Evenia Olympic Palace

In a part of Spain that's flush with all-inclusive resorts, Evenia Olympic Palace falls squarely in the middle -- it's not luxurious or upscale in terms of decor, but it’s got plenty of amenities to keep families, it’s primary clientele, busy. The resort's focus is its large central complex of outdoor pools that are surrounded by artificial turf. The lobby is a sea of glossy white floors with turquoise and cream chairs; and a yellow and red lobby bar with wooden tables and chairs. It’s a sleek design. The Coral Restaurant has glossy floors and lovely wood paneled walls, but the black plastic chairs knock the design down a few notches. The hotel gets busy and can seem overcrowded in the summer, when families and tourists descend upon it. The staff can get overwhelmed, and past guests have complained about poor service at the pool bar and restaurant.

Evenia Olympic Palace is a little less than ideal for a city along the coast: It’s a 16-minute walk to the beach and a 10-minute walk to the city center. Guests on all-inclusive plans can take the free shuttle service to the beach. There are restaurants, bars, and shops within a five-minute walk of the hotel. Santa Roma Church is a 15-minute walk away. Santa Clotilde Gardens is a 28-minute walk from the hotel. It’s a 10-minute walk to the closest bus stop and about a 90-minute drive to Barcelona-El Prat Airport. 

Evenia Olympic Palace's 167 rooms are modern and pleasant. They have dark-wood furniture, laminate wood floors, purple bedding, white headboards, teal accent walls, and sitting rooms with couches. While the style is contemporary, it’s not overly trendy, and rooms are a bit dark despite glass sliding doors that open onto furnished balconies. All rooms include air-conditioning, two flat-screen TVs, and microwaves. Mini-fridges are available upon request; there’s no coffee- and tea-making facilities. Safes and Wi-Fi come with fees. Bathrooms are sleek with glass sinks, bidets, shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Like any good all-inclusive, Evenia Olympic Palace emphasizes its best assets -- six pools -- some of which are heated -- in the center of the complex. From the chic pools with waterfalls to the pools with waterslides and a pirate ship, there’s plenty of water for everyone. Take note that not all pools are open year-round and the summer brings lots of guests so sunbeds are quickly grabbed. There’s also a poolside bar with a buffet and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and fed. The spa is another standout feature. It features hydro-massage rooms, an indoor pool, thermal beds, saunas, massages, and beauty treatments. It also provides a gym with free weights, a spin room, and fitness classes, but both the spa and gym require entrance fees. Use of the tennis courts, ping-pong tables, and a soccer field are included in the rates. As far as dining goes, there’s an international buffet-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with half-board and all-inclusive options, but past guests don't rave about the food. There’s also a large lobby bar that serves drinks and snacks. A theater offers entertainment for kids and adults. As a family-friendly resort, it’s no surprise that there’s a kids' club too. Other features include a large conference center with fully equipped meeting rooms and internet points. Both on-site parking and Wi-Fi are available, again, for a fee.