The Inter2Salou (formerly Internacional II) attracts a crowd of mostly English families looking for uncomplicated, no-frills fun in the sun. The hotel’s communal areas are undeniably dated and worn: The lobby is furnished with red-pleather sofas with holes in them, a brochure rack, and cheap-looking signs throughout. Outside, the freeform pool with an adjacent kiddy pool are set in a patio along with plenty of plastic sun loungers, though this area often gets loud and busy. The restaurant is more modern, having been given a facelift in 2017, but it’s nonetheless decorated with plastic chairs and industrial stainless-steel buffet units. Colorful printed signs throughout the hotel announcing packages and rules give the hotel a budget look.

The hotel is closer to Capellans than it is to Salou proper, making access to the center of town -- with its shops, bars, and restaurants -- a journey that takes at least 20 minutes on foot. The hotel, however, is only a six-minute walk away from Capellans Beach, and a similar distance from two other coves that may prove quieter during high season. Families in need of an adrenaline boost can find PortAventura a nine-minute drive away. Expect transfers to take 16 minutes to Reus Airport, or between an hour and 90 minutes to Barcelona-El Prat.

Every room at the Inter2Salou is a studio apartment that sleeps either two or four people on a double bed and sofa bed. Like the rest of the property, the design is basic and shows wear. Studios consist of white-tile floors, a mix of wooden and plastic furniture, and blue linens. Bright-orange cabinets in the kitchenettes add a much needed dose of color to the otherwise unadorned spaces. All Studios have a living and dining area that's separated from the bedroom by wooden screens that only reach the length of the beds. Kitchenettes have two-burner stovetops, mini-fridges, and microwaves, plus cookware. Flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning units are standard, but safes require a fee and are kept at reception. Bathrooms are small but functional, with shower/tub combos, bidets, and wall-mounted hand soap dispensers. Each room has a balcony set with plastic patio furniture. Note that many past guests have complained of noise from the road, on-site entertainment, and adjacent rooms.

The hotel has a short list of amenities aimed at those who are looking for a simple family holiday. There's a good-sized outdoor pool next to a shallow pool for kids to splash about in. The pools are set in a stone patio lined with ample sun loungers and a smattering of umbrellas. Daily children’s and family entertainment is put on by the animation team during the day and evening. Given that the pool terrace can get very busy and loud -- particularly during high season -- it's not the best place for relaxing sunbathing. The hotel also has a large game room with pool tables and a wide variety of arcade machines.

Though rooms have kitchenettes, the hotel offers guests the choice to go all-inclusive for a fee. All-inclusive rates include the breakfast and dinner buffets, as well as free soft drinks. Food, however, receives mixed reviews. All-inclusive guests also get free Wi-Fi, which otherwise incurs a fee.