PortAventura Hotel Caribe

One of PortAventura theme park's official hotels, the Hotel Caribe is one of the nicer options in Salou, with pleasantly modern interiors. This isn't to say anyone should expect a peaceful retreat, as the hotel's proximity to the theme park, and its free admission tickets, mean that the hotel is busy and crowded with families and vacationers from Russia and the British Isles in high season. The hotel has a distinct Caribbean theme, present in everything from the decor around the kid-friendly areas to the antique Caribbean maps, turquoise walls, and fun metal cutouts of sea life that decorate the lobby. Wood floors and modern chandeliers create a contemporary vibe in some of the restaurants, but tired tan tile and plain tablecloths in others make for a dated feel. There are plenty of places for families to enjoy themselves throughout, including a sandy pool meant to recreate a beach, to the slightly more posh Club San Juan lounge (for Club San Juan room guests), with jute and hardwood chairs and couches lined with comfy pillows. Overall, this hotel is in much better shape than many of the resorts in this part of Spain, though rates can be high. 

The PortAventura Hotel Caribe is outside of Salou, a 15-minute walk (or five-minute drive) from the shops, restaurants, and bars in town. Though it's officially part of PortAventura theme park -- with it's rides and adventure activities -- it takes about 10 minutes to actually walk to the sprawling amusement park complex. Levante Beach -- the biggest in Salou -- is a five-minute drive from the hotel, while Aquopolis water park, Ponent Beach, and Capellans Beach are within a 10-minute drive. Historic Tarragona, home to Roman ruins, is a 15- to 20-minute car ride from the hotel, and Reus Airport can be reached in 15 minutes. Barcelona-El Prat Airport can be reached in an hour, while Barcelona’s city center is about 80 minutes away by car or train (stations are available in Salou, or at Port Aventura, a 10-minute walk from the hotel). 

The hotel's Caribbean theme is reflected in the pastel green floral fabrics and tropical photography on the walls of the modern rooms. Most have wood floors, dark wood furniture with clean lines, and pull-out couches or love seats in neutral or sharp charcoal hues -- overall, the look is much nicer than many of the low-end all-inclusive resorts throughout Salou. Mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs are provided in each air-conditioned room. Additionally, all rooms have furnished terraces, some with pool views. Certain rooms have private pools and gardens in addition to providing welcome gifts for kids and adults. Dark wood vanities look sharp against tan and white tile in the contemporary bathrooms. The tile shower/tub combos offer soap dispensers, while some rooms have walk-in showers as well as jetted tubs. Not all buildings have elevator access to all floors, so guests with mobility issues should check ahead with the hotel. 

Adjacent to the hotel, and perhaps the biggest draw for guests, are PortAventura Park and Costa Caribe Aquatic Park; guests receive free access to PortAventura Park and discounted tickets to Costa Caribe Aquatic Park as well as a free shuttle to the parks. However, the aquatic park is seasonal and guests complain the lines can be extremely long. It's best to opt for fast passes.

The hotel's five pools range from a kids' pool with a wading area and playground to a river-like adults-only pool as well as a large, free form zero-entry pool with a white sandy beach. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows is the rectangular indoor pool, while the small Club San Juan pool is free form. All pools offer plenty of lounge chairs, but they are seasonal, and only some rooms include access to all five; otherwise, there is a fee. 

Cuisines at the four on-site restaurants span from Italian and Mediterranean to tapas and international fare. Some offer small plates while others are buffet-style. The free breakfast includes pastries, yogurt, meats, cheeses, and pancakes, and some rooms have a la carte options included. Full and half-board options are available as well. Three on-site bars include cocktails and beer as well as sandwiches and snacks, though certain restaurants and bars are seasonal. Additionally, the buffet area is often cramped and chaotic during breakfast and dinner, and offerings can get monotonous.

A fitness center offers massages, a sauna, and a hot tub in addition to a spacious workout area with free weights and cardio and weight machines. However, not all room rates include free access to the fitness center. Other amenities include a business center, a kids' club, and air hockey and pool tables. Although the front desk is available 24/7, guests complain of long check-in and checkout waits. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there is free outdoor parking.