Royal Apartments

Review date: 22 October 2008 - A HotelStreet visitor from Derby, England wrote:-

Review title: "Absolutely Horrible "
Travel date: October 2008
This was disgusting. I actually only stayed here for a night of my two week holiday because it was that awful. The appartment made my cousin ill and it actually had really bad sewage problems and stank. Also the towels and sheets were disgusting and were not clean.

We also got told before we went that the pool would be open and the pool was closed and looked disgusting.

However, the Royal apartments were in a good location, which is actually the only good thing about the place. This hotel was meant to have been three star and I believe it should have been no stars at all.

When we moved apartments, we did not get our money back and we had to pay again to stay somewhere else so technically we paid to stay in two places and this should not have happened! I was disgusted by this place.

Review date: 15 October 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Norwich wrote:-

Review title: "Awful"
Travel date: September 2007
I have to say that our stay at the Royal Apartments was far from pleasant.

After getting a red-eye flight out to Reus, we arrived at the Royal apartments only to find out that we had to go to another hotel a couple of streets away to get out key. After walking around for half an hour with our bags (wrongly thinking the hotel would be easily found from the hotel) we had to ask directions from another hotel.

We arrived at the reception and were told we would have to wait another half an hour before we could even check in. So we waited. Finally got to check in and were asked for our 50 euros each (something we hadn't been told was required on booking and actually didn't make sense either as no one checked the apartment on leaving).

We finally made it to the apartment at about 11 a.m., obviously very tired and just wanting to lay down. We found the apartment to be dirty and smelly with no towels or bed linen, tell a lie, there was a lovely big bag of dirty towels and bedding thoughtfully left for us. We tried to lay down without linen but found the mattress and pillows so smelly it just wasn't possible! So back we went to reception to ask for towels etc and we were told we would have them soon. These didn't arrive until 6 p.m.!

The apartments are on a huge roundabout in central Salou. The Spanish weren't shy in using their horns every two minutes and you get a lovely blast from lorries, buses and cars. Overall not a very relaxing time.

With regard to the area directly around the apartment in Salou, think Great Yarmouth. There was absolutely no Spanish atmosphere, instead the food on offer consisted of pork chops with apple sauce, full English breakfast, cod and chips - you get my point. If I wanted to go to England I would have stayed here!

The good points - great beach, Tarragona (historical town close by), one nice restaurant down at the sea front and the lit fountains in the evenings.

Overall a very disappointing holiday.

Review date: 26 September 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Scotland wrote:-

Review title: "Disgusting"
Travel date: September 2007
This was my third visit to Salou and having recommended it to the others in my party, I am disappointed to say it was a holiday from hell.

Arrived on Monday - no reception in building, it was situated two streets away and not manned 24 hours as advertised. Resident in building had to direct us.

First room filthy and smell nearly made me vomit! Second room not smelly but not clean either but we accepted this was as good as it was going to get. No hot water Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Fixed for Thursday but none again Friday or Saturday. In addition no electricity or water on Saturday until after lunchtime, no hot water until evening. Not told that pool would be closed for last three days of holiday. Towels were not replaced at all in the week despite being dirty having been used by workmen who came to fix the water!

Several guests, including ourselves, got stuck in one of the lifts. Luckily we managed to get it open but given no one on reception etc, not sure what we would have done if we hadn't. Reported to reception but two days later still not working properly and no notice to warn guests of fault.

Apartments advertised as being air conditioned - not in the three we were in. Also has play area and garden? Again, not where we stayed, perhaps this is like reception and off site.

Being a last minute cheap holiday you don't expect too much. However, being clean, having hot water and electricity is a basic requirement or is it? All in all holiday spoiled by fact that we had to spend time every day visiting reception to sort out problems. You couldn't pay me enough to let a dog live in the Royal apartments never mind people. Have only scored one out of ten because zero wasn't an option!

Review date: 26 September 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Scotland wrote:-

Review title: "Never Again!"
Travel date: September 2007
Arrived at the Royal apartments. No notices to say where to get keys, had to ask passers by.

Room was dirty and smelly so requested to be moved. Next room not too bad but not great. Bath had a big crack in it. Had no hot water for three whole days and fuse switch kept tripping until eventually we had no electricity at all. Towels were not changed at all in the seven days we were there and mid week the pool had closed for the season which we were not told about when we booked.

With there not being a reception, a lot of time was spent going back and forth to the office to report faults.

Fair enough the holiday didn't cost much and you do get what you pay for but is a hot shower asking for too much?

Review date: 16 October 2006 - A HotelStreet visitor from Sweden wrote:-

Review title: "Royal. We Loved It!"
Travel date: September 2006
Hi! I have just read the review from a unsatisfied holiday maker. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if he had our apartment after we left! (517). Thought we would leave bottled water and sealed food for the next visitor!

We booked at short notice and paid under £200 pounds four people. Although the Royal looks a little shabby, for the price I paid, I will not and refuse to complain. Our laundry and towels were delivered once in 12 days. But as I took my own towels this wasn't a problem. The bathroom had an unpleasant smell, but it was clean and the smell easily hidden with perfume. The pool was closed. End of season, so I wasn't surprised. The cooker was slow, but you are able to cook. The reception desk was open 24 hours. We lost a set of keys and were able to get a spare set at 4.30 a.m. It is a two minute walk away. Yes, of course gates will be locked, so enquire before you go where the reception is.

The balcony was huge. Supplied were table and chairs and many evenings it was quiet enough to sit out and relax. The security cameras work. I didn't expect anyone to clean our rooms when we were there. It's self catering.

If you are looking for a budget holiday and do not have such high standards as some, this is the ideal place if funds are tight. I highly recommend to anyone. Will be back 2007! (with a corkscrew - a country of wine and no cork screw?!)

Review date: 04 October 2006 - A HotelStreet visitor from Scotland wrote:-

Review title: "What A Dump"
Travel date: September 2006
When we arrived in Salou, we were locked out at the front gate with two children and five cases. We had to go and get the keys from another hotel. Once I had paid 100 euros for a deposit, we got entry into the apartments to find the cooker would not switch off. It was melting hot so I had to return with the keys to be given another room which had been left with drink and food in the fridge, the beds had not been changed and the place stank. I went back again to be given another set of keys. This time it seemed ok but the grill on the cooker did not work. I got a shock from the cooker and the patio doors stuck. When we went to reception to complain the next morning, we found it closed.

No access to the pool for the week we were there. The room was not cleaned for the week we were there. When I returned the keys, they did not know I was in the room I had been moved to. As we went to the same place last year, we thought it was fine but we found it had changed hands so no reception or pool access. I would not recommend this place for my dog. What a disappointment.

Review date: 28 September 2006 - A HotelStreet visitor from Sligo,Ireland wrote:-

Review title: "Royal Apartments Review"
Travel date: September 2006
My girlfriend and I booked a week at the Royal Apartments in Salou, arriving on the 19th of September. As we had booked on a late deal, I really didn't know what to expect from the apartments. On arrival at the apartments, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful palm trees and water features just in front of the hotel. The balconies were amazing - the biggest balcony I have ever witnessed in an apartment. The apartments were very spacious and very, very clean.

The Royal Apartments have a really good location right in the centre of everything with Portaventura a mere 10-15 minute walk away, or, if you prefer, there is a bus stop right across the road with buses running to and from the park every 15 minutes. A must do in Salou is go-karting which is situated just outside Salou and has a 800 metre track - one of the biggest in Europe, which also has a free bus running from the same stop as the Portaventura bus stop.

The Royal Apartments have good points and bad points. Good: very spacious, great location, quiet area (may depend on which way your apartment is facing), near the lovely sandy beach, watersports on the beach.

Bad: our apartment was never cleaned once, no fresh towels – we had three towels for the seven days, were given one roll of toilet roll for seven days and ended up having to buy our own, we only ever saw the so called cleaners once and on this occasion my girlfriend asked for some clean towels but was told that they had none.

Overall the royal apartments are a basic accommodation (that need to review their cleaning policies) but that does not take away the fact that we really enjoyed our holiday as Salou is a top class resort that covers for all ages with activities to match all types of people.

Review date: 20 October 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from England, UK wrote:-

Review title: "Royal Apartment"
Travel date: October 2005
When we booked our holiday, we went to Salou as we have got friends over there and also I like the country and the weather and the beach. Also the spanish people make us welcome.

I enjoyed the Royal apartments as they were clean and tidy. They were surprised about our room as I kept it clean and I think they offered me some work but I could be mistaken. I would like to go again to Salou.

Review date: 16 January 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Scotland wrote:-

Review title: "Great Central Location"
Travel date: October 2005
I have stayed at the Royal a few times and I for one absolutely love it! I work for a travel agent myself and all the girls in my shop have high standards. I prefer a lovely place with a bed to sleep in! That's exactly what I found when I came to Salou! I've travelled to Salou for several years now! I have stayed in the Royal three of these years. They have a great central location, fantastic for going up to the theme park! Unfortunately, as of 2006, the travel agents were no longer selling the Royal which was a shame, so I missed out!

I always found the pool spick and span and when I returned for my last year in October 05, I found they had invested in a lifeguard! The hotel was pleasant, the staff nice and the rooms were good enough to sleep in! They were nice big apartments and the balcony is huge! Great at the end of season, well, which is the start of October and a lot quieter. Overall I think the Royal has great prospects. It has always been my number one place to stay in Salou!

Review date: 01 March 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from Middlesbrough, England wrote:-

Review title: "Royal Apartments"
Travel date: September 2005
I stayed at the Royal Apartments in September 2005. I thought that they were quite pleasant. When I was there, I had cleaners in my room every morning and the view to the beach was lovely and there was a pub right underneath you so you did not have to go out only if you wanted to. They had shows on for you and children too. The food was lovely there. We went for two weeks and we ate in there most nights. There is a pizza shop attached to the pub.

The pool was cleaned every day and it just looked lovely. If ever I went back to Salou, I would love to stop in these apartments again.

Review date: 05 August 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Cambridgeshire wrote:-

Review title: "Just What I Expected"
Travel date: July 2005
We booked a week at the Royal Apartments starting the 26th July at very short notice. I did not want to pay over £1000 for three of us so knew it would be difficult to find somewhere peak season. I had read in reviews that it was very noisy, so was prepared and took a large supply of disposable earplugs. We hired a fan so had to overcome the rumbling of the fan and aggressive Spanish drivers all night and believe me, these people drive, there is never a quite moment.

Brilliant balcony, at least 12ft long, fifth floor up so could watch the Spanish police hijacking cars and a great deal of sign language going on amongst the drivers along with blasting horns.

The apartment was very clean with one main bedroom with what looked like brand new twin beds which were very comfortable. Our son who is 15, had the bed settee, which pulled out but the mattress had seen better days and he did well to sleep on it all week. Kitchen was well stocked with every thing you needed. Two swimming pools, one main and one baby pool. Both were clean and a lifeguard manned it daily. The staff were all very helpful, hard working and keen to please and it was nice to see the First Choice rep helping out the Cosmos rep who was run ragged with something like 20 hotels and apartments to look after.

Overall Salou is mad, lot of Scots, Irish, Germans and Spanish all crowded into one resort but somehow it works. I did not experience any timeshare pests and certainly no hostility anywhere, and by the way, Linda's Bar under the apartments is fantastic.

Review date: 18 July 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Scotland wrote:-

Review title: "Faulty Towers"
Travel date: July 2005
Small rooms which were very dirty, bath had stains. Don't think the room had been cleaned in months. Bed mattress burst! Fridge was blowing out hot air. Had to hire fans as rooms very hot. Overall a dump and wouldn't recommend anyone to stay. Life guard at pool area meant basically kids can't have fun. Ruined my holiday.

Review date: 21 April 2009 - A HotelStreet visitor from Cheshire wrote:-

Review title: "Royal Apartments"
Travel date: May 2005
Since staying at the Royal apartments, I have longed to go back there as we had a great holiday. The people were great, the 'Titanic' bar was excellent. The whole area was pleasurable but since then, I have found it impossible to book these apartments.

Review date: 03 November 2007 - A HotelStreet visitor from England wrote:-

Review title: "Royal Apartments Are Good."
Travel date: October 2003
The apartment we were in was nice and clean. Also the Spanish people were nice too us. The cleaners came in to clean and change the sheets and towels. Our room was nice and looking over near the beach and sea. We would come again and stay there. I would recommend it to anyone who goes to Salou.

Review date: 08 July 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Fife, UK wrote:-

Review title: "Just What You Require!"
Travel date: August 2003
We had no idea what to expect when we arrived at the Royal Apartments in Salou. However, we were pleased, overall with the service and quality of accommodation. Initially however, we were slightly disappointed with the fixtures and fittings of our apartment. On arrival we had two kitchen doors loose and nearly falling off. However, after a quick visit to reception we were asked very politely to leave the room, ten minutes later we returned to our room and everything was fine.

The Royal Apartments is situated over the 'Titanic Tavern', which hosts bingo, karaoke etc and also serves great English food and a vast selection of cocktails from kids to alcoholic and caters for kids with it's in-house entertainment programme.

In addition to this, The Royal Apartments are in easy walking distance from usual amenities, beach and restaurants/bars. Also, the apartments are situated just over from 'Flashback', a local nightclub, which can be noisy at times, however, you can get used to it... eventually.

And finally, directly outside the hotel is a bus-stop which has buses leaving every ten to -15 minutes to the Port Aventura theme park. So, if you're a theme park junkie at heart, you'll have easy access to the park day and/or night.

To conclude, the Royal Apartments is a well established establishment situated in the 'centre of the action' with easy access to everything Salou has to offer. A perfect choice for families/couples.

Oh, and did I mention, the Royal Apartments have a GREAT pool which is cleaned daily! You'll love it.

Review date: 27 July 2005 - A HotelStreet visitor from Scotland wrote:-

Review title: "Royal Apartments - Basic"
Travel date: September 2002
As we arrived at the Royal Apartments it looked beautiful with the palm trees and water falls surrounding it. However, as we entered our room we found that it was very small and certainly didn't have the space for six people to share which we needed and had asked for.

It was very noisy as it is situated at a major roundabout in the centre of Salou which made it very difficult to sleep most nights. The entertainment was pretty poor in the apartments so we had to venture out most nights to the far end of the town which had more to offer.

Having said all this, the beach was beautiful with golden sand and Port Aventura could not be faulted. Everything that you hear about Port Aventura is true, but it is even more spectacular to witness in person. The Dragon Kahn is really worth going on if you are in to that sort of thing. We would back again to Salou, just choose a different place to stay as the royal apartments did not live up to our expectations.