Regente Aragon

The Regente Aragon stands out with decor that manages to be idiosyncratic and tasteful at once, a far departure from the many dated hotels that fill Salou. The lobby makes an immediate impression with striking black-and-white checkered marble floors, walls lined with dark wood and mirrors, and burnt-orange and yellow wingback armchairs. The rustic bar is decked out in distressed-wood parquet flooring and wooden planks on the walls, contrasted by neon leather chairs in various vibrant shades. The restaurant has wooden farmhouse-style tables, and while it also has distressed wooden floors, the concrete-effect walls, white or brown furniture, and ample greenery give it a garden vibe. In the back room of the restaurant, projectors display nature scenes on the white walls, and green lighting completes the effect. This sleek boutique vibe carries up to the rooftop terrace with panoramic views and modern wicker furniture. The hotel has a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that attracts a mix of couples and families.

The Regente Aragon is ideally located for access to the beach a five-minute walk away, and to the surrounding shops, bars, and restaurants of Salou. Families with children who are in need of an adrenaline rush can find the PortAventura theme park a nine-minute drive away. Tarragona, which has shops and restaurants that are more high-end than those in Salou, as well as a Gothic cathedral and Roman ruins which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located a 15-minute drive away. Expect transfers to and from Reus Airport to take 35 minutes, while transfers to Barcelona-El Prat take between an hour and 90 minutes.

Rooms benefit from the same degree of care and attention to decoration as that of the communal areas. Lower-category rooms are small but tasteful, with stained walnut floors, primary- or neutral-colored walls, minimal light-wood furniture, and attractive floral-print bedspreads. A simple desk comes with a chair, plus there's a cozy reclining armchair. Bathrooms are a decent size and decorated with concrete-effect wall tiles. They come with a walk-in shower cubicle, as well as a bidet and free toiletries.

Higher-category rooms have varying designs, but all are attractive and contemporary. Superior Rooms look a bit more corporate with are larger, with warm wood paneling, shades of rich burgundy, and generic artwork. Some suites have stylish patterned wallpaper, gray sofas, and chrome accents. Larger bathrooms come with jetted tubs, some of which can fit two. Rooms have either small Juliet-style balconies or spacious terraces with patio furniture. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and air-conditioning.

The Regente Aragon places a heavy emphasis on dining, particularly the raved-about buffet breakfast featuring a wide and tempting range of local charcuterie and cheeses, diet-busting patisserie and baked goods, fresh fruit and yoghurt, and hot items such as Spanish omelets. A prix-fixe menu is served at lunch, while there’s an almost impossibly large choice of international cuisine in the evening. It’s worth noting that the hotel only offers bed-and-breakfast rates, so lunch and dinner incur additional charges.

Up on the roof is a terrace with the hotel’s small swimming pool, which has just a few comfy loungers and chairs positioned to make the most of the view -- one side overlooks the sea, while the other showcases Muntanyes de Prades, past Reus. The terrace has a retractable roof so that the pool can still be used during the winter months. There are no kid-centric or spa facilities, plus the spacious gym has a limited number of equipments. Meeting and event spaces are available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.