Salou Playa Rentalmar: Your Dream Spanish Escape Awaits!
Salou Playa Rentalmar: My Dream Spanish Getaway…or Was It? (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the sangria on my recent trip to Salou Playa Rentalmar. "Your Dream Spanish Escape Awaits!" they boomed. Well, dream almost came true, let's be real. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed, this is real life, folks.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the Slightly Terrifying
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is HUGE for me (and should be for everyone, honestly). The hotel claimed to be wheelchair accessible. Keyword there: claimed. The lobby? Generally okay. The elevators? Functional, but felt like waiting for a spaceship launch sometimes. (A minor gripe). The real test came with the on-site accessible restaurants / lounges. Okay, here's where things got tricky. Some areas were passable, some were… well, let's just say my wheelchair skills got a serious work-out on the cobblestone walkways. Now, I'm not going to lie, it was a bit of a struggle at times. There were ramps, but they weren't always clearly marked, and some were steeper than a politician's promise. My partner and I ended up having to do the "two-person lift" to access the patio on occasion, which, while bonding, isn't something you should have to do. (A MAJOR concern).
Internet & Tech Shenanigans
Thank goodness for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Actually, scratch that, it was Internet, Internet [LAN], and Internet services. They had all the options. I needed that! The wi-fi was, shall we say, temperamental. One minute I was streaming Netflix, the next I was staring at the loading symbol like it was a modern art masterpiece. (Minor frustrations were the norm here). I ended up using the LAN in the room for a more reliable connection which was handy for work. (A minor positive).
Things to Do (and How to Relax, Maybe)
Alright, let's get to the fun stuff! Ways to relax: They had it all! The Spa, the sauna, the Steamroom, the Massage, the Pool with view, the Foot bath (which I was too nervous to use). I mean it was pretty impressive. I tried the sauna, and I have to say that was just bliss. (A Great Positive). The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, though getting a sun lounger was a battle royale every morning. I just loved soaking up the sun. (Another Great Positive.) Oh, and the Fitness center was there. I think I saw one person use it the entire trip. Just saying. (Neutral, if you're into that. If not, you should probably still check it out. )
Cleanliness and Safety: A Hyper-Vigilant Experience
Okay, I'm not going to lie, the pandemic had me on high alert. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options – they took it seriously. Room sanitization opt-out available was brilliant, honestly. It put my mind at ease. The staff were seriously trained in safety protocols. (A VERY positive and reassuring note). I can't fault them on that front.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes Questionable)
The food scene was… an experience. The Breakfast [buffet] was the highlight of the day. Breakfast service. Buffet in restaurant. I’m a sucker for a buffet. The Asian breakfast was a nice addition. The Western breakfast was pretty good too. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver. However, the restaurants had some issues. The A la carte in restaurant was fantastic, but the wait times could be brutal. They need more staff. I didn't even bother with the Soup in restaurant. And the Salad in restaurant wasn’t really what I was expecting. (A mixed bag of experiences). Also, for the love of tapas, more Desserts in restaurant options!
Services and Conveniences: Yay or Nay?
Elevator: Yay! (Especially with luggage). Concierge: They were helpful, but also seemed perpetually swamped. Luggage storage: Thankfully available. Laundry service: A lifesaver, especially after a week of beach bumming. (Mainly positive here).
For the Kids (or the Forever Young at Heart)
Didn't have kids with me, but I saw the Kids facilities. There was a Babysitting service, and I think I saw a Kids meal option.Seemed pretty kid-friendly. (Neutral for me, but a positive for families).
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Minus the Occasional Surprise)
The room itself? Pretty good. Air conditioning. Daily housekeeping. Free bottled water. Oh, the Balconies. Alarm clock. Blackout curtains: (A Godsend, especially after those sangria-fueled nights). Non-smoking. The Shower was great, and the Separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch. **(Generally good) ** The bed was comfortable, and there was the occasional surprise. (I kept my socks and underwear on, I am not ashamed!).
Getting Around: Wheels and Heels
Airport transfer: They offered it, but I ended up taking a taxi. Car park [free of charge]: (Amazing!).
Overall Verdict: Dreams and Realities
Okay, so Salou Playa Rentalmar? It's a mixed bag. The amenities are great, the location is superb, and some of the staff are absolute gems. But the accessibility issues and the occasional dining hiccup did take away from the dream. It wasn't the flawless escape I'd envisioned. Would I go back? Maybe. If they address the accessibility concerns, definitely. Am I going to recommend it? Yes, but with caveats. It's a solid choice, just be prepared for a few bumps (both literal and metaphorical).
SEO & META Data
- Title: Salou Playa Rentalmar: My Dream Spanish Getaway…Or Was It? (A Brutally Honest Review)
- Meta Description: Honest review of Salou Playa Rentalmar in Salou, Spain. Accessibility, food, facilities, and overall experience. All the details!
- Keywords: Salou Playa Rentalmar, Salou, Spain, hotel review, accessibility, wheelchair accessible, spa, swimming pool, food, dining, honest review, vacation, travel, accommodations
- Focus Keywords: Salou Playa Rentalmar Review, Accessible Hotel Salou
- Category URL: /hotels/salou/salou-playa-rentalmar-review
- H1: Salou Playa Rentalmar: My Dream Spanish Getaway…Or Was It? (A Brutally Honest Review)
- H2: Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the Slightly Terrifying
- H2: Internet & Tech Shenanigans
- H2: Things to Do (and How to Relax, Maybe)
- H2: Cleanliness and Safety: A Hyper-Vigilant Experience
- H2: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes Questionable)
- H2: Services and Conveniences: Yay or Nay?
- H2: For the Kids (or the Forever Young at Heart)
- H2: Rooms: My Sanctuary (Minus the Occasional Surprise)
- H2: Getting Around: Wheels and Heels
- H2: Overall Verdict: Dreams and Realities
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and slightly sunburnt mess that was my trip to Salou, Spain. Specifically, the Playa Rentalmar – which, let's be honest, sounded way more glamorous in the brochure than it felt after the third flight of stairs with a suitcase that weighed more than I do.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic About Paella Proportions
10:00 AM: Arrive at Reus Airport. The sun, as always, is doing its very best to blind me. First impression of Spain? Hot. Like, "I'm spontaneously sweating in places I didn't know existed" hot. Finding the transfer was even more of a saga than expected. Ended up following a group of teenagers who looked vaguely directionally-inclined, and it got me there eventually.
11:00 AM: Check in to Playa Rentalmar. Okay, the view from the balcony is amazing. Seas are glorious. But… the lift? Tiny. Like, "hold your breath and everyone squeeze in" tiny. Already regretting the oversized luggage.
12:00 PM: Unpack (ish). Realized I'd packed way too many shoes. Decided to wear the most comfortable ones, the ones that have holes.
1:00 PM: Lunch! The quest for paella begins. Wandered into a "charming" little place down the street. Ordered paella for one, because I was, well, one. It arrived. It. Was. Enormous. "Oh, you Spanish, always go large," I thought. I feel so stuffed, almost exploded.
3:00 PM: Beach time! Finally. Gloriously sandy, sun-drenched beach time. Found a spot, promptly burnt my shoulders, and watched small children throw themselves into the thrashing waves with wild abandon. Made me nostalgic.
6:00 PM: Sunset walk. Lovely. Except for that one rogue seagull who decided my sandwich was a worthy target. Lost the battle.
8:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the charming place from lunch. Paella. Again. This time I share, the waiter had the look. It was good.
Day 2: Lost in Translation (and PortAventura World)
- 9:00 AM: Attempted to get a coffee at a local cafe. Said "dos cafe con leche," got something that looked suspiciously like dishwater and tasted like disappointment. Learning the vocabulary. Slowly.
- 10:00 AM: PortAventura World! Okay, this was meant to be the highlight. The rides were thrilling! The water park area gave me anxiety. The queues? Brutal. Spent more time waiting than actually riding anything.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Port Aventura. More crowds. More noise. More overpriced food. I just wanted a quiet corner.
- 2:00 PM: After a particularly stomach-churning roller coaster, decided to embrace the chaos for a few hours more. Forced smiles through the adrenaline rush.
- 5:00 PM: Wandered around, lost in a maze of souvenir shops. Almost bought a giant stuffed panda. Then remembered the tiny lift. Decided against it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Back at Rentalmar. Grilled fish. Simple, delicious.
- 8:00 PM: Watched the people on the beach, then the stars above the waves. Thinking about my life.
Day 3: Beach Bum Bliss and a Near-Disaster with Sangria
- 9:00 AM: Beach time! This time, I learned. Sunscreen, hat, giant umbrella. Pure bliss. I spent hours there. Reading, swimming, people-watching (the best sport, by far).
- 12:00 PM: Sangria time! Tried to make my own. Disaster. Wound up with a concoction that was more wine than fruit and tasted like a dentist's office.
- 2:00 PM: The Sangria adventure continued. I was a bit tipsy. Went for a walk along the coast. Found a quiet cove. Slept under a rock for an hour.
- 4:00 PM: Found a small restaurant on the beach. Paella. Again. Delicious this time.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the beach, watched the sunset. The sky turned every shade of orange and pink. It was beautiful, and I felt like I might burst.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. Fish, garlic and wine.
- 9:00 PM: Fell asleep on the balcony.
Day 4: Barcelona Bound (Sort Of)
- 9:00 AM: Decided to take a day trip to Barcelona. Thought I looked quite chic.
- 10:00 AM: Catching the train. The train! Packed. But what did I expect?
- 12:00 PM: Arrive in Barcelona. Overwhelmed. The city is beautiful, but the crowds are… intense.
- 1:00 PM: Got lost. Wandered around aimlessly for an hour. Ended up in a tapas bar, which was a good accident.
- 2:00 PM: Finally saw the Sagrada Familia. Jaw-dropping. Speechless. Wow.
- 4:00 PM: Got separated from my group. Panicked. Found them eventually.
- 5:00 PM: Got the train. Had to stand. Tired.
- 7:00 PM: Back to Salou. Exhausted.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. The usual. Fish.
- 9:00 PM: Back on the balcony, feeling strangely contented.
Day 5: Goodbye Salou (and hello, laundry!)
- 9:00 AM: Last beach visit. Soaked up every last ray.
- 10:00 AM: Packed (the real unpacking I should have done on Day 1). Realized I'd bought way too many souvenirs. And, oh god, the laundry…
- 11:00 AM: Final paella. A bittersweet moment.
- 12:00 PM: Checked out. Said goodbye to my balcony view.
- 1:00 PM: Found myself at the airport. Flight.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the real world. Overwhelmed with the laundry.
So, there you have it. My hilariously messy, imperfect, and utterly wonderful trip to Salou. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe I'll invest in a smaller suitcase and a stronger grasp of the Spanish language next time. And, crucially, book a bigger lift!
Escape to Paradise: SANTUM NATURE Glamping in Villa de Leyva, Colombia
Salou Playa Rentalmar: Your (Potentially Chaotic!) Spanish Adventure Awaits!
Okay, so, *what* is Rentalmar? Like, are we talking a five-star palace or... something else?
Alright, picture this: Rentalmar isn't the Ritz. Let's be brutally honest. We're talking about a solid, dependable, maybe-a-little-bit-worn-around-the-edges kind of place. Think of it as your friendly, local pub, not a Michelin-starred restaurant. It's functional, it's got everything you *need* for a great holiday, and it won't bankrupt you. The apartments? They're... well, they're varied. Some are fabulously renovated, some… let’s just say they've seen a few summers. You take your chances, bless your heart. But the *location*, oh the location… that's where Rentalmar truly shines. More on that later, I promise.
The location! You teased the location! Spill the beans... how close *is* it to the beach, and all that delicious Sangria?
Oh, this is the good stuff. The beach? You practically *fall* onto it! Seriously. Depending on which building you’re in (it's a complex, remember?), you're talking a stumble, a skip, and a hop to the golden sands of Playa Llevant. Bliss. And the Sangria? Ah, yes. The bars are *everywhere*. You step out the door, and you're practically tripping over pitchers of the stuff. (Speaking from experience, ahem). The whole area is buzzing! Think late-night laughs, delicious tapas, and enough sun to make you believe in everything again. I mean, my first trip, I swear, I gained 10 pounds of pure, unadulterated *joy*. And yes, a few pounds of tapas, too.
Are there pools? Because… pools are essential, right? Especially when you're trying to avoid the sand getting *everywhere*.
Okay, pools. Yes, there are pools! Plural! And they're usually pretty decent. Now, *are* they Olympic-sized? No. Are they crystal clear and pristine 24/7? Probably not. But are they a lifesaver when the sun's beating down, and you're over the beach crowds? Absolutely! They're perfect for those languid afternoons when you just want to float around with a book and maybe a cocktail… or three. Just remember to stake your claim with a towel early, especially in peak season. Brits. Gotta love 'em. Or, y'know, *get* one.
What about parking? Do I need to budget for a tiny little garage somewhere?
Parking? Oh, parking… This is where things get a bit… *Spanish*. Rentalmar has some parking, but it's often limited and can be a bit of a free-for-all in high season. You might have to pay extra, and getting a space can sometimes feel like you're competing in a motorsport that's part demolition derby, part patience test. My advice? If you can avoid bringing a car, do. Seriously. Salou is super walkable, taxis are plentiful (and cheap!), and the public transport is pretty decent. Save yourself the stress and use that parking money for more Sangria! Trust me, your sanity will thank you. I once spent an hour circling the block, and I'd have rather drunk half a pitcher of Sangria and *then* found a spot. Learn from my mistakes.
What are the apartments *actually* like? I've seen some pictures... they look… varied, to say the least.
Okay, here’s the deal. The apartments are a mixed bag. Some are modern and sleek, with all the bells and whistles. Others… well, they're a little more "vintage." Think "charming character" (read: a few questionable stains on the sofa). You might get a balcony with *stunning* sea views, or you might get a slightly less-than-inspiring view of a brick wall. It really is potluck! That said, they're usually well-equipped with the basics: a kitchen, a bathroom, somewhere to sleep. Don’t expect luxury, prepare to be pleasantly surprised, but pack some cleaning wipes, just in case. And for God's sake, bring earplugs. The Spanish, bless them, are nocturnal creatures. Especially the kids. I once had a toddler practicing his drum solo at 3am… But hey, it all adds to the experience, right?
Is it kid-friendly? My little monsters (affectionately, of course) need entertainment!
Oh, Salou is practically built for children! Rentalmar itself? Well, it's kid-friendly in the sense that it *allows* kids. There's enough space to run around, the pools are a definite draw, and the beach… pure gold for the little ones. However, be prepared for a bit of noise! And remember, *everyone* brings their kids to Salou, so expect a lively atmosphere, (translation: lots of screaming kids at the pool). Take advantage of the theme parks nearby (PortAventura World is a must!), the beach, the ice cream… You'll be exhausted, but happy. Just make sure you pack snacks. Because, let's face it: hangry kids are a recipe for disaster.
Speaking of disasters… what if something goes wrong? Is there help?
Here’s where it can get a little… *interesting*. There’s a reception desk, which is usually staffed. They're generally helpful, but sometimes the language barrier can be a challenge. They might not speak fluent English. They'll probably be able to fix the big stuff. If the air conditioning breaks, or your door won't open, or the toilet floods (trust me, it happens), they'll get someone to help. But don't expect instant miracles. Patience, my friend, patience. And if your neighbor's karaoke machine is keeping you up? Well, that’s what earplugs are for, remember? Or, maybe, make some new friends! Share some Sangria! Embrace the chaos!
Food! What's the food situation like? Is it all just… chips and burgers?
Absolutely not! While you *can* find chips and burgers aplenty (it *is* a tourist destination, after all), Salou has so much more to offer. There are tons of restaurants, from tapas bars serving delicious, tiny plates to fancy seafood places with stunning views. Explore! Wander! Get lost! Try the paella, the gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns – trust me!), and the local wines. Don't be afraid to venture away from the main drag. Sometimes the best food is hidden down a little side street. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a menú del día (daily set menu). It’s usually excellent value. Oh and, the ice cream… don't get me started on the ice cream! I swear, the memory of that pistachio gelatoUptown Lodging
