California Garden

The California Garden attracts a crowd of mainly English tourists that includes young families and mature sun-worshippers. Set in two buildings, the hotel's lobbies are both decked out in varying levels of out-of-town mall chic. Think: granite floors, faux-leather bucket chairs, and a few jazzier pieces of furniture like silver faux-antique desks. Pleather proliferates throughout, and the hotel’s two restaurants are no exception. However, you’re not meant to spend much time inside, and most guests are here to pass their time topping up their tans and splashing about in the pool. There are a number of kid-friendly features, though it's worth noting that there’s no dedicated kids’ pool, only a shallow area of the main pool that's roped off. Additionally, a nearby nightclub translates into noise in the evening, so quiet-seekers will want to look elsewhere.

The California Garden is situated on the northern edge of Salou, which would normally translate to a quieter atmosphere, though the presence of nearby nightlife prevents that from being the case. The nearest shops and restaurants are within a five-minute walk, though the center of town is a bit far away for walking -- expect a seven-minute cab ride instead. There are a number of tourist-friendly shops, restaurants, and bars to be found there. The beach is about a 10-minute walk from the property. Those in need of some thrills can make the six-minute journey by car to PortAventura, a theme and water park. Airport transfers take roughly 35 minutes to Reus Airport, and between 60 and 90 minutes to Barcelona-El Prat. 

Right off the bat, the generically modern decor at least makes a decent first impression that might suit unfussy guests. The rooms' light wood laminate furnishings, dark floor tiles, and bright white walls are a bit more fresh than some of the outdated properties that we've visited in Salou. However, it's a bit downhill from there. All rooms have TVs, but many still have old tube units. If you want to change the channel, you’ll have to rent the remote control (or get up and fiddle with the buttons on the set). The rooms come with tiny safes, but again, the hotel charges for their use. Wi-Fi is -- you guessed it -- not free either. Same goes for mini-fridges, hairdryers, irons, and electric kettles. The rooms are air-conditioned, but only during high season. Bathrooms are similarly spartan, with a shower/tub combo, sink, toilet, and bidet. On the plus side, every room has its own balcony, and the largest rooms can fit up to four adults. Keep in mind that there's a nightclub nearby that means sleeping -- especially on the weekend -- can be a challenge.

California Gardens has a predictable list of features aimed squarely at its customer base. The hotel has a large pool, but curiously there's no separate children’s pool. Instead, they’ve roped off a shallower section for kids to use. There are plenty of lounge chairs by the pool, but the patio can still easily crowd during high season. 

Meals are served buffet-style in a vast, low-ceilinged cafeteria, although there are also light meals and snacks available at the hotel’s two bars, one of which is outside by the pool. There's live music on some evenings in summer months. The hotel offers full- and half-board accommodation, but there's no option to stay all-inclusive.The hotel’s gym has a large, slightly aging selection of equipment, and guests are charged to use it. A lounge with pool tables and arcade games has some unintentionally retro flair, though it does the job for distracting kids on rainy days. There’s a small and concrete-heavy mini-golf course next to a playground as well. In high season, the hotel puts on entertainment for kids as well.

Keep in mind that there are fees for almost everything, including Wi-Fi and parking.