Palas Pineda Hotel, Spain
An All Inclusive Spanish Hotel in Costa Dorada
A four-star hotel in the resort of La Pineda, the Palas Pineda provides family-friendly accommodation next to a golden sandy beach and close to Port Aventura theme park.
If Spain is top of your European destination list this year, and you want to combine a beach holiday with a handy theme park to keep the kids entertained, the Costa Dorada region fits the bill nicely. And if you want to avoid the crowds, steer clear of the tourist mecca of Salou and opt for a quieter resort like La Pineda.
Only 100 metres from a long, tranquil beach, and adjacent to the La Pineda promenade, Palas Pineda actually consists of two buildings, Palas I and Palas II, both overlooking the two extensive outdoor pools, which are surrounded by an ample sun terrace with free sunloungers. The main reception is truly stunning, featuring a high domed ceiling and grand staircase, with a 180-degree view of all four floors. The hotel offers daytime activities and evening entertainment for both adults and children. Unlike many Salou hotels which tend to cater almost exclusively for British guests, the Palas Pineda has a more European flavour, and is popular with Russian, Spanish and German tourists.
Rooms
There are 452 rooms and suites split between the two buildings. Standard rooms offer two beds, bath with shower, hairdryer, TV with international channels, balcony/terrace, air conditioning (which will only operate when the patio doors are closed), direct dial telephone, minibar and safe (local charge for both). Cots are available but count towards the maximum occupancy of the room. Rooms in Palas I overlooking the pools may be affected by noise from the evening entertainment.
Wining and Dining
Guests can either choose half board or all inclusive board basis. Half board guests eat at the Fidias restaurant, all inclusive guests at the Olimpo. Both serve buffet-style meals (as the hotel caters for different nationalities dishes are generally not labelled, but there are pictures of a cow, chicken, pig etc beside any potentially confusing items), and there is also an a la carte restaurant on site. All inclusive guests also have their own bars, which usually operate between 10am - 11 pm, and for a fee you can upgrade to branded wine and spirits. Between-meal snacks generally consist of ice cream or potato chips.
Leisure and Recreation
As well as the two outdoor pools and jacuzzi, the Palas Pineda Hotel has an indoor pool, gym, sauna and solarium. Tennis and paddle tennis are also available. Kids will enjoy the games room with video games, table football and billiards. The hotel can also arrange excursions to the surrounding area including Tarragona and Barcelona. Water sports are available on the beach.
For Families
There is a kids club during the summer and school holidays. As well as the children’s pool with waterslide, there is a playground with an (unsupervised) activity hut. Babysitting service available (local charge). Aquopolis water park is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and there is an amusement park for the little ones located on the promenade. Local buses to Port Aventura can be found about 80 metres from the hotel.
Facilities & Services
Internet access (local charge), currency exchange and luggage storage (unattended) available in the lobby. The Palas Pineda also offers car parking, bicycle storage, valet laundry service, hairdresser and conference facilities.
The Palas Pineda Hotel makes a good base for exploring the Costa Dorada, particularly for families looking for a quiet, safe beach to soak up the sun, as well as guests looking for all inclusive convenience. Its location in La Pineda ensures plenty of long leisurely days, as opposed to the non-stop action in nearby Salou. If all you want to do is lounge by the pool or relax on the beach, this is an ideal place to go. For further details visit their website www.palaspineda.com.
