Hotel Samba

An oversized, dated building with blocky gold lettering and row upon row of generic balconies, Hotel Samba may turn heads for its size, but not necessarily for its appearance. Partially renovated interiors (including retiled lobby floors and fresh paint in several corridors) are clean, but areas that haven’t been refurbished look stark. Aside from a fountain by its entrance, the bare-bones reception has lots of empty space. The massive property offers multiple options for recreation, dining, shopping, and lounging, though there’s been little effort to style the spaces. Only two elevators for such a large hotel can mean long wait times. Large and functional, the hotel attracts many groups, from school children to professional cyclists, and can be considerably noisy.  

The hotel enjoys relatively quiet surroundings on its hilltop location, 10 minutes on foot from the town center. Bars and restaurants aren’t far away, but it’s a steep trek uphill when returning to the property. The local beach is a five-minute walk away, and Fenals Beach is farther afield at a 13-minute walk away. Attractions are also quite easily accessible; the Castle of Sant Joan is reachable in a 10-minute walk, and the Iglesia de Sant Roma church is 15 minutes away. The popular Water World amusement park is a five-minute drive. Santa Clotilde Gardens are six to seven minutes away by car. 

The nearest bus station (10 minutes away on foot) offers transport to neighboring cities. The hotel provides airport transfers to Girona Airport (30 minutes away) and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (two-and-a-half hours away).

Rooms are available in several varieties, from small Single Rooms to larger Double Rooms accommodating three guests each. Other than the large Gold or Silver Suites with sofa beds, rooms don’t have much extra floor space. Wooden work desks, bedside tables, and closets, along with simple green or maroon bedspreads are basic, but serve their purpose. Not all rooms are renovated, so some may be lined with clean new wooden floors, whereas others still have older tiling. There are also complaints of thin walls letting in noise from neighbors and common areas.

Room amenities are minimal. Most have tube-style satellite TVs (suites upgrade to flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges), but not all have air-conditioning. Fees apply for use of Wi-Fi and safes. Many rooms have spacious private balconies with lovely pool or sea views. 

Bathrooms in renovated rooms have sleeker fixtures, but others incorporate dated sinks and fluorescent white lights. Single Rooms only have walk-in showers with handheld showerheads, but all other units feature shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Suites provide separate hot tubs. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. 

The features here cater to large groups and kids. The hotel’s only restaurant is spacious, but feels canteen-like, and gets packed easily. The included breakfast, plus lunch and dinner, is served buffet-style. The quality and variety of food is good and includes fruits, pancakes and omelets in the mornings, and a good salad selection plus pastas, meats, fish dishes, and hot vegetables at other meals. Half-board rates are available. An indoor snack bar serves packaged items and candies by clusters of wooden tables. The counter bar has a decent selection of drinks, but as it occupies the same space as the snack bar, ambience is lacking. Alternatively, drinks can be enjoyed on a simple outdoor terrace. 

Another outdoor snack bar offers a better atmosphere by default of being adjacent to the pool, but it's only open during the summer. The pool, also open during select months, is large and surrounded by sun loungers, with outdoor showers available. Kids get a separate pool, an outdoor play area, indoor arcade games, and organized summertime activities. Fees apply to use the indoor billiards and ping-pong tables. Live music provides evening entertainment. A gift shop sells souvenirs and personal items. 

There’s no gym, but guests can use the outdoor volleyball net. Massage services are available for fees. Laundry services are not available. 

Six computers in the lobby make up an informal business center, and Wi-Fi is free in common areas. Event halls are available for business or personal purposes. The hotel allows small pets. On-site parking is available for a fee.