Aparthotel CYE Holiday Centre

The Aparthotel CYE Holiday Centre is a well-kept, basic hotel that's in the middle of Salou's tourist-ready action. Its external tan-and-glass balconies look modern enough, though the hotel's interiors are undeniably dated. The style and atmosphere here will be familiar to Salou-area travelers -- utilitarian facilities and features centered on the sunny outdoors that are readymade for handling families in bulk. Nevertheless, both public areas and rooms are kept spotlessly clean -- a feat for an aparthotel that caters to families with children. An arcade room, toy/game room, separate kids' pool and playground, and an active entertainment team score generally positive marks from previous guests. However, it can be loud for many of the same reasons, even at night. From large-capacity apartments to various child-friendly amenities, this is a solid choice for tourists with children.

The aparthotel is located in the center of Salou, under a 10-minute walk from the beach and Passeig de Jaume I, meaning it has access to most of what Salou has to offer. Restaurants, shops, and sights like Font Lluminosa line the promenade, so there's never a shortage of places to eat, drink, and relax. The popular PortAventura theme park and resort is a five-minute drive away. It's about a 10-minute drive (depending on the route through Salou's confusing one-way streets) to the main train station, which provides access to both Barcelona and Tarragona -- it's 90 minutes to the former and 20 minutes to the latter. Reus Airport is closest to the hotel, approximately a 20-minute drive away, while the more frequented Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about 75 minutes away by car.

All 145 apartments are clean and tidy despite being dated. The beds aren't the most comfortable, the fabrics and upholstery come in old and faded patterns, and tables and other furniture are made of simple woods that feel like plastic. Still, everything is functional and in good shape. Linoleum-floored living/dining rooms have two pull-out sofa beds and a coffee table, with a separate dining table near the open kitchenette. Kitchens include cooking/eating utensils, two electric burners, kettles, toasters, mini-fridges, and microwaves, as well as cleaning supplies like dish soap. Clean bathrooms also sport linoleum tile floors but include new bidets and modern hairdryers.Bright floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a large terrace furnished with plastic chairs with views of the carpark or the sometimes noisy train tracks; upgraded rooms offer views of the more lively pool area, which can get rowdy during entertainment hours. There are two-bedroom apartments for families needing more space, and those requiring accessible rooms may request an extra bath adapted for disabled guests. Air-conditioning and heaters are individually controlled, and flat-screen satellite TVs have channels in multiple languages. Unfortunately, there's no Wi-Fi in rooms, and safes and cribs are available at a surcharge.

The features here aren't much different than many of Salou's budget and mid-range options. It is worth noting that the hotel doesn't offer all-inclusive rates. The aparthotel's outdoor pool is well-sized, surrounded by plenty of sun beds, and accompanied by a children's pool. An entertainment stage that takes the party late into the night is located on the poolside terrace, where a cafe-bar offers a la carte dining and drinks throughout the day. The buffet-style Holiday Restaurant serves hot and cold Spanish and international dishes, and even offers options for those with specific dietary needs upon request. Children's amenities include an outdoor playground, game rooms with toys and other activities, a full-scale arcade, an Xbox game section in the internet room, and many seasonal activities/events like mini-discos and organized games. With limited free public parking nearby, there is a private paid hotel carpark on-site that is sometimes free during the off-season or with certain reservations. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, though there is no in-room Wi-Fi, and paid computer terminals are available in the lobby.