Hotel Kaktus Playa

Hotel Kaktus Playa is a fine spot for travelers who prefer calmer beach-town getaways. This isn't to say that things are boring here, and occasional shows in the hotel's lounge do provide a little bit of action. However, for the most part, this hotel is all about unwinding in relative peace. From a style perspective, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the public areas are pleasantly modern, with colorful photomurals in the lobby complementing chunky wood furniture and a muted brown, white, and mauve palette. Other areas, like the bar and restaurant, were looking a bit tired during our visit. However, it's mostly about the outdoors here, and the pool serves as a hub for guests (when they're not at the beach). Bordered by trees and flowers, the pool sits next to a chill-out terrace and bar, and is a popular spot for socializing or relaxing. Rates are reasonable for the hotel's proximity to the beach, and its nice selection of features draw an even mix of couples and families (even though it has less for kids than some competitors).

Hotel Kaktus Playa is surrounded by other hotels and is within a short walk of numerous restaurants and bars at the south end of Calella. Garbi Beach, the hotel's beach club, and the town's promenade are about a two-minute stroll away, while Passeig de Les Roques - Mar and St. Jaume - Creu Groga bus stops are a five-minute walk away. It takes a little under 10 minutes by bus to reach Calella's main shopping drag, or about 15 minutes on foot. The 160-foot Far Calella lighthouse and the 19th-century Torretes de Calella guard towers are both about five minutes away by car, and both have superb views of the coastline. Calella train station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the Kaktus. It's a 70-minute train ride to the center of Barcelona, or about 45 minutes by car. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a little under an hour by car from the hotel, though using public transit to get to the airport will take at least two hours.

The rooms at Hotel Kaktus Playa -- like the public areas -- are a mix of modern and dated styles. The less appealing rooms feature light wood furniture, bare walls, and a muted gray, beige, and tan color palette. Renovated in 2014, the rooms are fresher, with artsy silhouette panels, sharp white furniture, and a sleek white-and-gray motif. All 249 rooms come with air-conditioning, safes, mini-fridges, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. It's worth noting that safes, mini-fridges, and in-room Wi-Fi may cost extra in some rooms. Rooms also add electric kettles for instant coffee and tea. All rooms feature balconies (some with sunbeds), the best of which have sea views. Bathrooms are spacious and come with hairdryers, make-up mirrors, and bidets. Most have shower/tub combos, but some have jetted tubs and separate rainfall showers. Smoking rooms are available. 

Features are quite numerous at this hotel, though an undeniable highlight is the beach club, located a two-minute walk from the hotel. It has sunbeds and umbrellas, plus a restaurant and bar serving tapas and drinks. Some guests will have to pay extra fees to access the club. The hotel's unheated outdoor pool is quite large and has a shallow area for children. An unheated whirlpool tub and chillout terrace are nearby. The seasonal poolside cafe and bar serves Mediterranean fare and a good range of drinks. The full-service spa features a small indoor pool and hot tub, plus a dry sauna, steam room, hydromassage showers, and menu of treatments. Certain rooms do not get free access to the spa facilities, so check ahead. The hotel also has a small fitness center. Deposits may be assessed for pool and fitness center towels for certain bookings. There's a big selection of hot and cold items for breakfast, including churros and hot chocolate for a little local flavor. Breakfast isn't included in standard rates. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and international fare for lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on buffets, and previous guests generally happy with the quality. The restaurant also offers special tables and theme nights. Parking is available, sometimes for free, and Wi-Fi is free in common areas.