The huge Jaime I attracts a crowd composed mainly of Spanish families and sun-worshippers looking for a cheap poolside vacation. Divided between two buildings, the hotel’s communal areas conjure up images of regional airport terminals -- think vast low-ceilinged chambers, granite floors, and mismatched pleather bucket chairs. If the lobby resembles an airport terminal, then the main buffet restaurant looks like an aircraft hangar: A huge, echoing space with orange rafters attached to metal roofing. Travelers aren't meant to spend much time inside, though, and most guests are content to spend their days splashing in the pools and sunbathing. There are two sizable outdoor pools, as well as a large indoor one. However, you’ll have to pay to use the latter, and many other fees leave guests feeling nickel-and-dimed. Rates are some of the cheapest in the area, but the widespread dated furnishings, reports of maintenance and cleanliness issues, and boisterous atmosphere may not be worth the low cost.

The Jaime I is located to the north of Salou, a six-minute walk from the beach. You might expect this to mean that the area quieter, but the presence of nearby bars and nightclubs means this isn’t the case. The hotel is a two-minute walk from nearby shops and restaurants, and the center of Salou proper is farther away, at about 15 minutes. Families looking for activity outside the hotel are a seven-minute car ride from PortAventura, a nearby theme and water park. Expect airport transfers to take roughly 35 minutes to Reus Airport, and between 60 and 90 minutes to Barcelona-El Prat.

Rooms at the Jaime I are bare and basic, but they get the job done. Expect to see two-tone wood furniture, mostly granite floors (some have more modern wood flooring), and dated patterned bed covers. Small desks, bedside tables, and old tube-style TVs with mostly Spanish channels are found in every room. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms. Note that guests have to pay a deposit to obtain a remote control, though past guests have said channels can be changed on the TV itself. Each room has a small balcony with plastic patio furniture. Family Rooms provide three beds lined up against one wall. Some bathrooms have modern travertine tiling, and all come with shower/tub combos, bidets. Use of in-room safes requires a fee.

For a hotel at this end of the budget market, the Jaime I has a surprisingly lengthy list of features, but many of these incur an additional charge. The hotel has two large outdoor pools and a children’s pool, which can still crowd easily during high season despite an abundance of loungers. A large indoor pool with a waterfall feature and adjacent sauna and steam room are additionally available, but guests have to pay to use these features. Squash and tennis courts are available, as is a spacious albeit minimally equipped gym. Children are well-catered to, with a kids' club, playground, and mini-golf (fee), as well as a game room with pool tables, air hockey, foosball, and retro arcade machines. The hotel puts on daily kid-friendly entertainment during high season, but as the place mainly attracts a Spanish-speaking crowd, very little of it is in English.

Food is served buffet-style and guest reviews of the fare range from mediocre to passable, plus the service can be chaotic. Three other eateries are available during high season, including a pizzeria, poolside snack bar serving hotdogs and burgers, and Mediterranean option. The hotel offers full- and half-board accommodation, but there’s no option to stay all-inclusive, and fees for basics like bottled water can add up quickly. Wi-Fi is free throughout.