Palas Pineda Hotel

Arrived at the Palas Pineda reception with high hopes as it was beautiful. The reception, however, was the only thing that was beautiful about this hotel. The receptionist was very rude and sent our friends, their children, myself and my partner with our one year old, the buggy, cases and hand luggage on a wild goose chase around the hotel to the correct reception. The rooms were fine, clean and tidy but the pool was another story. On a number of occasions guests pulled broken glasses out of the water, there was black mould around the edges and the bottom was littered with plasters, toilet roll and other discusting items. The food was OK if you like fish every night but the tea-time of seven o'clock was far too late for the baby. Most of the staff were quite pleasant with us but only because we had the baby. They were really quite rude to our friends as their children were older and they only seemed to take babies on. It really is ashame this hotel did not live up to it's gorgeous reception as the rooms were clean and it is five mins walk to the beach which was very nice. I would tell any English to beware booking this hotel as many were being told the hotel was over booked and ended up staying in self-catering apartments and having to get taxi's back to the hotel to use the all-inclusive facilities.

on arrival hotel was out of this world but looks can be decieving. Having taking the family accompanied by friends and their baby daughter we found the food basis just about satisfactory but very repetative but the kids enjoyed desert so not all gloom and doom. My major concerns was the state of the pool which were never cleaned and on more than the one occasion had beer glasses took out by guests. I found bar staff to be rude and not enjoy giving us brits a beer in a pint pot possibly as a few were in the pool. I must admit rooms were clean and cleaners very friendly shame about the bar staff. Four star not for me unless your russian who seemed to be alot more catered for. I would stay in la pineda again but not in the palas.

We.ve just returned from our "holiday" in The Palas Hotel, La Pineda on the Costa Dorada. It was awful. We booked via the Internet, on an All Inclusive basis- which seemed to indicate to staff that we were somewhat inferior to other guests not staying on this basis. We were treated with extreme rudeness and complete dis-regard for general respect for your fellow man. The meals were fine, although in-between the meal times there were no other options for food whatsoever- except crisps behind the bar. We had a designated area to stand at the bar- there was no waiter service for us- although the other guests not on All Inclusive did. Apart from ourselves there were approx half a dozen English guests- the rest being Russian and Latvian - who seemed to be catered for more than adequately. We holiday twice a year abroad and have weekends away in England and Northern Ireland on a regular basis, and quite frankly this is the worst Hotel I have ever visited, and would strongly recommend giving it a wide berth.

We have just arrived back from here last Friday. (22nd Sep 06), As soon as we arrived it was thunderstorming, the hotel got flooded and the bottom floor was out of bounds. When the lift came up it had water in it from the flood!! And it went off one time we were in it, I pressed the alarm and it didn't do anything so we waited and then it started working again!! The food was DISGUSTING!!!!!!! We had to eart out every night costing us more money! ( as we had paid for all inclusive) Very clean hotel though - maids were lovely. Staff on reception very rude and all the guests were Russian and Dutch! We were the only English. Entertainment was apauling and all in Spanish! The swimming pools were nice although when it flooded it took 3 days before they got cleaned!! Where the hotel is situated is outside Salou, there is an excellent waterpark 5 min walk away - we went 3 times during our 10 day stay as there was nothing else to do! Porta Ventura the Theme Park is ok although we expected more- Alton Towers is better! We got a 3 day pass for here and that includes one trip to the Water Park there (although the one by the hotel is much better - it has a Dolphin Show - ver good!!) Apart from that there is nothing and I mean NOTHING!!! to do in Pineda or Salou, we got sooooo bored and the weather didn'y help!!! The same junk shops row after row, 10 days was so long for such a ruubish/boring place. NOT GOING BACK AND WOULDN'T RECOMMEND IT!!

I visited this hotel in mid-july with 2 30 something girlie friends. we were booked half board, but there had been a double booking on rooms and we were placed at the estival park apartments opposite the hotel. We were upgraded to AI at the Palas Pineda, which turned out to be a blessing as the drinks and restaraunts along the front were very expensive. Our apartment was great, and being a fussy eater in terms of quality, I was more than happy with the selection of food, it caters for a european clientel, so no meat and 3 veg if thats what you want. (macdonalds is in salou!!!!!) The entertainment at night was great if you took a tongue in cheek view to it, especiallly the russians and renditions of songs from jungle book and chitty bang bang by Duo Rubens! WARNING they are extremely liberal with the alcohol! I asked for brandy and coke, and had a large glass of brandy and a large coke!!!! Some of the old spanish people were a bit grumpy, and I also got told off at dinner time for not having my papers, but these are needed by the girl to make sure no-one is sneaking in and to know how many of us are eating there. I had no problem with this. Some staff were a bit grumpy, but hey we all have off days and there are a lot of people to look after. The only grouch I had was at 9am there were no sunbeds left!! all taken by towels!!!! I stayed for 5 days and really enjoyed the roman ampitheatre and old tarragona (free entry on sat) the indoor market was great too. I am visiting again for a few days at the end of July, and am taking my hubby and a 4yr ol and 7yr old, my children I know will enjoy the choice of food, as they are willing to try most things, because they do at home, It is not a hotel were you can dump your children with the entertainment team for the day, they advertise what activities they are doing during the day and they can join in if they want to. It is a CLEAN hotel, always being cleaned, no larger louts, no disco, no bingo, no aggadoo (which were my only fears) and regarding transfers we got on a random coach outside airport who offers transfers for 5 euros each which was half the price of a taxi, and on our return reception arranged for us to be collected by a coaxh firm. Taxi is appx 33Euro each way. The coach goes straight to pineda and on to salou, so its about a 10min journey. (not worth the 20 odd quid to the cabbie!) Its a great place if you have young children, quiet, safe beach, pool entry is gradual like beach, water park in walking distance. watch your bags out in town as my friends was stolen. do not take valuables to beach (any spanish beach) All in all no complaints or I would not nbe going back.

12 year old son not happy with just a week in Connemara (Ireland) so we booked a 10 day trip to Spain using Ryanair direct to Reus from Dublin and Full-Board in Palas Pineda. In a nutshell... this was probably our best value holiday EVER. Reus Airport a little gem; small and efficient. Ryanair Flights at sociable hours and Palas Pineda just 15 minutes from Airport (€25 fare + €5 tip). The Hotel looks impressive and staff were efficient and always helpful. Our bedroom was set up for the 3 of us; there was ample space, a very good bathroom and a sizeable balcony. The room was cleaned daily and linen changed regularly. Food was plentiful and varied. For lunch and dinner, there was a range of hot and cold meats, fish, mountains of salad, fruit and desserts. Breakfast had everything you could think of... fruit, cereal, yogurts, selection of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, fruit, etc. etc. etc. Full board meant you could have tea/coffee, wine, shorts and a selection of cocktails throughout the day plus free ice cream and crisps (thankfully, weather too hot for much eating or we might have only been fit to roll home!). Hotel has indoor and outdoor pools with jacuzzi - a shame that people block beds and don't use them. There's a great range of activities within easy reach of the Hotel. The ones we did were Port Aventura (theme park a must for kids) 15/30 minutes away by taxi/bus, Aqua park a 2 minute walk, Barcelona a 90 minutes bus ride - we did the Nou Camp Stadium and Shopping trip (a must for footie fanatics!), Tarragona a great old Spanish City 15 mins. Salou Go Karting 15 mins by bus. Anyway, I'm going back!.

Just arrived back from a week at La Palas Pineda Hotel, was not looking forward to it after reading previous report, but my partner, myself and our daughter enjoyed our experience. We found the reception staff helpful, staff were always cleaning and never found litter laying around. It is located 2 minute walk from the beach, shops and public transport. We were all inclusive and the food was well presented and in plenty of supply, there is also an English chef carving meat! Entertainment was there is so desired, Karaoke was hilarious, in many languages, watch out for the Russians(they put on a performance). Beach was a sandy one with fairly shallow water, only downside, a view of pier where cargo ships dock. On the whole , I would recommend staying there.

We have been to the area three times now, twice staying at the Palas Pineda. Much better than the football pitch we stayed in the first year AKA Universal resort El Paso hotel. I'm already gearing up to go back next year. Salou is very jaded but La Pineda is a developing but little known gem an easy bus ride (about a quid each way) from the Universal Meditterranea theme park and Salou if you're curious. It is a clean resort with plenty of eateries and gift shops and a lovely clean beach a stones throw from the hotel. Good water park (Aquapolis) with dolphin/sea lion show too. It's more for couples and families I would say although there is a huge nightclub called Pacha behind the waterpark, but I I don't think it was open when we stayed. My husband, 7 year old son and I, took my mum this year and although she has mobility problems everything is so close she could take full advantage. The Hotel itself is very impressive and the rooms very clean with excellent maids some of whom we recognised from last year. Remember to leave them a tip at the end of your stay - they deserve it. I have read the other reviews and though I can see where some are coming from, you have to bear in mind that in this hotel, Brits are pretty much in the minority. An attempt at the lingo goes a long way, and the bar staff are normally up for helping you out. We stayed all inclusive this year and the food was really good, fish, pork, small steaks cooked fresh on the restaurant grill. Lovely salad bar and great breakfast (eggs, frankfurters beans cereal, pastries, fruit, juices and oddly some sort of Champagne!) My child is a very fussy eater but he ate really well. There is an "animation" staff who try hard but I would say the entertainment for kids is probably not on a par with other resorts. You will actually have to spend time with your kids. They seem to enjoy the pool and beach theme & water parks anyway so it's not a huge issue. Some specifics: - 10 minute taxi or bus ride from airport (30 euros ish). Safety deposit boxes in room cost about 27 Euro inc 10 deposit. Satellite TV in room but only 1 sport and 1 news channel in English. Sky sports and English channels at the Waterfront Bar on the main drag for football fanatics - nice food too. Air con's a bit feeble in the rooms. The sunbeds get "bagsied" by about 9am. The "short" measures at the bar can be quite generous - take care. The water park can get pricey as doughnut and sunbed hire is not included in the entrance price. There are strict no smoking areas around the hotel which even though I smoke isn't a bad thing. There's a fridge in the rooms which is not a mini bar as sometimes described. Evening entertainment won't blow you away but is OK. It does start late in Spain (9/9.30 ish) so be prepared. We watched from our hotel balcony which was most pleasant. There are loads of rules and regulations around the pool area but no-one seems to take any notice so no problem there. The hotel will reply to your e-mails if you get your phrase book out and have a go in Spanish. Internet PC's are available for 1 euro for 10 minutes so you can chesk your e-mail and flights before you return home. So in closing we had a great time and despite my mum being a picky sort she's up for going next year too.

Very impressive entrance to the hotel. All staff were very friendly if you were friendly to them. I think they are just used to dealing with extremely rude Russians (and there are lots of them at this hotel). Food excellent at breakfast, lunch and evening meals with a great variety to suit all. There are two bars in which you can use for all inclusive and staff are polite and helpful if you are the same with them. Hotel rooms very clean with good working air-conditioning Excellent very large pool with a water slide, and further small (cold) pool, also a 'baby' pool too. The day entertainers try very hard to get all nationalities to join in the activities, such as, water polo, darts etc. The only down side is the evening entertainment is more suitable for the Spanish guests, the best nights were when the DJ just played a selection of music. Very good location, 5 minutes walk to the beach which has a lovely long streching promenade to walk along. Would visit this hotel again.

We visited for a nine day holiday and had booked all inclusive which was good value. The food was reasonable, however, they did not cater for the children. There was also no bar snacks available during the (with the exception of crisps and ice cream) which is unusual for all inclusive. The room was clean and comfortable. There were two main disappointments with this hotel. Firstly there was no childrens entertainment in the evening and the entertainment for the adults started at 10pm with the bar closing at 11!!! In addition to that most of the staff (with, it has to be said, the exception of the waiting staff in the family area) were extremely unfriendly and rude. The first day we went for lunch I did not have my "ticket" with me as I had not been told by the receptionist at check in that this was reuqired and despite wearing my standard yellow arm band my familiy and I were treated like common scavangers by a non english speaking female staff member who more or less pushed me out of the restaurant without any explanation!! This was dealt with by the restaurant manager, however, it was extremely humilatiing and the receptionist who checked us in claimed that I had not listened to her!! Unbelievable. It is such a shame that such a lovely hotel should employ such off hand personnel and it is for that reason alone that my family will not be visiting again.