Sun, Sea, & Savings: Your Dream Salou Escape Awaits at Rentalmar Azahar!
Sun, Sea, & Savings: Rentalmar Azahar - My Salou Escape (and Why It Was Practically Perfect…Mostly)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the sangria (metaphorically, of course, because, uh, I'm still in a professional review mode…ahem). This isn't your usual, perfectly polished travel blog regurgitation. This is real life, baby! And my recent trip to Salou, Spain, staying at the Rentalmar Azahar? Well, it was a rollercoaster of sun, savings, and… well, let's just say a few minor hiccups. But overall? Absolutely worth it. Let's dive in, shall we?
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Keywords: Salou, Rentalmar Azahar, Spain, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Family-friendly, Beach, Costa Dorada, Budget Travel, Hotel Recommendations, Things to Do, Travel Advice, Food, Cleanliness, Safety.
Metadata Snippet (For the Googlers): "Unvarnished review of Rentalmar Azahar in Salou. Discover its pros and cons – from wheelchair accessibility and amazing spa facilities to the surprisingly good (and bad!) food experiences. Is it truly a dream escape? Read on to find out! #SalouHotels #SpainTravel #HotelReview #TravelAdvice #BudgetTravel #RentalmarAzahar #CostaDorada"
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Good Stuff!)
Okay, let's start with the positives because honestly, that’s where the adventure begins, right? The Rentalmar Azahar boasts some seriously impressive accessibility credentials. I'm talking wheelchair accessible throughout, which, believe me, makes a HUGE difference. I saw elevators, ramps, and generally a well-thought-out design. Massive thumbs up there, folks! Seriously, this immediately set the tone for a relaxed and welcoming stay. They're not just saying they're accessible; they're doing it. That matters.
Accessibility Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Seriously good!)
The Digs & The Details (Where it Gets Interesting…)
We got a pretty decent room, I'll admit. It was definitely clean. (And that's a huge plus in these post-pandemic times, trust me). The whole place felt like they were practically obsessed with cleanliness (see below!). Our room had all the basics: air conditioning, thank the Spanish gods, a mini-bar (which was suspiciously empty initially, but I suspect I was just too early!), and a comfy bed (or, as comfy as you can get when you're still adjusting to European beds). Also, they provide internet - Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which is actually a really nice thing to have.
Now, the non-smoking rooms were a godsend! And our room? We had the Blackout curtains which I always found really nice.
The Deep Dive into Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know…)
Can we just talk about how obsessed they were with cleaning? They're not kidding around. The entire hotel felt like a hospital, but in a good way. They used anti-viral cleaning products, had daily disinfection in common areas, and even offered a room sanitization opt-out available if you're into that sort of thing. Everything was shiny and sanitized. I'm talking hand sanitizer stations everywhere, staff diligently trained in safety protocol, and individualized food options. (Which is great for those moments of indecision!).
The Staff trained in safety protocol and the safe dining setup made me relax.
Cleanliness & Safety Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Seriously, impressive!)
Spa-tacular Moments & Relaxation
Right, so the Spa/sauna. Oh. My. Word. This is where I really let go. After a hectic morning - you know, the usual travel chaos - I escaped to the sauna. Pure bliss. They have a Spa (duh!), a Sauna, and a Steamroom. They also have all sorts of treatments: Body scrub, Body wrap… It felt like a warm hug. Seriously, the Body scrub! I felt like a new person. They also have a pool with view! And a Swimming pool just in case you want a casual moment or two!
The Swimming Pool (Outdoor) was really great.
**Poolside Bar: **Ah, the Poolside bar. This is where the magic really happened. The cocktails were surprisingly good (and strong!), and the atmosphere was pure vacation.
Things to do, ways to relax Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Totally worth the trip alone)
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Mishap)
Okay, let's be real. Hotel food can be a crapshoot. But, I got the Breakfast [buffet], and it was… actually pretty good! They had a nice selection, including Asian breakfast and the usual Western breakfast. The buffet in restaurant was well laid out. Speaking of which…
- The A la carte in restaurant: It's good. But I have a thing. A thing about ordering food from a menu that has so many options. The choice is paralyzing!. So, let's just say I ended up ordering the same thing a few times.
- Breakfast in room: It's one of those things that sounds really good, but honestly, is a bit of a hassle.
- Snack bar: I loved their Snack bar! I even went to have a Coffee shop in the afternoon, and I felt so cozy.
Dining, drinking, and snacking Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Negatives (Because Every Hotel Has Them)
Alright, here's where the real stuff comes out. It wasn't all sunshine and spa treatments, people.
- The Internet: The Wi-Fi, while free, was a little spotty at times. (I mean, come on, I'm trying to work AND relax here!) It's one thing to have Internet access – wireless, it seems a bit underwhelming.
- The Sounds of the City: The hotel is in a vibrant area (which is great!), but the flip side is some street noise. Nothing earplugs couldn't fix, but just be aware.
Services and conveniences:
- Concierge Very useful!
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, indeed!
- Laundry service: Nice to have!
For the kids:
- Family/child friendly
Getting around:
- Airport transfer: Good!
- Car park [on-site]: Great!
The Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely!
The Rentalmar Azahar? It's a resounding yes from me. The accessibility, the cleanliness, the spa – these are all huge wins. Yes, there were a few minor hiccups, but even the imperfections added to the charm, right? And to be fair, they were minor! If you’re looking for a relaxing escape with a touch of luxury at a very reasonable price, then book this place now!
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highly recommended!)
P.S. - I’m already planning my return trip. This time, I'm definitely trying the body wrap. Wish me luck!
Unbelievable Nanjing Luxury: Ji Hotel's Chaotian Palace Secret!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is SALOU, the sun-drenched, sangria-soaked, sometimes-questionable-choices capital of… well, maybe not the world, but certainly my world for a week. And Rentalmar Azahar? Home base. Pray for us.
The Rentalmar Azahar & Salou: A Messy, Beautiful Love Story (Probably with Some Regrets)
Day 1: Arrival and the "We're Actually Here!" Hysteria
- 12:00 PM: Land at Reus Airport. (Or, more accurately, survive the landing. Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic, but I swear the pilot was freestyling the approach). Grab our pre-booked taxi. Fingers crossed it actually is pre-booked. I forgot to ask. Panic sets in. Cue a sweaty, slightly panicked me.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Rentalmar Azahar. First impression? Okay, it's… functional. (Let's be honest, it's probably seen some things.) The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… something I can't quite place. Spanish sunshine, maybe? Or maybe a very aggressive air freshener. The receptionist is a whirlwind of smiles, and I instantly forget I'm a sweaty mess. She is lovely
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. Or, more accurately, attempt to unpack. My suitcase exploded on the way here. I’m Pretty sure all my clean underwear is now mixed in with the questionable beach towels. Sigh.
- 3:00 PM: Balcony check. YES! Sea view. Okay, maybe not the Eiffel Tower, but let's take what the universe gives us. Crack open a bottle of local wine (cheap and cheerful, just how I like it). Toast to surviving the flight, and to Salou!
- 4:00 PM: Wander down to Platja de Llevant. Okay, this IS a beach! Golden sand, the smell of salt air, and the happy chatter of a million families. My first instinct? Bury my toes in the sand and let the world melt away. (Until, of course, I remember I need to find a good spot. Apparently, beach real estate is competitive here).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Tapas Bar, "La Tasca," which has raving reviews. I order what I hope is the traditional Paella but the waiter is more interested in making me laugh than understanding my order. By mistake, I ordered a whole fish. And I'm not even that hungry, but it smells so good. It's huge, and I am the least graceful eater on the planet. My shirt is now decorated in a beautiful array of seafood-based splatters. Well that's something to laugh about.
Day 2: Getting Lost and the Surprisingly Delicious Churros
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, slightly hungover. The wine was a touch too cheerful.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at a cafe down the street. The coffee is like rocket fuel. That's very welcome.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt to navigate Salou. (Spoiler alert: I get lost.) Armed with a map that looks suspiciously like it was drawn by a particularly enthusiastic 5-year-old. I end up in a maze of charming little streets but I can't find my way back. And maybe… just maybe… there's a slight sense of panic simmering in my gut.
- 1:00 PM: Accidentally stumble upon a churro stand. Oh. My. God. Warm, sugary, and perfect for a slightly lost, slightly stressed traveler. I order three. Don't judge me.
- 2:00 PM: Find the beach! What a relief!
- 4:00 PM: Paella lesson! (Maybe I'll learn how to order the right kind this time).
- 6:00 PM: Drinks at a rooftop bar. Maybe I won't order three this time.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant that promises authentic Catalan cuisine. The food is good, but the live music is a bit of a… spectacle. Let's just say the less said about the band's rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody," the better.
Day 3: PortAventura - The Good, The Bad, and the Surprisingly Terrifying
- 9:00 AM: PortAventura! The theme park. This is going to be a chaotic, sweaty, sugar-rush-fueled day. I'm not sure I'll be up to the challenges.
- 10:00 AM: Ride the Dragon Khan rollercoaster. I scream so loud I'm pretty sure I lost my voice. Amazing, but I'm not sure if my stomach is ready.
- 11:30 AM: Stroll through the Mexico section. Beautiful, vibrant, and makes the inner Disney kid burst.
- 1:00 PM: Hot dogs and Churros
- 2:30 PM: The Furious Baco, the fastest rollercoaster in Europe. The anticipation is killing me, and when I finally ride it, I'm pretty sure my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Now I am petrified for the rest of the day.
- 5:00 PM: More theme park snacks.
- 7:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. The day has been worth it!
Day 4: Beach, Booze, and the Brusque Bartender
- 10:00 AM: Relax, swim, and read. Beach days are essential.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Chiringuito (beach bar). The food is fine, but the real star of the show is the sangria. I will regret that later, I am sure.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the beach.
- 6:00 PM: Find a local bar. It is lovely, but the bartender is very brusque and seems to hate tourists. Still, the drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is buzzing.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant, with live music.
- 10:00 PM: Dancing!
- 11:00 PM: Regret from the sangria.
Day 5: Salou by Night - A Quest for the Perfect Cocktail and My Inner Disco Queen
- 8:00 PM: Dinner - Paella (the right kind this time!), then off to explore the nightlife.
- 9:00 PM: Cocktail hunting. I'm on a mission. I'm searching for the perfect, fruity, slightly sweet cocktail that embodies the spirit of Salou.
- 10:00 PM: First bar. The cocktail is okay. A bit too much… something.
- 10:30 PM: Second bar. Better. Warmer. More the spirit of Salou.
- 11:00 PM: Third bar. The ultimate cocktail! Perfecto.
- 1:00 AM: Dancing. The inner disco queen is unleashed. No regrets. Or, maybe, a few. But right now, the music is loud, the drinks are flowing, and I'm living my best life.
Day 6: Day Trip Disaster – A Lesson in Public Transport and the Importance of Snacks
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. A bit worse for wear. But today is for a trip! Somewhere. I have no idea where I'm going or how.
- 10:00 AM: I have to catch a bus somewhere, I got a map, so I think I may be in with a chance.
- 11:00 AM: Realise that I am still in Salou because I missed the bus. I'm not sure if it’s the lack of sleep or the questionable map. Either way, it's not looking good.
- 12:00 PM: I have another plan, for somewhere else!
- 1:00 PM Snack time.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive finally. Explore.
- 5:00 PM: Bus back.
- 7:00 PM: Takeaway to eat at my room.
- 8:00 PM: I'm exhausted and I've had enough.
Day 7: Goodbye, Salou! (And a Promise to Return)
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Try to remember where I left all my stuff.
- 10:00 AM: Last swim in the Med. One last breath of that salty air.
- 11:00 AM: One last Churro. Sigh.
- 12:00 PM: Check out of Rentalmar. Say goodbye to the lovely receptionist.
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: Flight home.
- Later: Start planning the next
Sun, Sea, & Savings: Your Dream Salou Escape at Rentalmar Azahar! (Or, How I Survived Spain) - FAQs (ish)
Okay, so, Rentalmar Azahar... Is it actually 'dreamy' like the ads say? Because let's be real, those brochures are LIARS.
Okay, DREAMY? Hold on. Let's get real. Look, the brochure… bless its heart, probably wasn't *entirely* truthful. I mean, it wasn't a *catastrophe*, don't panic! Azahar? It's a solid B+. Think… a reliable friend who always brings snacks, not the dazzling, Instagram-filtered supermodel. It’s clean. The pool is… well, the pool is a pool. Gets the job done. And the location? Fantastic! You’re practically tripping over the beach. So, 'dreamy'? Maybe not. 'Perfectly adequate and will contribute to a generally lovely holiday'? Hell yeah. My first thought when I saw my apartment was, "Huh. Smaller than the pictures, but hey, the balcony… THE BALCONY! I’m definitely having wine out there later." And I did. For like, three nights in a row. So yeah, not a lie either. Just… you know… embellishment.
What's the actual location like? Is it loud? Are you going to be woken up by seagull rave parties at 4 AM?
Location is… *chef's kiss*. Seriously. You are *seconds* from the beach. Like, I could practically smell the ocean from my balcony, even with the general air of fried food permeating everything. (Which, by the way, is a huge plus, more on that later.) Loud? Well, it's Salou. So… yes. Expect some noise. Motorbikes, the general hubbub of holidaymakers, and… and the bloody *seagulls*. Those feathered fiends! They *do* have a tendency toward early morning gatherings. I swear, they're holding seminars on how to snatch unattended sandwiches. I did get woken up a few times, but honestly, after the second day, I just threw a pillow over my head and went back to sleep. Consider it part of the 'authentic' Salou experience. Embrace the madness, I say! Just pack earplugs, okay?
The pool situation… detail! Is it a madhouse? Are there enough sun loungers? Because I've seen things…
The pool… ah, yes. The pool. Okay, look, I'm going to be honest. I am *not* a pool person. I prefer the ocean, the glorious, salty embrace of the sea. But, like, sometimes the sea has a *tide*, and you need to chill somewhere, you know? The pool at Azahar… it was fine. It wasn’t a massive waterslide extravaganza. More of a… splashy rectangle. Kids were definitely splashing. Adults were usually in various states of sun-drenched bliss or quiet desperation. Sun loungers? Here’s the key: Get down there early. Like, before the sun even *thinks* about getting properly high. The towel trick is definitely in play. (Look, I judge it, but I *understand* it.) So, if you’re an early riser (like, before 9 AM - you *are* on holiday, after all, try and relax!), you'll be golden. If you prefer a lie-in… well, you might be staring at a patch of concrete for a while. I did manage to nab a lounger once, triumphantly sipping my morning coffee, and, honestly, it was pretty glorious. Small victories, my friends, small victories.
Apartments – what are they really like? Are you getting a shoebox or something resembling a civilized human dwelling?
Right, the apartments. This is where the "Rentalmar" part comes into play. Expect… functional. Expect… a kitchen that *technically* has everything you need (although the frying pan might be a little… seasoned). Expect a balcony. Seriously, the balcony is key! My apartment was perfectly adequate. Two bedrooms, a living area that magically expanded when I was having a sangria, and a kitchen that, while not exactly Michelin-star worthy, allowed me to make toast. The bathroom? Small, but clean. The shower… had water. Hot water, even! (Always a bonus, especially when you’ve been baking in the Spanish sun.) They are basic, they are functional, and they provide a base to rest your sun-drenched bones after the day's adventures. The beds? Comfortable enough. I slept soundly… mostly. I mean, the seagulls, remember…? But, overall, a win. The air con was a GODSEND, let me tell ya. So, yes, civilized dwelling achieved.
Food! Must I cook? Or is the world outside brimming with culinary delight? Give me… the *truth* about the food.
Okay, FOOD. Ah, the lifeblood of any good holiday. Cook? Only if you want to. Honestly, the world outside is a veritable buffet of choices! And, let’s be honest, you're in Salou. You're not going to get Michelin-star dining. But you *are* going to get… delicious, affordable, and readily available food. Paella? Absolutely. Tapas? Oh, yes, plenty of tapas. My personal favorite? Those *patatas bravas*… crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive. Be warned! Expect to eat a lot of chips (fries). They are a staple. And the ice cream… don’t even get me started on the ice cream. Just… try everything. Wander. Explore. Be adventurous! (Within reason, of course. Don’t eat *everything*… unless you really want to.) Don't be afraid to try the local restaurants, even if they look a bit… well, let's just say "unpretentious." The best meals are sometimes found in the most unassuming places. And for god's sake, try the Sangria! (But pace yourself!) You can absolutely survive – and thrive – on the local cuisine. Pro-tip: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. "Una cerveza, por favor" and "Muchas gracias" will get you *very* far. (And save the best for last) I have to confess that I was a *little* bit of a culinary disaster in the kitchen myself. But that's why the cafes and restaurants are there! Plus, there were supermarkets nearby for all sorts of ingredients .
What's the beach like? Seriously, is it paradise, or a crowded wasteland of screaming children and discarded plastic?
The BEACH! The BEACH! This is where Rentalmar Azahar really nails it. The beach is *directly* across the road. Like, walk-out-the-door-and-you're-there close. The sand is… well, it's sand. Golden, soft, and perfect for building sandcastles (if you’re into that sort of thing). Yes, there are children. Yes, there’s usually a fair amount of noise. But the water… the Mediterranean! It's glorious.Escape To Inns
