Four Elements Suites

Four concrete buildings rise in a quiet residential part of eastern Salou, each housing a different category of suite offered by the aparthotel. In a region where many hotels are dated and drab, the Four Elements is a fresh and modern alternative, though features are limited and make this an option that's best for independent-minded travelers. Public areas are contemporary and even a bit artsy, with decor that includes white mannequins and whimsical cloud-like sculptures, plus funky accent colors. Even the Chill Out Terrace is dressed in white furnishings, gauzy curtains, and mod mushroom sun covers that are lit up at night and create a sharp place to kick back with drinks after a day at the beach. Domestic tourists are frequent guests here, as are families looking for a reasonably priced aparthotel near PortAventura, Aquopolis, and the less crowded La Pineda Beach. The number of kid-friendly amenities guarantee that quite a few families pass through the hotel, though entertainment is frequently only offered in Spanish.

Salou and La Pineda make up a small portion of the coastal region known as Costa Dorada, a 90-minute drive from Barcelona. The small beach towns don't have much in the way of sightseeing, so hotels like the Four Elements Suites need to be well-located to be worth the cost. Overall, this is a fine pick for those who don't mind bedding down in a quieter part of town, as it's at least a 10-minute drive to Font Lluminosa and Passeig de Jaume I, or 13 minutes by car to PortAventura theme park. However, its only a five-minute walk to La Pineda's beach and the Passeig de Pau Casals. The Aquopolis water park is a five-minute drive from the hotel (or a 15-minute walk). It takes about 20 minutes to reach Reus Airport by car, while it's about 70 minutes to Barcelona-El Prat Airport depending on traffic.

Apartments here have a similar modern appeal to the rest of the hotel, which is a welcome change from some of the area's more dated options. Decor includes splashes of red and blue coupled with fresh wooden paneling. Furniture has simple, clean lines, and includes gray or tan plush sofa beds. There's little in the way of art on the walls, so while the style is modern, the overall effect is plain. Each air-conditioned apartment includes a living area, which are separate in one- and two-bedroom options. Kitchenettes include microwaves, four-burner electric stoves, and a moka pot plus mini-fridges and cookware. While the pool view rooms have the nicest vistas, they can be a bit noisy during later hours due to evening entertainment held at the Chill Out Terrace and pool area. Other standard features include flat-screen TVs, safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are blander in comparison, but have shower/tub combos with soap dispensers,limited counter space, bidets, and optional hairdryers. Two-bedroom apartments come with an additional en-suite shower-only bathroom in the second room.

While this is one of the simpler hotels in the area, there are enough features here for unfussy guests with independent travel styles. A buffet restaurant serves Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner, as well as the daily breakfast buffet that's free for guests with half- or full-board reservations. Meal options may not be the most diverse for those here on multi-day stays, but there's also a snack bar/lounge in the lobby and a poolside bar as alternatives. The hip rooftop Chill Out Terrace is decked out in trendy white furnishings that glow in neon blues and pinks as night falls, providing a lively stage for late-night entertainment. The outdoor pool is small by local aparthotel standards, and there's a children's wading pool as well. Unfortunately there are fees for renting towels. Indoor and outdoor play areas are designated for children under 10, and various events/activities are scheduled regularly, though most is offered in Spanish. A game zone with a billiards table, air hockey, ping-pong, and even a UFO catcher is popular with older children, and a mini cinema shows movies for kids. There's a simple spa offering massage services and facial/body treatments, though they're not well-advertised. Free public parking is available nearby; paid on-site parking is also available. There are paid computer terminals available with internet access near the aparthotel's tourism corner. Otherwise, Wi-Fi is free to access throughout the hotel.