down when it used to be number 1 on tripadvisor. I think there are a few points , the hotel is perhaps getting a little tired and needs an injection of tlc. You don't see cleaning staff at all hours keeping the place immaculate as in other hotels we have visited. Also, the service in the restaurants was not brilliant. No one shows you to a table and here are some sullen faces greeting you from the waitresses. The food is also very samey with the soup only changing once in 7 days. On saying that, we always are well most evening's and the breakfasts were very good. The main bar area was very bright and welcoming as were the staff in there. The entertainment was okay with a few dance shows . The best night for us was the Rock covers band , they were fab. Salon itself is a resort of contrasts, a bit concrete jungle in the centre and not too attractive. It is also very busy with a lot of traffic. Head 15 mins to the coastline and it is beautiful. Long promenade with lots of palm trees, perfect for strolling. Loved it here! As I mentioned though, we booked this to visit Barcelona and the theme parks, which I pre booked at home, through Bus Plana and Attraction tickets. Loved the Nou camp and Barcelona where we visited the Ramblas and the gothic cathedral before having drinks and cakes in the panoramic restaurant within the large department store El Cortes Ingles. Again this was so reasonably priced for a city centre. Portaventura was only a ten minute walk from the hotel and absolutely fantastic. I have reviewed this separately and can honestly say it was up there with the Florida parks and would highly recommend it. Overall a brilliant family holiday and would love to return.

Just fancied a cheeky week in the sun and this fitted the bill nicely.In a good central position for shops bars beaches and walks a bright and airy hotel.our rooms was clean and spacious overlooking the theme park in the distance and have to say i had the best weeks sleep i have had for months? All communial areas were clean and bright with plenty of seats and sunbeds available, the pool is lovely although chilly but hey it was october.i can imagine a bit of a race for sunbeds during the high season though. Plenty of space in the dining rooms and the staff were very pleasant.Breakfast was very good with plenty of choice and evening meals were plentiful although pork 5 nights out of 7 got a bit samey.i have to say the food was not particulary hot though maybe the hot plates need a tweak or two and i do feel that hand gel available on entering the dining room is a must and not just an option. There is an indoor pool (which is very cold) complete with hot tub sauna and gym which is all free! However its confusing in this srea to say the least, as you have to wear a swimming cap whilst using the pool hot tub and sauna, we were told its for hygiene reasons to contain hair and hair products however our friend who is completely bald had to wear one yet he has more hair on his body than ive got on my head so i dont really understand that one, is body hair hygenic then😊also there were families in there with no caps on sometimes they were allowed to stay and sometimes told to leave as they had no caps on! Anyway a lovely hotel overall with very happy smiling staff, and yes i would go back again