Some Travel Advice

 Back in late September....I ended up on a package tour to the western coast of  Spain.  I typically avoid package tours (first one in 20 years).  Some words over the deal:

1.  This was a Hipotel in Playa la Barrosa....direct on the beach....4-stars.  Everything in the advertising....was completely true.  

2.  You don't want to really go in July/August (way too hot).  I'd advise either  May/June or Sep/Oct.  By too hot?  I mean 40-to-45 C.  Spring or fall...max temperature stayed near 31 C, and zero rain for the two weeks.  

3.  Pricing?  With  airfare, bus-shuttle, train to Frankfurt/back, hotel, two weeks, with breakfast and dinner....with a average room....2,800 Euro (per person). My only grumbling  was the drink charges....probably around 450 Euro for two.....for all water, cocktails and wine consumed.  The 'free' water they gave you each day (1 x bottle) has a funny taste....so you probably will want to venture over to the local  grocery and buy better quality water there.   Note, for breakfast....'free' water was offered (drink as much as possible).  

4.  Adults-only situation.  Meaning?  No kids.  Yeah, it was ultra quiet.  I'll admit that 90-percent of customers were Germans and between 60 and 80 years old.

5.  If  you walked out to the beach (8 min walk)....turning left or right....you could walk 5 km in either direction...with it being absolutely safe.

6.  On breakfast or dinner buffet?  I'd give four-stars and was surprised at the quality of both offerings. For an American....you had plenty of choices, and the nightly desert 'bar' always had a dozen choices.

7.  On tour packages....you usually get stuck with a vacation airline (this was Discover Airways) and a odd time to leave out of Frankfurt (07:30 AM).  They were OK, but just about everything they offered once they took off....had a price-tag attached.  I would offer the advice....do the pre-ticket business  and go over the night before to turn your bag in.  

8.  Optional day-trips?  There's maybe six things or cities to visit.  Getting to any of these....figure a minimum of 90 minutes to 3 hours by bus.  Seville is the big pick, as far I'm concerned.

9.  They did offer nightly entertainment.....just don't go expecting much.  There is a gym and a indoor pool.

10.  As packages go.....they fulfilled the obligation.  Beach towels on the shelf of the room as you check-in and you can exchange each day if desired.

After two or three failed package tours in the 1990s....I got pretty negative.  One ended up with a hotel resort that was split 50-percent Brits and 50-percent Germans.  I'll just say the argument and nightly comedies were interesting to watch.

On one cruise....where it was 75-percent Brit senior citizens and 25-percent Germans, I sat and observed some divorced Brit couple....both having booked, and the husband (early 60s) showing up with some youthful new gal (early 30s) and the ex-wife kept the crowd entertained as she noted his various failings. 

So I'll just say....if you wanted 14 days of pure sunshine, no stress, and everything in a 'tidy' package deal....this deal via TUI might be worth investigating.  Also, on picking the room....pick the choices with the windows facing the ocean (sunsets are worth the extra cost).