Hotel & Spa Peñíscola Plaza Suites

This hotel is a popular destination, particularly for families and couples seeking a relaxing getaway, largely due to its direct beach access and extensive on-site activities. Its signature feature is its ability to offer a comprehensive resort experience, with guests frequently highlighting the spacious rooms, diverse dining options, and the engaging animation team. The hotel is well-suited for those who prefer to have most amenities and entertainment available within the property, making it ideal for a self-contained vacation. For groups and sightseers, its proximity to the beach and various facilities provides convenience. To make the most of your stay, it is advisable to book themed restaurants well in advance due to high demand, and be prepared for potential costs and navigation challenges associated with on-site parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a wide array of facilities designed to cater to various guest needs. Guests can enjoy large swimming pools, though some note the water can be quite cold. A comprehensive spa is available, providing a relaxing experience, but it typically incurs an additional fee and has specific operating hours, sometimes allowing children which can affect the tranquility for others. While a fitness center is present, its use often comes with an extra charge, and some equipment may not be fully functional. Wi-Fi connectivity is provided, but reviews suggest it can be slow or unreliable in certain areas. The property also features various bars and pubs, as well as shops, a playground, and an arcade for entertainment, contributing to a lively atmosphere.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the spacious rooms, often describing them as very large and well-maintained. The cleanliness of the accommodations is generally rated highly, with many appreciating the diligent efforts of the housekeeping staff. Comfortable beds are a recurring positive, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most visitors. The large bathrooms are a highlight, frequently featuring both a separate shower and a bathtub, along with ample amenities. Many rooms include a balcony, some offering pleasant sea views. While the rooms are generally quiet, some guests occasionally report noise levels from corridors or neighboring rooms. There are also mixed comments regarding the effectiveness of the air conditioning, with some finding it insufficient to cool the room adequately.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel provides extensive dining options, primarily through its buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the buffet offers considerable variety with daily changing themes and live cooking stations, guest feedback on food quality is mixed; many find it satisfactory, but a notable number describe it as repetitive, low quality, or overly focused on fried dishes. Breakfast often receives specific criticism for the quality of coffee and juice, and for long queues at popular stations. In contrast, the themed restaurants, including the Italian restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, French restaurant, and American restaurant, are generally well-regarded for their superior quality and service, often preferred by guests over the main buffet.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a prime beachfront location, offering direct access to the beach, which is a significant draw for many guests. However, its position is a considerable distance, approximately 5 kilometers, from the historic center of Peñíscola. This means guests typically need to rely on transportation to reach the town's attractions. Fortunately, a bus stop is conveniently located right outside the hotel, providing easy access to Peñíscola. Some reviews also mention a hotel shuttle service to the beach area closer to the castle. Parking is available on-site, both underground and in an outdoor lot, but it is noted as being expensive, and the underground garage can be particularly tight and challenging to navigate for larger vehicles.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff generally receives positive feedback, though experiences can vary. The animation team is consistently highlighted for their friendly and attentive service, providing engaging activities and entertainment for guests of all ages. Cleaning staff are also frequently commended for their efficiency and thoroughness in maintaining room cleanliness. However, some guests report less positive interactions with reception staff, describing them as occasionally unhelpful or slow during the check-in process. Similarly, feedback on restaurant staff is mixed; while many appreciate their professionalism, some guests note instances of inattentiveness or perceived rudeness, particularly during peak dining hours.

Additional Information
Upon arrival, guests are typically issued a wristband, which serves as identification for various services, though some find it somewhat cumbersome. The hotel often operates on a system where all purchases are charged to the room, with some on-site bars and facilities not accepting direct cash or card payments. Access to the spa and gym facilities often requires an additional fee, which can be an unexpected cost for some visitors. The hotel also has specific family room policies that may impact larger families, and some guests have reported issues with uncommunicated crib fees. Furthermore, evening entertainment can be quite loud, and rooms facing the pool area may experience significant noise until late hours.