One could broad-stroke this hotel off the list to be drastic. It’s true this hotel bears little resemblance to other Best Western hotels. We were, in fact, startled having specifically chosen this hotel after a stay at the Tossa de Mar Gran Hotel Reymar last year. But we chose this hotel for a reason: it was less expensive than other beach hotels in area and it had good proximity to Barcelona.
However, it has pros amongst its cons.
PROS. Contrary to one review, we found reception staff to be very helpful to the extent that they called the Gaudi Parc Guell to verify its operating hours; they made several searches on the internet for us BECAUSE their client computer was out of service; they provided a town map; a map, advice and directions regarding an outlet mall we wanted to visit; restaurant recommendations; information regarding the train to Barcelona, etc. There have a fully-stocked brochure stand in the lobby and maps of the town in a stand at reception.
The location of the hotel is convenient, if not a short walk (10 minutes) to the beach, and quiet. It has nice views from various vantage points. It is a two minute walk to the thermal spa and convenient to a mini market, pharmacy, bars and restaurants.
They have six free parking spaces in front and paid garage parking. We were lucky. It could be a problem in so far as if you can’t get their free or paid (8 euro/24 hours) parking. It costs 12,50/8 hours maximum (20:00 to 09:00 is free) for the street and municipal parking lot a three minute walk from the hotel.
We had a street-facing room and despite the fact that we were also directly adjacent to the elevator, our (room No. 33) was absolutely quite. We never once heard the elevators nor corridor traffic. It was a decent size room with a third bed, writing desk, club chair, side table, a balcony with the second club chair(!), two chairs and table, and it had a good sized bathroom with the longest tub we’ve ever seen (5 feet or so!). It was absolutely spotless and towels were changed every day (not a necessity as far as we are concerned).
There is a two-level, roof-top terrace for sunbathing, reading or perhaps a cocktail. And there is a swimming pool a short walk up the back of the hotel. There is a restaurant open every evening--we did not eat in hotel. And there is a ground floor bar that we never saw patronized but that we saw being cleaned.
There is coffee and tea service in the room—neither of which we took advantage of.
CONS. It is included in the rate and, no, you cannot get a reduction for not eating it, but breakfast was disappointing. The bright, inviting dining room has so much potential with panoramic views and balconies. However, the breakfast was adequate but poorly presented and as one review pointed out, most if not everything is evidently economy-brand supermarket products. The bag of Carrefour sliced bread next to the toaster is just about the tackiest thing I’ve ever seen in a hotel restaurant! Having said, there were hard cooked eggs, ham, salami, cheese, soft cheese, brie, yogurts, cereal, croissants, rolls, sliced bread(!), jams, 3 juices, coffee, tea, fresh fruits, individually wrapped pastries, water, wine, olive oil and I’m sure special needs for the asking.
Also, I have never seen two hand towels stitched together to form a bath towel (albeit they were spotlessly clean) in a hotel (or anywhere for that matter) before. Some days a hand towel was provided for a bath mat (but there were always sufficient, spotless towels provided). And we eventually received a genuine bath towel and bath mat of nice quality.
The bathroom was not chock full of needless, expensive toiletries (don’t we all bring our own preferred products these days?) that are built into the cost of a room, but they are available upon request at reception, along with pillows, blankets, etc.
Our air conditioning was quiet but too cold—voila, can’t please everyone! My husband loved it!
I think it is evident this hotel is running on a tight budget. Nevertheless, this is a very acceptable hotel for people looking for affordable accommodations on an extremely expensive coastline. We, in fact, chose to stay on a fourth night in order to make one last visit to Barcelona and to take advantage of the gorgeous beaches of Caldes d’Estrac.
If you review the Colon Hotel for comparison, you will find the Best Western Jet good value for money.
We are planning to go back mid Sept. for an affordable base to further exploring Catalunya and all its treasures.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
