We just returned from a lovely holiday in the Dorada Palace hotel.

We all found this hotel to be spotless and worth the 4 star it has been awarded.

We stayed self catering but a few times paid 6 euros adult and 3 euros child for breakfast(which filled you up for most of the day )and once for an evening meal 14 euros adult and 7 euros child. There was nothing wrong with the food but I'm glad we didn't go half board as there were so many lovely places to eat nearby and really reasonable too, making the hotel evening meal seem expensive.

The hotel location couldn't be better as it was less than 5 mins to the local supermarket, 10 minutes to all the local shops which lead down to the lovely sandy beach and 10-15 minute leisurely walk to Port Aventura theme park.

We found the hotel staff to be pleasant enough and thought they worked hard as the same staff were always there.

Everybody queued up by 8.45 for the sunbeds as the doors opened dead on 9am. It was fine for most but not for the ones wanting the same position every day and would run for them. The sun didn't get on the whole pool area until about 11 so once the towels were put down everybody disappeared for b'fast. If there was only 2 of you there were always a few beds about whenever you got there but for a family wanting to be together it was vital you were there when the doors opened. By about 3-4 pm there were loads of beds free as people went out from the hotel and lots of people arrived back from being out to a half empty pool and the sun stayed there until about 7pm and the pool would close at 8.

There were various activities run by the hotel during the day, archery, table tennis, water games as well as a kids club which was as well as the First Choice kids club. The evening entertainment we thought was ok when we stayed there for it, dancing and kids games between 9 and 10 then varied night entertainment until about midnight.

We would definitely stay at this hotel again and would love to go back.

We stayed at the Dorada Palace in July it is the best hotel we have ever stayed in.

The hotel is spotlessly clean the food at the hotel is of a very high standard and also plenty of choice for adults and children.

The hotel is a 10 minute walk to the shops bars and beach and also a 15 minute walk to Port Aventura theme park.

The hotel staff were always very friendly and the service at the bars and restaurant was good.

There were activities by the pool during the day run by the hotel and at night there was a children disco which started at 9.00 pm then followed by a show for the adults the shows at night could be improved on. While we where there we saw 4 good shows the rest where a bit cheesey. As we had 2 children aged 9 and 6 with us one of the best parts of the holiday was the First Choice kids club. The children enjoyed themselves at the clubs and the clubs reps were brilliant with them if you are going as a family

We would highly recommend the Dorado Palace to you. I know we are going back again next year. Booked already

We booked this hotel on the basis of reading the very good reviews. Very pleased when we arrived and saw the location and the facilities, but had to wait until 1.00 to check in.

Booked a one bedroomed apartments, brochure said it sleeps 5, but when we got the key, the apartments was tiny. Went to the reception thinking there had been some mistake, as 2 adults and 2 teenage children and one aged 9. When you sit on couch your legs outstretched reached the sideboard on the opposite side of the room, very narrow.

Receptionist was very unhelpful and said no mistake. Had to pay an extra 900 euro to switch to a different hotel.

We were very disappointed as the facilities looked fantastic. Room is good size for 2 adults and 1 child but no more

This was our second stay at the dorada palace, liked it so much last year we booked up again straight away.

Stayed half board for two weeks.

Rooms are nicely furnished and certainly not huge but adequate.

Hotel was very clean couldn't fault maids.

Good range of food in buffet restaurant. Children have their own area at a lower level to serve themselves. Fantastic omelette's for breakfast and theme nights few times week. Men must wear trousers for dinner although 3/4 length ok. only grumble was restaurant staff too busy and sometimes had to clear own plates away.

Staff generally good. Waiter service from bar in evening had improved on previous year. animation team tried very hard to get you involved in their activities if you stayed in. Shows on every night except Monday (when they have karaoke instead) after kids mini disco and bingo. mixture of external acts and shows put on by animation team.

Hotel located not far from shops and about 20 minute walk from main beach, and about same from Port Aventura.
Would definitely go back again in a few years time

We have to agree with the previous two reviews about this hotel, we originally stayed in this hotel back in 2000 when I believe it was just opened, and this year we found quite a difference.

Hotel - We had no problem checking in as we arrived in the evening, we were a bit shocked at the 100

The hotel itself is rated as 4* and is very clean and well maintained. The rooms are a good size for 2 adults however would be a squeeze to fit 4 or more people in. We had a balcony overlooking the dual-carriageway and kids playground, so needless to say we didn't spend much time out there! The hotel basically caters for families with young children and there always seemed to be something going on to keep them amused, however if your looking for peace and quiet then i wouldn't recommend staying here. I can imagine it being hell in the middle of July! The hotel is about 10 mins walk from the beach and PortAventura.

POSITIVES

* Check out the 'adults only' roof top pool, jacuzzi and gym to get away from the noisy children at the main pool!
* You can hire large beach towels from reception free of charge
* Maids came everyday and replaced towels when needed.
* Reception staff are very helpful (We had an incident where the apartment next door to us had flooded and water was coming into our room, they responded immediately and cleaned everything up)

NEGATIVES

* Its a pain that you can't check in until 2pm, especially as you'll be waiting in the queue another hour along with everyone else when check-in opens.
* The security deposit of

Well were do I begin, what a place to visit, I'm still having nightmares where do i begin.

Food always cold, same old same old, no choice just chips with everything and tomato flavoured pasta (cold) yuk.

The hotel is 4 star but should be 3*.my room was ok if I was a midget and a lovely 1970's style camp bed for the kids(bring back Butlins). The balcony was laughable tiny you couldn't swing a cat and overlooking a beautiful constructed building site there is no better view (tongue in cheek).

cut to the chase Salou is a filthy dump it's a poor mans Blackpool, crowded beach, litter, funny smell, bad food.

Want my advice stay away book southern Spain or Canaries, I'm off for therapy now to see if my nightmares will go away...have fun.

Just returned from the Dorada palace hotel and although I can agree to some of what people say I can honestly say there is no pleasing some people.

Breakfast was for everyone you had cereal, toast, beans, eggs,sausages, omelette's, juice, tea, coffee and much more they catered for every nationality. Dinner again there was a choice of salad, pasta, selection of meats for the children there was smiley faces chips pasta chicken fish fingers and much more with lots of different deserts for everyone.

The hotel itself is lovely and clean the entertainment doesn't start till ten which is a pain when you have young ones who are easily bored.

We found the room to be of a decent size witha nice view overlooking the pool.

I must point out a steep walk up to the hotel when you have been into Salou for the night or day and this can be quite hard especially if pushing a pram or laden down with shopping but the exercise does you good.

The beach is lovely no foul smells as previously pointed out my little one loved playing in the sea and sand as did i.

I do agree however that it is a Spanish version of Blackpool as of a night there isn't much to do for little ones, except waste your money trying to win teddies or on silly racing machines or drink. We didn't find much to do at all of a night except one bar called Champions did have some brilliant entertainment on for kids and the bar next door had a mini motorbike circuit and trampolines ball-pool etc which was good but still this went on till 12pm, and its a good 20 minute walk from the hotel not nice if you have small kids and you have to walk back with all the touts and the Spanish etc.

Overall I would say I had a brilliant holiday and would return but not in the near future Salou desperately needs to look at things for the younger children to keep them occupied.

We have just got back from Club Dorada Palace do not be fooled by people saying its only a short walk into town it took us nearly 25 mins to get to the beach and town. The streets are quite dirty and loads of graffiti everywhere. I've been to Spain about 10 times and have never seen such a dirty resort. You can't have a nice stroll along the beach front or town without being bothered by touts who get in your face.

We booked the holiday as self catering so that we could have a separate bedroom, then when we got there we paid for half board which was 125 euro for 5 days.

The apartment was a good size for 3 adults and a baby you could manage 4 adults and a baby if need be, it was very clean and the maids came every day to clean.

The food was quite boring the same old stuff nearly every day, there is a good selection for kids.

There are 3 pools the main one gets very busy, there is also a snack bar but the staff are rude and unhelpful, never smile or say hello.

Also watch out for the floor very slippery.

The back pool is lovely and quiet and the beds are more comfortable but have to walk to the main pool to get drinks and snacks.

On the roof there is a small pool and a spa this area is great its adults only and there is always room up there.

Kids club and cr

Good sized room, loads to do at the hotel.

From what I was told the half board upgrade is worth paying for when you arrive.

Pool area was good with kids play area.