Hotel Europa Splash

It's always a bit disappointing to stumble upon a hotel that doesn't live up to its fresh packaging. While the Hotel Europa has a pleasant, contemporary style, it winds up feeling underwhelming in many ways. Interiors are sharp, and include sleek white and gray color schemes punctuated by bright colors like marigold and plum, a look that's complemented by retro-futuristic furniture. Most of the action here takes place outside, though, and the hotel has pools and a children's water park. Still, it can be chaotic and hectic throughout the property, with crowds in the bar and restaurant, limited seating around the pool, and generally underwhelming entertainment in the evening. Given its kid-friendly features, this hotel almost unanimously attracts families. 

Just across the street from the beach, Hotel Europa is surrounded by other hotels and is next to an area filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment. The beach is accessed through an underpass. The village of Malgrat de Mar can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot, or five minutes by car. The Malgrat de Mar train station is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, providing access to Barcelona, about an hour and 15 minutes away. The Barcelona Airport is a little over an hour's drive away, and the Girona-Costa Brava Airport is about 30 minutes away by car.

Rooms are modern and minimalist, with white walls, white clean-lined furniture, and dark tile floors that extend up the wall to create headboards. Dark blue-and-white striped bedspreads and white drapes complete the look. Beds are two doubles pushed together, which may not be the best configuration for families with older children, and many find the rooms to be compact. There is no art on the walls, but the look is at least fresh, with white flat-screen TVs mounted on the wall. Other amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. Safes are available but a deposit and daily fee is required to use them. Bathrooms are contemporary, with black walls and white tile floors. Sleek above-counter sinks and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads complete the look, and toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Sliding glass doors lead to glass-railed balconies, which are equipped with two chairs and a small table. Many rooms do pick up noise from the hotel's entertainment and nearby bars in the evening. 

The star attraction at this hotel is the water park, equipped with slides, tunnels, a giant turtle, palm tree, pirate ships, and splashing bucket. Lounge chairs line the pool deck around the area so parents can keep an eye on their kids. There's also a playground with swings, slides, and a little play house, and there's an indoor kids club as well. A separate pool is quieter, although not glamorous. It's rectangular and suitable for swimming laps, but guests also can opt to relax in the lounge chairs lined up on the deck and lawn. A small spa on the lower level offers a whirlpool, sauna, and showers. Nightly entertainment includes dance shows, discos, and the like. Unfortunately, the whole pool complex can be busy and overcrowded, and entertainment doesn't get good reviews from previous guests.

The hotel's restaurant serves buffets for all meals, with international and regional offerings. The dining space is modern, but a bit stark, with white floors, black-and-white walls, and light wood tables with black toppers. It can get quite busy at times and food is underwhelming. The bar cafe has indoor and outdoor seating, with comfy upholstered sofas and chairs, as well as dining tables and chairs, plus the bar. Car and bike rentals can be arranged, and the hotel provides Wi-Fi for free.