Hotel California Palace

I am currently staying at this hotel.The hotel is good .Don't have a problem with it.Some of the restaurant staff,a different story.Mohammad is very pleasant.One of the waitress is very ignorant and doesn't want to acknowledge me at all.Just a simple nod is sufficient ,no need to go overboard.I was always taught to be polite growing up.Its a shame that one person can spoil the feel of the hotel.I suggest this one individual has a customer service course.W would I stay at this hotel again,possibly,hoping Miss charisma has moved on.

Having stayed at Calafornia Gardens last year, I opted for Calafornia Palace this year being a 4 star hotel and somewhat dearer in price so thinking I will get a more luxurious hotel. How wrong was I. Jet 2 advertise this hotel as being 850 meters to beach which I think is correct but 500 meters to Salou centre which is a total lie. It is more like 1500 -1800 metres to Salou centre. It took me at least 30 mins to walk there and even longer to get back in the heat. I would never have booked this hotel if I’d known how far from the centre it was. I felt isolated and alone with not much going on around this area. The hotel itself was clean. The public areas immaculate but it seamed to lack a friendly feeling. I never once saw the receptionists smile in fact they looked rather unhappy. I inquired about an early break and was told it’s available between 5am and 7 am. I went down 6 am the next morning to be told I should have booked it and there is nothing available for me. Why didn’t the receptionist tell me this, I feel they only answered any questions you asked and not volunteering any extra information. They refused me breakfast that morning and said comeback at 8 am. However I was offered a cup of coffee. But still not good enough for an 4 star establishment. There was a fridge in the room with a big lock on it. You have to pay for the key. I chose not to. Also the safe was for hire at €20 per week and €10 deposit. The food is honestly the most disgusting I have ever come across in my many years of travelling. It was stone cold and tasteless. No flavouring what so ever totally bland. There was no show cooking even though there was the facility to do so. The chef came out and grilled pieces of meat now and again but rather than engage with the guests who were waiting he used to Chuck them into the serving dishes. I never once saw him look up and acknowledge anybody. The 2 restaurant managers were friendly and jolly and made me feel welcome. I have stayed at the golden port Salou before and the food there is amazing even a glass of cava with breakfast. If you love your food then this is not the hotel for you. Swimming pool area was ok, plenty subbeds but only about 8/9 umbrellas for the whole hotel. Entertainment was rather lacking. It started at 10pm for 30 mins (not worth waiting for) but music was playing in bar area and animation couple were engaging with people. All in all not one of the nicest places I’ve been to in salou.

Positives: Hotel is spotless, so clean and tidy. Fresh towels every day. 5 minute walk from the beach. Great breakfast with plenty of choice. The staff we encountered were lovely. Free air con. The drink prices in the bar are really cheap. Negatives: No tea and coffee making facilities in the room. The food at night is dreadful, we ate out nearly every night. The entire hotel didn’t have an ironing board. You have to pay for the fridge and safe. The reception and bar are Modern and fab but the rooms are really basic. The beds are really uncomfortable. The entertainment was catered for an elderly crowd.