Port Plaza Apartments

I should have been alerted by the word "port" in the title, but nowadays many port areas are attractive. Not so Tarragona. On arrival at the hotel I should have been further alerted by the multiple locks on the external gates and all external and internal doors, even those leading from each floor onto the stairway and lift area. The pool of urine on the elevator floor was a definite turn-off. After negotiating multiple locks we eventually got to our apartment. It was dowdy and unappealing but had at least the basic amenities. My daughter, who is in her thirties, decided to go out and get a bottle of wine and some milk for our breakfast. By this time it was getting dark. She returned some considerable time later in a highly distressed state. She'd been surrounded and physically threatened by a gang of street women. Without the intervention of a local man who recognised she was speaking English and escorted her her to near the hotel, I don't know what would have happened. We'd originally planned to go out that evening for a pleasant stroll and a meal. The screams and brawls outside our window till well into the night ruled that out. We'd originally booked for two nights but decided to leave the next day. Next day the receptionist insisted that we pay for two nights. When I said I would pay for only one night, he refused to return my passport. My daughter was outside putting our bags into the car at the time, but fortunately a young family came in. When I asked them what they thought of the area, their grimaces told all. When I told them the receptionist was refusing to return my passport, he immediately gave it back to me. Dreadful place. Go somewhere else.

The apartments are located in a stylish, restored building. The security system works excellently. There are nice seating areas outside the building and in the basement. The lift takes you quickly to the upper floors. It is very quiet in the building as well as in the flat. The interior of the flats are very attractive and functional. We stayed in an apartment with one bedroom and sea view. The comfortable beds guarantee a good night's sleep and due to the central location close to the Ramblas, there is a very large selection of restaurants that can be reached quickly. The main train station is also almost on the doorstep. A small but very well-stocked supermarket just around the corner. Check-in was uncomplicated and the staff extremely helpful. Every wish is fulfilled directly. The reasonably priced breakfast offered is also highly recommended. A thoroughly positive experience that invites to return.

On Mar 20th, we arrived in Barcelona, picked up our rental car, and started driving to Tarragona. We booked the hotel through ******* at 1700hrs for that evening. We arrived at 1800hrs at the Port Plaza Apartments and the gate was locked. We called all of the contact numbers and emailed - no response. We received the email to complete the online checkin process at 18:27 which was done immediately. No access code for the hotel and apartment was received. We called all of the phone numbers provided and used the chat function but no response. At 20:34 we finally gave up and found another hotel. At 22:39 they sent the access codes however we were already asleep at another hotel. I replied the next day in the chat requested a refund and was advised that no charges had been applied for the night. Upon returning home, I confirmed with my credit card company that the full amount was charged 186,85EUR and there has been no credit. They even charged me the 100EUR damage deposit. There was nothing on their listing to indicate that evening hours arrival would be a problem and even though they indicate 24hrs service, this is far from the truth. Absolutely No Customer Service!