Festival Village Hotel

We have just returned from a week's all inclusive family holiday at Festival Village, Cap Salou. Overall it was a very good week with lots to do for both the children and adults. The accommodation was clean and well maintained throughout with brilliant service from all the staff, (reception/entertainment/chefs/bar/cleaners) who really couldn't do enough for the guests. We all thought the food was excellent, always well cooked and lots of it, however because this was our first all inclusive and we don't have anything to compare it with, some other people may have different opinions. The one major drawback was the pool! For the amount of guests, it was very small and with nowhere near enough sunbeds. For the hotel to advertise it as having a childrens section is ridiculous as this part is no bigger than 4 yards wide and 5 yards long. Even one of the hotel entertainment staff called it 'the smallest pool on the Costa Dorada' during one of the daily water polo games! The daily fight for sunbeds was made 100 times worse by the hotel not enforcing their rule of 'the reservation of sunbeds by the placing of towels is not allowed, they will be removed' This 'removal' didn't happen once during our stay, and there is nothing more frustrating than going to the pool when it is due to open at 0900 and there are no sunbeds left because of towels, but there is hardly anybody actually there!! What is the point of having rules if they're not enforced? The opening time of the pool was also a farce as it was never opened at the advertised time of 0900, normally earlier, so again, how are you supposed to get a sunbed when even the opening times are not properly enforced! It wouldn't have been so bad if there was enough room to lay out a towel on the ground, but there is physically no room. Very frustrating and annoying! However, besides the pool problem, our stay was very enjoyable, the kids loved the all inclusive snack bar and unlimited drinks and ice cream. Perhaps the pool tables could be a bit cheaper, 2 euros per game. Some previous reviews have said there is too much bingo, I can't complain as the wife won 70 euros one night! All in all, a very good holiday with excellent food and really good service, just the major problem with the pool. If you like sunbathing and swimming and you're not an early riser, i.e. the crack of dawn, be prepared to get frustrated very quickly!

Just got back from the Festival. I took my three daughters.

After what had been a very very bad year the money I had left went on a one shot holiday to hopefully salvage what was left.

We arrived very early in the morning and the check-in went smoothly. The rooms were bigger than I thought and very clean and cleaned every other day.

The reps next day had great information and always available and most importantly no sales pressure regarding trips and extras.

We went all inclusive and well worth the money.

The hotel is well located between La Pinneda & Salou with great bus service 10 mins each way.

Trips: We went to Aquapolis (with Sea Lion Interaction) & PortAventura both excellent and don't miss the Furius Baco whatever else you do.

The pool we found to be ample size and by the time we had been to the beach and came back around 3, plenty of seats and beds were available.

Entertainment both pool side (especially the water polo) and evening was I have to say the highlight of the holiday Tot & Dan were fantastic. While we went on a couple of days out, staying by the pool or around the hotel at night was excellent.

Like some reviews have said a holiday is what you make of it and if you went for it the entertainment staff excelled themselves.

From Quizzes to the dreaded bingo, Kids time, the Acts and the Adult Entertainment (Mr Salou 2007 ...don't ask) every night was put on with flawless professionalism and all of us had a great time. Not to mention all the stars there Johnny Depp, Kevin Keegan, the Spice Girls, well Old Spice the list goes on.

From all of us I would like to just thank all the staff for saving my year, would I go again? I'm not sure if I could survive another week there but hey I'd give it a go.

Our holiday at the Festival Village Hotel in Salou was the best holiday that me and my family have ever had. Although it's not a hotel, it's actually apartments. The entertainment was brilliant, and they catered for all the family. I would recommend this place to anyone, especially families.