Sol Costa Daurada by Melia

From the outside, the hotel looks like a nameless corporate complex and once inside, things don't exactly get more interesting. The hotel has attracts many families and has a lively, hectic atmosphere (especially in high season) with lots of children milling about. Huge windows
brighten up the spacious, modern lobby, which has blue and wood tones accented
by clusters of black leather and tan seating. This simple, straightforward decor continues in many of the open and airy restaurants, which are outfitted with vibrant colors and wood furnishings, and there's a replica of a traditional English pub
on-site with a wood coffered ceiling, lots of stained glass, and knick-knacks
hung on the walls -- it's an obvious nod to the preponderance of U.K guests that flock here in the warmer months. Besides the restaurants and bars, there's plenty of space to relax around the pool, though the bustling, kid-centric atmosphere will not suit everyone.

The Sol Costa Daurada is on
the outskirts of downtown Salou in a quiet area, a five-minute walk from the
Port Aventura Train Station. Restaurants and shops can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot, while
the PortAventura theme park is a five-minute drive from the hotel. There are several beaches nearby, including massive Llevante and tiny Capellans, which can both be reached in about five minutes by car. The ancient Roman ruins at Tarragona, Reus Airport, and Aquopolis water park are within a 15- to 20-minute drive of the hotel. Barcelona-El Prat Airport can be reached in an hour, while Barcelona’s city center is an 80-minute drive from the hotel (the trip takes the same amount of time by train). 

Catering to the families and groups of friends who flock to Salou in search of all-inclusive sunny holidays, the hotel offers Standard Rooms alongside Triple and Family Rooms. Most have a basic, but pleasant style, with red plaid bedspreads, tan tile floors, and bleached wood veneer furniture with clean, modern lines. They are far more modern than many hotels in this budget-holiday resort town, but the look is fairly austere, with no art or personality. Not all rooms are as fresh and modern as others, though, and the Executive Room that we visited looked a bit dated, from furniture to upholstery and cheap wall art. All
rooms have mini-fridges and tiny flat-screen TVs as well as air-conditioning and balconies with plastic furniture. Some have lovely pool views, though noise from
the entertainment and pool area can be an issue. Additionally, the use of safes costs extra.
Bathrooms are fairly standard, with red granite countertops, brown and tan tile, and shower/tub combos. 

A beautiful, lagoon-style
pool is surrounded by greenery and plenty of lounge chairs, with an adjacent kids' pool. Las Palmeras Bar juts out into the center of the main pool
and offers snacks plus cocktails and beer. International and Mediterranean
cuisines as well as theme nights are offered at the Buffet Restaurant, while The
Kingdom of The Pint, El Mirador Bar, and Spinnaker Bar serve burgers, pizza,
sandwiches, and wings in addition to beer and cocktails. Full and half-board
options are available.A rectangular indoor pool
is adjacent to two hot tubs in the Wellness Center, which offers a tanning
bed and sauna as well as a fitness center and massages. Several computers are provided in the business center, and there is live
entertainment, parties, and musicals at night. The children’s and teen clubs
are free, and there are many other kid-friendly amenities including a game room with
foosball and Ping-Pong. Shuttles to Levante Beach and PortAventura Park are free, but they operate seasonally. Additionally, there is a
daily fee for the limited on-site parking and a fee for business center use, but Wi-Fi is free throughout, though some guests report spotty and slow service.