Reviews of Mariposa Apartments, Salou, Spain

After reading the previous...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs L Fisher

Comments:

After reading the previous reviews about these apartments, I was pretty apprehensive about them. All I can say is they are wrong!! They were spacious, clean and in perfect location. Our flight was delayed 6 hours so the reception was closed when we got there but there was a night porter there to let us in to our rooms. You do have to pay a deposit and judging by what other reviews are saying, this must vary. We had to pay £45 or 60 euros. You get this back at the end of your stay. The receptionists were all very friendly. There was maid service every second day, and our sheets were changed twice during our week long stay. The apartments do have air conditioning. You need to ask at reception for this and it is free of charge. The pool is basic. No bar which is probably the only downside of these apartments but you are able to use the facilities at the International hotel across the road.



The 19th hole was one of our fave bars, situated under the apartments. Great food and friendly service. Lovely beach just 5 mins away and shops etc also a 5 min walk. Waterpark at La Pineda is a must. My daughter never out the water!!



A great holiday and couldnt fault it all! Dont listen to the bad reviews.

just arrived home from this...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independentlyon line with olahotels.com

Submitted By:

Mr B Campbell

Comments:

just arrived home from this hotel and how i wish i had took note of the bad reviews.first impression was the lack of a lobby,more an after thought in design with glass doored room.hotel room was okay for size,floor was filthy did not dare to walk barefoot.had to buy bleach to clean mop before mopping floors.bath dirty and worn,shower curtain disgusting, toilet dirty,cups and plates needed bleached.never seen a maid yet.had to wash towels ourselves,one toilet roll,no iron,ironing board or microwave which we were supposed to have.we new there was no air-con but heat was unbearable.pool was not as bad as some other reviews said.it was warm and clean and 9 foot at deep end,never had a problem getting loungers at any time of day.on the plus side is the location of this hotel.everything on doorstep,small beach 5 mins walk,full fridge/freezer is the only real plus of hotel room.have been to salou before in 2004 and would go again but not this hotel.ALSO BE AWARE OF YOUR TEENAGERS BEING APPROACHED IN STREET TO BUY HASH,WACKY BACKY ETC. MY 15 YEAR OLD SON WAS............. this is the first time i have complained or felt the need to complain about any accomadation.

I was in a party of 9 18-20 year...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Triton

Submitted By:

Comments:

I was in a party of 9 18-20 year olds We had a great holiday!



We arrived at 5 in the morning and after our coach driver banging on the door the night porter came out took our passports and gave us our room keys. The room itself was basic but very clean.



Next morning we went down to reception to pay the deposits 110 euro a room!! 330euro alltogether! thats expensive dont know where the other reviewer got £45 quid from maybe each! check u have a hairdryer, kettle and toaster. they check these when u leave! No air con either! but it states this when u book. You have no maid service. They drop off clean sheets towels and dish cloths 1 week into the hol thats it. You have to change your beds empty the bins and mop the floor yourself. Didnt bother us too much cant complain at the price.



we didnt like the pool at the apartments. it was a bit dirty and always in the shade but you can use the pool at the hotel across the road with entertainment and a bar it was really good! They didnt mind usbeing there at all! The security in the apartments is good too with a code to get in the block and shutters on your door and windows! One of the receptionists was lovely she called us taxis and even the bus company when they were late on departure the other didnt seem to like her job very much...



I wouldnt recommend these apartments for young families... no pool entertainment kids clubs and some nights it was really noisy... as for teens or young adults wanting somewhere to crash they were great! everything on your doorstep!



Great places we went food wise were the comedy club underneath the apartments the food was amazing! we went there so much! fantastic service and really listened to what u wanted!



sinatras was great for breakfast but their evening meals were nothing to shout home about.

idols and jimmys were the bars we ended up in most nights



port aventura was amazing! buy your tickets here though its much cheaper if your gonna go more then once. aqua polis is the better and bigger waterpark costa cariba is small and suited for young kids



overall the apartments were fine we had an awsome time but just dont go here expecting first class. clean and simple

After reading these reviews, i...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs P Smith

Comments:

After reading these reviews, i was pretty apprehensive about staying at the marisposas, but after returning from a wonderful holiday I had to write a truthful review to set the record straight.



Upon arriving, you do have to give a deposit, but it is refundable at the end of your holiday, and is £45. This is the same throughout most of the costa dorada. The receptionist however did not seem to want to work there at all! I can see exactly what people mean when they say that the corridor looked like a prison block...But who on earth goes on holiday for a corridor!!



The room itself was very spacious, for the two of us, and DID have air-con (although you have to ask at reception for them to turn it on, but then its on for the entire week). everything you needed was in the room, and it was cleaned, with maid service at least every two days. Its defintaly what you pay for, and caused no reason for complaint. (Again, who goes on holiday for the room!).



The apartments pool was of a good enough size, and kept clean. However, would benefit from a poolside bar.



The location was fantastic, far enough away from the main strip to get sleep, but close enough to walk easily.



Salou is great, go and eat at sinatras. Good prices and lovely food. The beach is fantastic, with plenty to offer.



PortAventura theme park is definatly worth the money. but if you want to go to a waterpark, go to aquapolis, much bigger, and better. All the main attractions are easily reachable by a local bus, which you can catch from all over the main town, and there is a bus kiosk at the beach end of the strip. Much easier to go by bus and pay on the door, than book with you travel reps.



Overall, a fantastic holiday, and wouldn't hesitate to go back. Don't listen to the back reviews...people are too picky. Just enjoy your holiday!

Before we went on holiday we...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss S Dawkins

Comments:

Before we went on holiday we checked out the reviews for these apartments and were quite worried as they were not all positive reviews. However after staying at the Mariposa Apartments in Salou i had no problems with it what so ever. The actual apartment was very spacious, clean and had everything you needed. It was literally a 5 minute walk from the 1st beach and a few mins longer to the other beaches. Its just around the corner from all the bars and eating places, but not too close to make it noisy. The pool has a childs bit and another part for everyone else, it has loads of sun lounges and is very safe for children. Overall i had no problems with these apartments and for the price we paid it was a STEAL!!!! All i can say is if anyone has stayed here and complained it was too small, unclean or unsafe they are obviously expecting way too high standards for their holiday!!! I would give this a 9/10!!!!

I think we were put in the worse...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mrs Helen Lynch

Comments:

I think we were put in the worse room possible in this hotel, cell block H springs to mind. My family had to sleep on the balcony for 3 nights due to the fact that we were right over a Pizza Parlour so the heat was stifling till they turned the ovens off at about 3 pm in the morning. I can honestly say we did not get one decent nights sleep whilst there in that room. We eventually got moved to a different room only because that family left the hotel altogether due to the appalling conditions and went to stay somehwere else.



The only word I can describe this hotel is absloutely revolting and minging.



STAY HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK.



YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Just arrived back from Salou...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss K Strain

Comments:

Just arrived back from Salou yesterday, after a weeks holiday (if that is what you can call it!!).



Arrived at the apartments around lunchtime. We were allocated our apartment on arrival, so had no idea where we were staying, but were supposed to be guaranteed 3*. Had to pay 60 euros deposit before getting the keys. Got into the apartment and was hit by the smell from the bathroom. Asked if we could be moved but was told there were no other rooms, by very unhelpful staff. Had to buy bleach on arrival and clean the bathroom myself!! Rooms were very small and dirty. Kitchen was very basic, and crockery/cutlery had to be washed before using it.



Only received clean towels every other day, and never had bedding changed at all. Requested clean sheets daily, but told by the receptionist that the cleaners only come on a Monday, so would have to wait until then. Cleaners arrived on Monday and they said they cant give any as we were leaving Tuesday!!! Wouldn't even give us toilet roll. We also had to empty our own bins in the skips provided outside the building.



The room had no air-con, so had to hire a fan for the week, however when plugging it into the bedroom for the kids, the socket fell off the wall. The pool area was ok until the third day when we were unable to use due to glass on the bottom. We were then allowed to use the pool in the International Hotel opposite. They did have a life guard on duty which was a plus.



The town itself is very much the "Blackpool of Spain". Every shop selling the same stuff. The best places to eat were Rio Grand Mexican restaurant, and Danny Boys pub. Good food with friendly staff.



The Aquapolis water park is a must for the kids, and day trip to Barcelona is great, but expensive. I would recommend 'House of Illusion' for a family night out. Price is reasonable, very entertaining and all drinks are included, and if you catch the early show you get a meal as well.



Overall, would not recommend the apartments, but if you are staying there then book plenty of trips and things to do. Then you need only spend as little time in there as you need to!!!

I've just got back off holiday...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mr Sam Turton

Comments:

I've just got back off holiday in Salou and we stayed at the Mariposa. It is a great block of flats with the only problem being itv and bbc are both Irish channels.



The pool is fabulous but too deep after about 2 metres off the railings that separate the kids are and the other are.



Around the hotel there is lots of eating places but I would strongly recommended the 19th hole the food's great as is the service and the staff are very friendly. Also if your a Liverpool fan you'll love Shanklys its just down by little Vegas arcade, about 600 yards down the road from Mariposa.



Also go to the smaller 2 beaches instead of the big 1 that’s really not very good.



Over all I’d defiantly recommend Salou, if like sun and good food then go to Salou.



If you have a Sunday roast then go to boomerangs which is just 50 yards from Shankly's.

This is the worst apartment I've...

Overall Rating:

2/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Mrs E Hipkiss

Comments:

This is the worst apartment I've ever stayed in my life. I guess, it is true that you get what you paid for. The bedroom is really small, and there is no air-conditioning unit. I have read some reviews here so I brought my own little electric fan. You can rent an electric fan in the reception area.



The floor is very dirty, and I can't even walk bare feet because my feet will be dirty. We've stayed for 7 days and they've only cleaned the room once, and I don't think they did a proper cleaning because I need to sweep the floor when we come back.



The bathroom is also dirty, and smells a bit. You also need to pay a deposit of £80 which you can collect upon departure. This is in case you break anything in the apartment.



The reception area is not open 24 hours a day, so it is a problem when you check in late at night. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, as I am not happy with the apartment.

The Mariposa is conveniently...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr C Birch

Comments:

The Mariposa is conveniently located for most restaurants, shops and bars, albeit situated on a slope, so could be tricky for some.



The general condition of the apartments is adequate but is found wanting in some areas. For instance, the beds are uncomfortable and I got a few springs in my back on occasions. There was no air conditioning and was charged 18 euro to hire a fan.



The shop below was selling them for the same price!!! During our weeks stay, the maids came only once and that was only because we had to request it from the rather miserable/arrogant receptionist, who also told us they don't take the rubbish out, that was for you to do!! The T.V didn't work because the reception was that bad it wasn't worth bothering with. We requested it to be fixed but even the repair man gave up after replacing the aerial, so no T.V!!



The swimming pool is largely overshadowed and has restrictions on things you can take in, i.e. no inflatables. However, the facilities over at the International II hotel (which we were able to use) were very good.



The Barcelona trip is a must but be wary of booking through the holiday reps as we were disappointed with the Camp Nou due to only being allowed in certain parts of the ground, i.e. not allowed in the changing rooms, tunnel and side of pitch. It turned out to be a watered down version of what you can get if you go it alone. Something that the rep conveniently failed to disclose.



Salou as a resort is great with plenty to do. Some people say its competing with Benidorm but Salou is a little classier in my opinion, especially the beach front and parts of the old town.



We will definitely go back to Salou but not to the Mariposa.

Well after reading all these...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

May 2007

Tour Operator:

Airtours

Submitted By:

Miss S Curson

Comments:

Well after reading all these reviews on here I think the people at Mariposa apartments must have taken notice, as I can’t fault anything!



We only booked the holiday 2 days before we went so didn’t know where we was staying until we landed. When we arrived at the apartments we was greeted by a lovely man called Robert who was very helpful.



We got to the room and was very pleased with it. Was clean and had fresh clean towels on each bed. These were changed every other day.



Our rep was in the apartments every other day for an hour if we had any problems or wanted to book days out. The pool was empty when we were there so had no trouble with sunbeds although I do feel the apartments need extra for peak times. The big tree should go also as it shadows over the kids part of the pool so it was extra cold!



We were told we could use the facilities in the international hotel opposite, but we only done that twice as it was very noisy and full of drunks! Apparently there was 5 break ins that week in the Hotel! There pool was a lot nicer though!



At night we would go for walks along the beach and go see the laser shows at the fountains which is fantastic. Lots of things for the kids to do along the sea front.



Only thing that wound me up was people handing out flyers constantly down the main rd in Salou... think we got about 25 on our first night!! Oh and also the annoying blokes that try to sell you glasses on the beach....they don’t take no for an answer!!!



At the end of the day its only rated 2 star so people who have complained should maybe think about going 4* in future. Like my mum always says.... you get what ypu pay for!



Hand on heart though we all had a fantastic time and had great weather too!

What a fantastic place! I went...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Miss G Hughes

Comments:

What a fantastic place! I went with 3 of my friends and had the best holiday ever, we all shared an apartment which was great as there was plenty of room, even on the balcony!



The maids tended to our rooms every day and we always had fresh towels, toilet roll etc. To think I was dreading this holiday reading some reviews!



The nightlife was fab in Salou and we went everywhere, Charlie Chaplin’s, Bus Stop and Papillion were the best places. Crocks wasn't really that great but it depends what you like I suppose.



The Connect Inn is like a Wetherspoons, they gave us a lovely hangover cure on our last day there, and it really did work! We went there one night before we were due to go out and ended up staying there watching DVD’s on the big screen - thanks for that!



Overall the best holiday I’ve ever had, I am planning on returning in summer 2007 with my partner and can't wait!!

Well what can I say? From...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2005

Tour Operator:

MyTravel

Submitted By:

Not Specified

Comments:

Well what can I say? From reading the reviews on here before we went, we were dreading it but when we got there the apartments turned out to be far better than hoped, they were cleaned every other day with clean towels provided. The apartments were spacious and had most facilities needed.



The surrounding areas were lively and had a supermarket and shops just around the corner, pubs underneath the apartments and superb family bars across the road. There were plenty of places to enjoy a good meal but the best had to be a place called the 19th hole owned by friendly English people.



The small beach was just up the road and the main beach just slightly further on, although it was really busy due to all the activities available. Down near the main road was a bus which took us straight to the go-karting tracks which were ace and there was also a bus stop right outside the apartments which took us to Port Aventura theme park with some excellent rides and a superb firework display at midnight or you could choose to go to the water park which had 4 waterslides, rubber rings, wave machine and a children’s small pool area.



The pool in the apartments was quite small but I was happy enough with it and got plenty of sun. The only downside was the fact that there isn’t any air conditioning but fans were available for hire from the reception.



People who gave this hotel a rating of 1/10 are exaggerating by far. I would definitely return here, but if you are fussy about which hotels you choose then I wouldn't recommend mariposa apartments, otherwise they are perfectly suitable for most people because lets face it, it's not like your going to be in all day.

The apartments are basic but not...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Aspro

Submitted By:

Mr B Large

Comments:

The apartments are basic but not unpleasant with regards to the interior but if you go self catering then the chance of having them cleaned during your stay are some what slim. The pool area is disappointing due to a very poor design. It is horrendously overlooked by the surrounding building so the fight for the sun lounges which actually see the sun is fierce. There is also a large fur tree that would be attractive in different surroundings but around a swimming pool creates even more shade and drops needles in around the pool.



The have no secure holding room if you wish to leave your bags after you have checked out and are awaiting your airport transfer. Apparently you may hold your room, subject to availability, however this does not apply to Sundays as they are short staffed and this is the busiest transfer day.



Be very aware of the trips offered by the tour operator as their ability to produce value for money is highly dubious. This especially apparent when dealing with trips to Barcelona. The trip I undertook was dubbed as Barcelona Free Time which gave you the chance to experience the city without the restrictions of tour schedule. We were lead to believe that the transfer rep would be able to point out the main attractions, give directions and at least give some back ground regarding the city. The reality was that the tour rep’s knowledge was not only woefully inaccurate but disconcertedly lacking. Apart from the surrounding area were the coach dropped us off it became clear that the person had no idea as to where anything else was thus leaving the tourist at the mercy of the unscrupulous taxi drivers to find or way around.



Would I recommend Salou as a holiday destination? Yes, I think it offers plenty for everyone, especially families.



Would I recommend Aspro or the Mariposa Apartments? No, unless I particular disliked the person I was advising.



It’s a pity considering there is an abundance of lodgings within the resort and a number of tour operators serving the area that I managed to pick such a shabby out fit.

As a travel agent, I found this...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Self Catering

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Airtoursaspro

Submitted By:

Miss G Oliver

Comments:

As a travel agent, I found this hotel at a bargain price and booked it in store. I'd been a bit apprehensive as this hotel’s official rating is only a 2 star so, felt very pleased when I arrived here.



I found it very suitable for families especially. It's suitable for people who don't mind basic facilities in a good location. receptionists were very helpful, booked our excursions to the theme park through our rep, it included a day at Costa Caribe Water Park, which is a waste of time, as there are about 4 slides, and hour queue for each of them.



I would much rather have gone to the aqua polis water park that has so much more to do there. The port aventura theme park is a must, and the after dark is a fantastic atmosphere with the shows and fire works.



Only down side with the hotel is the ratio of sun loungers to guests is about 3:1, so if your going to spend the day by the pool make sure your up nice and early, if not the beach is also brilliant. The resort itself is very family orientated with many pubs and bars allowing children in them until 12 ish. Also, a good choice of shops, and some good restaurants.