Salou's BEST Apartments? Imperial Awaits! 🤩
Salou's BEST Apartments? Imperial Awaits! 🤩
Salou's BEST Apartments? Imperial Awaits! 🤩 A Seriously Unfiltered Review (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from "Salou's BEST Apartments? Imperial Awaits!" and, well, let's just say it was… an experience. I'm not gonna lie, I went in with high hopes. Photos looked amazing, the promise of a "BEST" experience was practically screaming at me from the website. Did it deliver? Well, let's unpack this glorious mess, shall we?
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta appease the algorithm, you know?):
- Keywords: Salou Apartments, Imperial Awaits, Salou Spain, Best Apartments Salou, Wheelchair Accessible Salou, Family Friendly Salou, Spa Salou, Pool with a View, All-Inclusive Spain, Accessible Travel Spain, Budget Salou, Luxury Salou, Apartment Reviews, Salou Hotels, Family Vacation Spain, Beach Vacation Salou
- Metadata Description: Unfiltered review of "Salou's BEST Apartments? Imperial Awaits!" covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and more. Honest opinions, quirky anecdotes, and a brutally real look at this Salou apartment experience. Is it truly the best? Find out!
Accessibility:
Right off the bat, this is a tricky one. "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed, which sounds promising, but I'm not entirely sure what that entails, and I would like to know more about this, I didn't check the rooms specific accessibility as I did not require, but it's something to ask them about, but more on this later.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't see a specific label or signage or description on the website, I saw a mention of a Restaurant, Bar & Poolside bar, but if you have a wheelchair, is what you would probably need to ask the reception,
Wheelchair accessible: I can't give a definitive yes or no on this. While there's an elevator (yay!), the layout of the whole place, restaurant or pools, might still present some challenges depending on the room that you're in.
Internet Access, Wi-Fi (The Tech Tango):
Okay, let's talk internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms - YES! Thank the digital gods! And it actually worked, at least most of the time. There was the occasional "lost in the abyss of buffering" moment, but hey, I'm on holiday, who am I kidding? I'm supposed to disconnect, right? Of course I didn't, and I love a good stream.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: All good! They've got you covered.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa Day Dreams & Poolside Vibes):
Alright, this is where things get potentially exciting.
- Pool with a view: Yes, yes, YES! The pool was gorgeous. The view was even better. That's a win.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: They mention a spa and gym, I didn't partake, so I can't comment on the quality of these. I'm more of a "lie by the pool with sangria" kind of girl, if I'm being honest.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: See previous point. Loved the pool. Jumped in. Stayed there.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: They have one, I think. I saw the sign. Did I use it? Nope. I'm on holiday!! (See a theme here?)
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Foot bath: No personal experience on this, but the spa services sounded pretty tempting – for someone who actually lifts a finger on holiday, which is definitely not me!
Cleanliness and Safety (The Sanitized Side of Things):
This is where I got a little… giddy. In the current climate, cleanliness is HUGE, right?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: YES!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: YES!
- Hand sanitizer: YES!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: YES!
- Hygiene certification: YES!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: YES!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: YES!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: YES!
- Sterilizing equipment: YES!
Basically, they're taking this seriously. And I appreciated it. It gave me peace of mind, even if I managed to spill sangria on my pristine white dress (more on that later…).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Fun):
This is where things got a little… interesting.
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Check.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Check.
- Breakfast [buffet], Western breakfast, Asian breakfast: Check, check, and… check? The breakfast was, shall we say, "adventurous." Think continental with a side of "what is that?" But hey, it fueled the day, and who am I to judge?
- Room service [24-hour]: Score!
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Needed.
- Happy hour: Yes, please!
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Didn't indulge, as much as I wanted.
- International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Variety is the spice of life, as they say.
Services and Conveniences (The "Nice to Haves"):
- Concierge, Doorman: Nice touch.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless. Hats off to the cleaning crew.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Gift/souvenir shop: For the obligatory "I went to Salou" t-shirt.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: They exist, but I didn't use them.
- Luggage storage: Yes, I needed it.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind is priceless.
- Terrace: Always a plus.
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank goodness.
For the Kids (Family Fun):
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Yep, they're geared up for families.
- Babysitting service: If you need it (not me, but I see it).
Access, Safety, and General Stuff:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Safety first!
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Convenient!
- Non-smoking rooms: Bless.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Nice to have, I did not use it.
Available in all rooms:
This is a massive list, they offer a lot of things, let me tell you
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock, Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker: I loved the tea, as a brit.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Comfy.
- Blackout curtains: Sleep is important on holiday.
- Closet: Storage, yes!
- Desk, Laptop workspace: I tried to work (failed).
- Extra long bed: So happy, I don't even bother.
- Free bottled water: Nice.
- Hair dryer, Towels: Always good.
- In-room safe box: Worth it.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: All in!
- Ironing facilities: I wish.
- Linens: Good.
- Mini bar, Refrigerator: Excellent for late-night snacks.
- Non-smoking: I followed.
- Private bathroom, Shower, Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub, Additional toilet: Nice!
- Reading light, Mirror, Scale: Didn't use.
- Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies: Good.
- Seating area, Sofa: Relax.
- Soundproofing, Soundproof rooms: Yes!
- Telephone: Yes
- Toiletries: Included.
- Wake-up service: For when you just can't get out of bed.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
The Imperfections (Because Life Ain't Perfect):
Okay, here's where I get really honest.
- The "Imperial Awaits" promised perfection, and it didn't always deliver. There were a few hiccups with the Wi-Fi (grrr!), and the breakfast buffet was a
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my slightly disastrous, possibly brilliant, and definitely chaotic Salou adventure. This isn't your Instagram-perfect travel diary. This is the real deal.
Operation: Salou Sunstroke (and Sangria-Induced Shenanigans)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Absolutely Terrible Sofa Bed
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Reus. The flight was fine, except for that guy who kept sneezing directly into my neck and the screaming toddler who seemed determined to shatter eardrums. Still, Spain! Sunshine! Excitement! (And a rapidly diminishing supply of patience).
- 11:30 AM: Pick up the rental car. The car is…compact. Like, seriously. I’m pretty sure it’s a model they use for driving around a giant teacup. Praying I don't get lost. I'm awful with directions.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Apartamentos Imperial. Check-in… seamless. Hah. Lies. It involved frantic fumbling through the Spanish-speaking check-in woman's words, a slightly bewildered look, and me eventually gesturing wildly until she understood. Finally in… and the apartment looks great at first glance. Bright, sunny… until I see the wretched sofa bed. It looks like it was designed by a sadist. I'm already mentally preparing for a night of back pain.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. Or, as it turned out, attempt to unpack, with a brief existential crisis, and a moment of staring at my suitcase wondering why I bring so many shoes. I mean, seriously, will I even wear half these? Probably not. But the siren call of "options" won.
- 3:00 PM: Panic. Where to eat? Google Maps is a mess. Wander aimlessly, completely lost, and end up at a tapas place. Ordered what sounded good, but it was…questionable. I think it was supposed to be octopus. Or maybe a really weird kind of sausage. Whatever it was, it was a culinary adventure. And by adventure, I mean I ate about half of it.
- 4:00 PM - Onward: The beach! Finally! A glorious, sun-drenched beach. The Mediterranean is stunning. Found a spot. Slathered on the sunscreen (twice!). Bliss. Until a rogue wave of sand and sea water completely soaked me and my towel. Seriously. I was practically spitting sand. But the sun, the sea, the salty air… amazing. Ended up sitting on the sand, watching the waves, and getting lost in thought.
- 8:00 PM: Food run at the local grocery store for dinner. My Spanish is absolutely awful. I pointed and grunted a lot. Ended up with a selection of questionable cheeses, bread, and what appeared to be a jar of pickled… something. Dinner tonight is going to be interesting.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to assemble the sofa bed. The instructions are in what I think is Klingon. After 45 minutes of swearing and almost breaking a fingernail, I give up. The sofa bed wins. I lose. I'm sleeping on the couch, with a bath towel as a pillow.
- 9:30 PM: Bedtime. Attempt to sleep. The incessant noise of the upstairs neighbors is not helping. I'm tempted to go up there myself and tell them to quiet down, but then I remember my terrible Spanish and chicken out.
- 10:30 PM: Resigned to my fate. The sofa bed is calling my name.
Day 2: Roller Coasters, Regret, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 9:00 AM: Wake up feeling like I've been run over by a train (aka the sofa bed). Make dreadful instant coffee (major fail)
- 10:00 AM: PortAventura World Theme Park! This MUST BE GOOD! First ride, "Dragon Khan" which is… well, let's just say my stomach did a backflip and a triple axel. So loud. So fast. I haven't been that terrified since I accidentally walked into a spider web. BUT, the adrenaline… Oh, the adrenaline!
- 12:00 PM: More rides, including the "Shambhala". The heights give me a panic…but the views. My god, the views. It was truly unreal, and worth the fear.
- 1:00 PM: A much-needed lunch. (And a major decision- did I want to lose it immediately after the rollercoasters, or was I feeling brave?)
- 2:00 PM: I decided to try "Hurakan Condor". It's a giant drop tower… I screamed my lungs out, and almost lost my lunch, but I survived.
- 3:00 PM: Sunstroke sets in. I'm officially fried. And the lines! Oh, the lines! But the people-watching is top-notch.
- 5:00 PM: Escape the park. The sun is beating down. I need. A. Nap.
- 6:00 PM: Find myself wandering around town, desperate for caffeine. The coffee situation in Salou is a disaster. One terrible cup after another. Like, truly bad. I'm questioning my life choices. I need a decent espresso, and I need it NOW!
- 7:00 PM: Finally find a place that serves a passable cup of coffee. (I can hear the angels singing!). Immediately order a second.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner: a very nice, and very needed, paella. The best meal I have had so far.
- 9:00 PM: I decide to treat myself to a very late-night ice-cream. But… I can't figure out how to pay. Then I am convinced I got ripped off. I will never trust gelato again.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime. I'm exhausted. The sofa bed groans in anticipation.
Day 3: Beachside Bliss! And Bad Decisions
- 9:00 AM: Wake up to the sunlight streaming in the windows. Today is a beach day!
- 10:00 AM: Hit the beach again. This time with a plan: SPF 50, a book, and a determination to relax. It does not work. The ocean is too pretty. I can't stand still.
- 11:00 AM: Walk along the beach. I find an elderly couple sitting on the beach, and after some awkward gesturing, manage to explain that I am alone and they give me some good advice.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: back to bad tapas. I don't learn. The food is questionable. I suspect a foodborne illness.
- 3:00 PM: Afternoon siesta (maybe). I try to nap, but end up restless and bored.
- 4:00 PM: The day is still young, and I'm feeling adventurous. So… I go for a walk. And then, I see it; a bar. That bar has karaoke night.
- 7:00 PM: Karaoke. Oh, the karaoke. I'm not a good singer. My voice cracks. I forget the words. But somehow, it's glorious. I belt out a terrible rendition of a Bonnie Tyler song. And I have a blast.
- 9:00 PM: More questionable tapas. I am a glutton for punishment.
- 10:00 PM: Attempt a stroll back to the apartment. I get lost. Again. I feel like an idiot. Eventually find my way back.
- 11:00 PM: Bed. Finally. This time, I am ready to sleep. Exhausted from the sun, the singing, and the questionable cuisine.
(To be continued… who knows where this trip will take me? Next day adventures will include more food, fun, and all sorts of mishaps…)
Daphne's BEST Kept Secret? Home2 Suites Bliss Awaits!
Salou's BEST Apartments? Imperial Awaits! (and my sanity's hanging by a thread!) 🤩
So, what's the deal with "Imperial Apartments"? Sounds… posh. Are they actually "BEST"?
Alright, let's be real. "BEST" is a subjective beast, right? It's like asking, "Is pineapple on pizza a crime?" (I'm firmly in the *no* camp, by the way). Imperial Apartments... well, they *aim* for the "best" title. They're definitely on the fancier side of Salou’s accommodation scene, not exactly budget backpacker territory. Think modern, clean lines, probably a decent balcony (essential for those late-night wine sessions – more on that later), and hopefully, a pool that isn't overcrowded with screaming kids. My *opinion*? They're contenders, but "best" depends on your priorities (and your bank account!). I’ve stayed in worse, *much* worse. The key lies in the specific apartment you get. Some are genuinely luxurious, others… well, let's just call them "effortfully stylish."
Location, location, location! Where are they, and how's the vibe? Are we talking screaming seagulls at 6 am?
Okay, location is critical in Salou. Imperial Apartments tend to be scattered around, which is a double-edged sword. Some are right near the beach – which is absolutely *gold* if you're into that whole sun-worshipping thing. Others are a bit further inland, which can be quieter... or a pain in the arse if you're a lazy beach bum like me. I stayed in one once that claimed to be "a stone's throw from Capellans Beach". Turns out, my stone was pretty pathetic, more like a pebble, and it was more of a 'short hike' than a 'stone's throw'.
The vibe? Salou is *vibrant*. Expect music, laughter, and the general hum of a seaside resort. Depending on the apartment's location, you might be serenaded by the aforementioned screaming seagulls (they're relentless, I swear!), or the (thankfully far away) booming bass from a beach bar. I'd recommend *checking* the street view on Google maps, just to be sure. It prevented a massive letdown for my friend last time.
What kind of amenities can I expect? Does "kitchenette" translate to "a microwave and a tap"?
Oh, the kitchenettes! The bane of my existence, sometimes. It all depends. Imperial Apartments, generally, offer better-equipped kitchens than, say, a hostel. I've seen everything from basic "microwave and tap" setups to surprisingly decent kitchens with proper ovens, dishwashers (hallelujah!), and enough cutlery to feed a small army. Check the apartment's actual description *very* carefully. Pictures can be deceiving! And, trust me, you *don't* want to spend your holiday washing dishes in a tiny sink with lukewarm water.
Generally, you can expect:
- A pool (usually) - though how crowded it is, is another story.
- Air conditioning (a godsend in summer).
- A balcony (essential for people-watching and sun-soaking)
- Wi-Fi (hopefully, and hopefully, it works).
Let's talk about the pool. Is it a watery paradise, or a battleground for sun loungers? Please, I need honesty.
Ah, the pool. The *heart* of any good vacation. This can be a real gamble, folks. I’ve seen pools that look straight out of a travel magazine – sparkling, spacious, inviting. Then there are the others. The ones where you have to stake your claim at dawn with a towel, the ones where the water’s suspiciously green, the ones where the screaming kids outnumber the water molecules.
Imperial Apartments' pools tend to be *decent*, but I’m not going to lie, sometimes you're playing a game of "musical sun lounger." Get there early if you're serious about getting some rays. Also, check the rules. Some places have strict opening hours and limits on the number of people allowed in the pool at once. Read online reviews for the specific apartment. Pay close attention to pool-related complaints - they speak volumes. And for the love of sanity, if you see someone hogging multiple loungers with towels and disappearing for hours, *report them*. It's a war out there.
The reviews – are they to be trusted? How do you sift through the gushing sunshine and the dramatic rants?
Reviews are *everything*. They're a goldmine... and a minefield. You'll have the people who rave about everything and the people who think the world has ended because the toilet paper was a little rough.
Here's my method:
- Look for patterns: If multiple reviews mention the same issues (dirty, noisy, bad Wi-Fi), pay attention.
- Focus on recent reviews: Things change. A great review from 2018 might be irrelevant now.
- Ignore the extremes: The "BEST APARTMENT EVER! LIFE CHANGING!" and the "WORST NIGHTMARE! I'M TRAUMATIZED!" ones are often exaggerations.
- Look for specifics: "The pool was dirty" is more helpful than "it was bad."
- Compare platforms: Read reviews on multiple sites (booking.com, TripAdvisor, etc.) to get a wider view.
Let's get personal! What's *your* best/worst Imperial Apartment experience? Spill the tea!
Okay, brace yourselves. I've had a couple of experiences. One time - it was supposed to be a romantic getaway.
So, we booked this Imperial Apartment. Looked gorgeous in the photos – a spacious balcony overlooking the sea, a gleaming kitchen, the works. Arrived, full of excitement, only to find… well, let's just say the reality was a *tad* different. The “sea view” was partially obstructed by a particularly ugly building, the "gleaming kitchen" had one chipped plate (which, oddly, I'm still thinking about), and the balcony… well, let's just say the pigeons had clearly been using it as a toilet for the past decade.
And the worst part? The air conditioning. Or lack thereof. It was August. It was unbelievably hot. We spent three nights sweating like we were auditioning for a Viking reenactment. I complained, of course I did. The staff were polite, but in a way that suggested they'd heard it all before. We got a fan. A *fan*. It was useless. The memory still haunts me, I swear. We finally checked out, defeated, and moved to a slightly less "Imperial" apartment. Where at least the air-con worked... and the pigeons weren't quite so enthusiastic.
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