H10 Salou Princess

We've seen lots of H10 properties that are the definition of upscale hotels, including one of our favorites, the H10 Catalunya Plaza in Barcelona. Unfortunately, the H10 Salou Princess doesn't quite hit the same high marks. Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising in this mid-range beach town, but the mismash of styles and decor found throughout this hotel don't do much to create a cohesive style or atmosphere. The lobby is sparsely furnished with errant wicker chairs and modular leather cushions. Meanwhile, one of the on-site bars rocks retro green and orange palettes, while another is an all-out traditional English pub, and the last poolside bar is partially under a thatched roof that resembles a tropical getaway. Like its varied eras and styles of decor, the hotel advertises to various guest types. As such, it's lively throughout most of high season -- in fact, entertainment often starts quite late here and can translate into noise. The large outdoor pool and children's amenities make it a popular choice with families. Its proximity to the beach and other Salou sights attract couples of all ages. 

The small Spanish beach town of Salou is a little over an hour's train ride from Barcelona and 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Tarraco ruins in Tarragona. The H10 Salou Princess is a nine-minute drive from the main station, and six minutes by car from the Port Aventura station. The immediate area is mostly filled with high-rise apartment complexes and other hotels, though there are a few bars and restaurants nearby as well. The popular PortAventura theme park and resort is a six-minute drive away, where there's also a convention center and aquatic park. Because of its location in downtown Salou, it takes less than 10 minutes to walk to the city's main sites: Llevant Beach is six minutes away on foot, Font Luminosa is five, and the Passeig de Jaume I promenade is only a four-minute walk away. The nearest airport is Reus Airport, which takes about 20 minutes to reach by car, while the Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about an hour and a half away depending on traffic.

The rooms are fairly small and plain, but get plenty of light and are done in simple neutral hues. There are some small stylistic details, like the lattice-work Moorish stars on some of the furniture, but otherwise the combination of antiqued wood furniture, hardwood floors, and mostly bare walls (save an lone piece of abstract art) don't do much in the way of style. Superior Rooms do have a bit more when it comes to look, and include blue and green accents, a bit more art, and sleeker contemporary furniture. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning, though there are no electric kettles and safes cost extra to use. Bathrooms are clean and equipped with bidets, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos. Each room has a furnished balcony or terrace with views of either the pool or the street. Some noise filters into lower-floored rooms late at night due to the poolside entertainment, and walls are a bit thin.

Like most of its competition in the area, this H10 offers a fairly standard number of features meant to keep sunseekers happy for a week or so at a time. A large outdoor pool with a manmade waterfall is the centerpiece of the hotel, and includes a children's pool plus a separate hot tub and sundeck. There is poolside entertainment that starts late at night and is geared toward an older crowd. The Tarraco Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and the daily breakfast buffet in a cozy (if noisy) dining room, complete with show cooking and fresh baked goods. Food gets mixed reviews, and various packages (including all-inclusive rates) are available. Three bars service the hotel: La Choza -- the poolside option, with a tropical thatched roof; Caesars Bar -- a contemporary lobby bar with outdoor terraced seating, a pool table, and a piano; and the Sports Legend Tavern -- a traditional English-style sports pub complete with live-broadcast events and a pool table. A functional, if outdated, gym is available, as is a sauna, pingpong table, and bicycle rental. The H10 hotel brand also offers its Daisy Club children's activities, which includes a playroom and outdoor playground area, as well as daily scheduled activities. Coin-operated computer stations and game center are available in the lobby. There is no private on-site parking, but there's plenty of free and paid parking in the vicinity. Breakfast is free with all reservations, and there is the option of half- and full-board meals, as well. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.