PortAventura World is a fabulous theme park near Barcelona, and a great place for some family fun if you’re visiting Barcelona with kids. While you could take a day trip to PortAventura from Barcelona, I’d recommend spending at least one night in a hotel at PortAventura World to really make the most of your visit. There are several hotels in PortAventura World to choose from, and I stayed at PortAventura Hotel Gold River which is just outside the Old West area of the park. Read on for my full PortAventura hotel review!
I was invited for a gifted stay at PortAventura Hotel Gold River including entry passes to the park and a PortAventura Express 10 Pass for 1 day of my visit
Before travelling to PortAventura, book your tickets and accommodation in advance to get the best deals and beat the queues at the ticket office. You can choose between tickets only or tickets with transport from Barcelona, or spend a night or more at a hotel in PortAventura which includes entry tickets to PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land, and discounts to Caribe Park.
🛌 BEST HOTELS AT PORTAVENTURA WORLD
$$$: PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion – This 5* hotel includes Unlimited Express queue jump wristbands for both PortAventura and Ferrari Land parks throughout the entire stay
$$: PortAventura Hotel Gold River – 4* Wild-West Theme Hotel next to Far West Zone (I stayed here and loved it)
$: PortAventura Resort Hotel Roulette – Get the best rates but only find out the day before arrival which resort hotel you will be staying at
⭐ TOP 3 PORTAVENTURA TICKET & TRANSFER OPTIONS (WITHOUT HOTEL):
1: PortAventura and Ferrari Land 1, 2, or 3-Day Ticket – Combined ticket for 2 parks
2. From Barcelona: PortAventura Theme Park Ticket & Transfer – 1 day trip to PortAventura Park including bus transfer to/from Barcelona
3. PortAventura and Ferrari Land: Full-Day Trip from Barcelona – 1-day trip to PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land including bus transfer to/from Barcelona
How Long to Spend at PortAventura?
For me, one day in PortAventura Park isn’t really enough, especially during the busy summer period when wait times can be long. I’d recommend spending at least 1 night at a hotel in PortAventura so you have 2 days to spend in the park and can make sure you have time to enjoy all of the rides and explore the park properly.
Two nights is even better, especially during the summer season, as you can have 3 full days to explore PortAventura Park and visit the adjacent parks, Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: My Top PortAventura Tips to Have the Best Time at PortAventura World!
Caribe Aquatic Park is a Caribbean-themed water park with 16 attractions and pools, including slides, kid’s areas and a lazy river. This water park is only open from the end of May to the beginning of September during the warmest weather at PortAventura, so isn’t available all year round.
Ferrari Land is, as the name suggests, themed around Ferrari and Italy, and is home to Red Force, the highest, fastest roller coaster in Europe. Ferrari Land opens in the afternoon from 4.30pm to 10pm, which is plenty of time to enjoy the best rides – Red Force and Thrill Towers which is two drop towers.
I decided to spend 2 nights at a hotel at PortAventura World so I could really make the most of my time. PortAventura World was kind enough to offer me a two-night complimentary stay at PortAventura Hotel Gold River on a half-board basis so I could write a detailed review for you.
I visited in May, so Caribe Aquatic Park wasn’t open, but I did get to spend 2 days exploring PortAventura Park and have one evening in Ferrari Land.
Why Spend a Night (or more) at a PortAventura World Hotel?
There are various reasons why spending longer than a day at PortAventura is worth it:
Convenience & Proximity
All the PortAventura World resort hotels are within walking distance of the park. There are different entry points depending on which hotel you book, for example, I stayed at Hotel Gold River which was closest to the Far West area of the park so we entered right next to Uncharted, one of the best rides in PortAventura.
PortAventura Park Entry Tickets Included in Your Stay
As well as the obvious convenience of being close to the theme park, overnight accommodation at any one of the PortAventura World hotels includes entry tickets to the PortAventura Park for the duration of your stay, so you can save money on entry tickets.
The free tickets include access on the day of arrival and day of departure – so a 1-night stay will give you 2 days in the park included in the price, 2 nights will give you 3 days included and so on. You also have 1 ticket to Ferrari Land per person included in your stay.
While you can’t check into your room until 3pm, you can arrive at any time on the day of your booking to get your entry tickets to PortAventura World and go into the park, leaving luggage in your car or storing it in lockers at the hotel (€5 per locker).
Discounts or Free Express Passes
In addition to that, all overnight guests get discounts on PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park tickets and express passes, and guests at the 5* PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion also get Unlimited Express queue jump wristbands for both PortAventura and Ferrari Land parks which are valid throughout the entire stay, including day of arrival and departure.
Unlimited Express pass prices start from €75 per person per day, with prices usually well over €100 and getting more expensive the busier the park is, so getting them included in your accommodation can be very useful!
FIND A HOTEL AT PORTAVENTURA WORLD
My Personal PortAventura Hotel Gold River Review
What is PortAventura Hotel Gold River Like?
PortAventura Hotel Gold River is a 4* Wild-West theme hotel next to Far West Zone. It’s one of the closest hotels to the entrance to the park, where you enter next to Uncharted, one of the best rides in PortAventura.
As well as the main hotel building where you check in and store bags, there are lots of exterior buildings that house hotel rooms as well. There is a whole themed complex made up of several buildings that look like a street in the Wild West.
All of the buildings were decorated as stores and businesses from the outside, with comfortable bedrooms inside, as well as the saloon-style bar and restaurant and swimming pools. There are three outdoor swimming pools, which I didn’t use as it was still a little chilly, but they looked like a nice place to cool off on a hot day!
There was a range of Western-themed businesses advertised on the buildings in the complex, from an undertaker to a dentist named Samuel T. Puller. There were various photo opportunities too, with a stagecoach or inside a coffin, or riding a statue of a donkey.
The complex also had two other PortAventura hotels that you could walk to – PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion and PortAventura Hotel Colorado Creek, so I had a little wander to explore but stayed mostly around my area of the hotel.
I had a comfortable stay at PortAventura Hotel Gold River on a half board basis and enjoyed my time here.
Arriving at the Hotel
I stayed in Tarragona for a few days before my trip to PortAventura World. Unfortunately, with luggage, the best way to get to my hotel from the centre of Tarragona was by taxi, as the train station is quite a long walk from the hotel.
I arrived at Hotel Gold River around 11am, and went to check in. You can also check in online from 5 days before your arrival, which I would recommend doing, so you can book times for breakfast and dinner if required, and skip any lines at the check-in desk.
As it happened there wasn’t anyone else waiting so check in at the hotel was quick and smooth. The receptionist explained that my room wouldn’t be available until 3pm, when I would receive a text message confirming the number of the bedroom.
They recommended I use the app to book my dining times for breakfast and dinner, and gave me my entry ticket for PortAventura Park, as well as a card showing a map of the hotel which I promptly shoved into my suitcase as I was excited to get into the park.
I booked my dining times (one slot was already filled up for breakfast, so that’s another reason to check in online), and you can also change your slot online (assuming other times have availability), I liked being able to do that quickly and easily without asking at reception or the restaurant.
The luggage storage is in a locker room just outside the front door of the hotel, which is charged at €5 per locker per day. If you’re driving to PortAventura I’d recommend leaving your luggage in the car and keeping valuables like passports in a moneybelt under your clothes while you’re in the park.
I headed into the park, entering into the Far West world as the hotel complex is next to this area of the park, and as there was no line at Uncharted I hopped straight on that before making my way through the rest of the park. You can read more about my tips for visiting PortAventura Park here.
Checking Into my Bedroom
I received my text message around 2pm informing me of my bedroom number, so I headed back to the hotel to collect my bags and check into my room.
I made the mistake of assuming my room was in the main hotel building and after taking the lift up to what I thought was my floor then wandering around for a while I finally asked the reception team to direct me.
TOP TIP: Keep hold of the cardboard map they give you with your key card as that shows you the location of your room!
My room was in a building across from the entrance to the main hotel so a short walk away. I went inside and was pleased with the cosy style. It was quite simply decorated but comfortable. The bed had a metal frame and a patchwork throw in keeping with the theme, with bedside tables, a chair and a chest to put my suitcase on.
There was also a TV, wardrobe, a mini fridge (very useful), and an ensuite bathroom with a bath and shower. It was on the ground floor with a view of one of the swimming pools.
My room adjoined the next one with a locked door, on the first night no-one was there but on the second day a family arrived and I could hear every word they said as there was no soundproofing through the adjoining door, so I’d recommend requesting a non-adjoining room unless you are travelling with a group who you want to have next to you.
That said, I slept well on both nights, and the bed was lovely and comfortable.
Dinner at PortAventura Hotel Gold River
The evening buffet dinner was included for half-board guests or charged at €19.50 per person for anyone who wanted to add it to their booking.
In the summer season, there is an a la carte restaurant as well as a buffet restaurant and a snack bar in the hotel complex, but for my stay in May, there was just a buffet restaurant in a cavernous dining room with a large buffet station.
Seating in the restaurant was arranged more or less on a first-come, first-served basis with some larger tables reserved for groups. The first sittings of the day are likely to be seated closest to the buffet, with outer tables and the room next door seating people when there is no space in the main room.
There were several buffet stations, one for salads and cold items, two sides of the hot buffet section with a chef’s hot plate in the middle, then a dessert station and another for bread and cheese.
I enjoyed most of the food and ate plenty, as I tend to do with buffets! There was a mix of Spanish dishes like paella, a seafood section and grilled meat, then generic family-friendly food like pasta, pizza, chicken burgers and chips.
I stuck mostly to the paella and salads, the pasta I tried was bland and overcooked. I would have liked more variety on the second night though, many of the dishes were the same with a few variations. I appreciate it must be difficult to please everyone when you’re catering for families though, many of whom are English so probably not the most adventurous!
The dessert buffet was a highlight for me, which on the first night included profiteroles and two chocolate fountains! I was in chocolate heaven! Now I would have liked to see that back on the second night but sadly it wasn’t to be. There were plenty of other sweet treats though, including soft serve ice cream, actual ice-creams like cornettos in the freezer, cakes, fruit and sweets.
You are given set times for dining, with 1 hour to eat at each sitting. They weren’t busy enough to kick people out but I’m not sure how strict the staff might be for a full house during the summer, so make sure you arrive on time (or a little early) to make the most of your time in the dining room.
Evening Entertainment at PortAventura Hotel Gold River
Next to the main hotel building was the restaurant and saloon bar. It wasn’t peak season so some of the areas were closed, but the saloon bar was open with nightly entertainment and drinks available to purchase. By the evening I was too tired to watch but it was advertised as a party disco so I didn’t feel bad for missing out – it was family entertainment and I needed some peace and quiet after a day exploring the park!
Breakfast
Breakfast was set up in a similar way to dinner, in the large buffet dining room next to the main hotel building. Again, the first sittings of the day were seated closest to the buffet so it can be useful getting up early to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with plenty of time for it to go down before riding any rollercoasters!
The buffet stations from dinner were replaced with breakfast dishes, one with cereals and cold items, one with fruit and juices, and another with bread and bakery products, then the hot buffet area that had the same items on both sides to reduce queuing time.
There were typical English breakfast dishes like bacon, sausage, mushrooms and eggs, as well as some more Spanish items like tortilla (egg and potato omelette) then mini pancakes and churros (long doughnuts) with chocolate or maple syrup.
As fast as the chef cooked the pancakes they were devoured, many of which by me, then I tried to balance it out with some fruit!
What I Loved about PortAventura Hotel Gold River
I enjoyed the convenience of being right next to PortAventura Park, especially for people without a car it was so great to be able to walk into the park and back to the hotel within minutes.
I love that the tickets for PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land are included in the room rates.
The food was decent, and while I would have liked more variety I think they did a good job catering to a range of tastes.
The room was comfortable and I slept well.
What Could Be Improved
I’ve fed this back to my contact at PortAventura World but I would love to see more public transport options available to get to the hotels in PortAventura. The train that goes from Tarragona (and Barcelona) to the main entrance of PortAventura so it’s great for day-trippers, but then it would have been a 20 minute walk from the entrance with my suitcase.
Perhaps even golf carts or shuttles from the station would work, or buses from the centre of Tarragona for easy access. There is a shuttle 3 times a day from Camp de Tarragona station but the times and convenience wasn’t suitable for my journey and you have to pre-book it.
I would also appreciate free luggage storage, paying €5 a day to store luggage when I arrived was an irritating extra expense.
Final Thoughts
Overall I enjoyed my stay at PortAventura Hotel Gold River and would recommend it as a great hotel to stay at PortAventura World. I stayed in May 2024 and would love to go back to visit during the summer to check out Caribe Aquatic Park and the evening shows. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
Other PortAventura World Hotels You Might Like
If you’re wondering where else you can stay at PortAventura resort, there are several different hotels at PortAventura World to choose from, and each has its own unique style and decor. You can choose to book a specific hotel, or you can play Hotel Roulette and book a room at PortAventura Resort without knowing which hotel you’re staying at!
This little gamble can save you money on your PortAventura hotel if you don’t mind which resort hotel you stay at – you will get an email the day before arrival telling you which PortAventura resort hotel has been booked for you.
On the other hand, a stay at the 5* Hotel Lucy’s Mansion is more expensive but each guest gets an Express Pass included for the duration of their stay, which is a very nice addition!
PortAventura Hotels
Here’s a quick summary of the Hotels at PortAventura World so you can decide which option to go for:
$$$: PortAventura Hotel Lucy’s Mansion – This 5* property is the best hotel at PortAventura and you can have a luxury stay here, enjoying the onsite spa and excellent dining.
The room rates also include one Unlimited Express queue jump wristband per person for both PortAventura and Ferrari Land parks which is valid throughout the entire stay, including day of arrival and departure – so if you stay 1 night you get 2 days of access to the parks with the Unlimited Express passes.
While the accommodation prices are more expensive than other hotels in the park, the express passes make this actually really good value – a single Express Unlimited Pass costs from €75 per person for 1 day, which often goes up to over €100, so if you’re thinking of getting the PortAventura Express Passes anyway then this could be a good option for you. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel Colorado Creek – Another 4* Wild-West Theme Hotel with great reviews and buffet-style breakfast and dinner options. Hotel Colorado Creek has different types of rooms, and if you book a Deluxe room you will also get 1 PortAventura Express10 queue jump ticket per person as well as VIP amenities in the dispenser and welcome water. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel PortAventura – This 4* Mediterranean village-style hotel has gardens, a lake and a swimming pool, with direct access to the Mediterranean area of PortAventura Park. There is a choice of restaurants serving buffet or a la carte options for breakfast and dinner. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel El Paso – Stay in a Mexican-style Hacienda at this 4* option, which has a large pool with a sunken pirate ship and two kids’ pools. Popular with families, there is also a limited number of Deluxe Superior Woody & Friends Rooms with a Woody the Woodpecker theme. All-inclusive packages are available. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$$: PortAventura Hotel Caribe – Another popular option for families, this Caribbean-inspired hotel is a little further away from the park entrance but still very close. The hotel has the world’s largest white-sand swimming pool, as well as another adult pool and kids pool, and has two restaurants serving a range of Mediterranean and international dishes. There is also a café, two bars, and a spa which is included in some rooms or available for a supplement. ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
$: PortAventura Resort Hotel Roulette – Get the best rates for one of the hotels above, but you only find out the day before arrival which resort hotel you will be staying at – great value if you don’t mind which hotel you get! ➡️CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE
PortAventura Hotel FAQs
Can You Use The Hotel Facilities Before Check-In And After Check-Out?
Yes, and it’s one of the biggest benefits to staying in a hotel at PortAventura. You can arrive early on your check-in day, collect your park tickets, and start using the park straight away. On departure day, you can also leave your luggage (for a small fee) and continue using the park or hotel facilities for the rest of the day.
Which PortAventura Hotel Is Closest To The Best Rides?
It depends. Hotel Gold River and Colorado Creek are closest to the Far West entrance near Uncharted, while Hotel PortAventura gives you quick access to Mediterrània and Furius Baco. Choosing your hotel strategically can save a lot of walking time, and valuable waiting time in the lines!
Are The Hotel Rooms Quiet At Night?
Generally yes, but it depends on the room location. Rooms near entertainment areas or with adjoining doors can be noisier (as I discovered), so it’s worth requesting a quieter room or one without a connecting door if you’re a light sleeper.
Is Half-Board Worth It At PortAventura Hotels?
It can be good value, especially if you don’t want to think about where to eat after a long day in the park. However, if you prefer flexibility or lighter meals, you might find yourself not making full use of the buffet options. You can take food into the hotels (and use the small fridge in the rooms) but you’re not supposed to take food into the park with you.
Do You Need To Reserve Breakfast And Dinner Times In Advance?
Yes, especially in peak season. Time slots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to check in online in advance and book your preferred dining times as soon as possible.
Are The Hotel Pools Worth Using?
In summer, definitely. They’re a great way to cool off during a break from the park. However, in shoulder seasons many pools are unheated and can be too cold to enjoy comfortably. When I visited in May it was too cold to use them.
Is It Easy To Walk Between The Different PortAventura Hotels?
Yes, many of the hotels are connected by pedestrian paths, particularly Gold River, Colorado Creek, and Lucy’s Mansion which are all in the same complex. This makes it easy to explore different areas or meet friends staying in another hotel.
Are There Any Hidden Costs When Staying At PortAventura Hotels?
A few extras can add up, such as luggage storage, food and drinks in the park, drinks at dinner, parking, and express passes (unless included in your room). It’s worth budgeting for these so there are no surprises.
Is Hotel Roulette Really Worth The Risk?
If you’re flexible and just want the best price, it can be great value. However, you won’t be able to choose your hotel location, which could impact how close you are to your preferred park entrance.
Do All Rooms Have Fridges And Kettles?
Most rooms have a mini fridge, which is very useful, but kettles are not always standard. If having tea or coffee in your room is important, it’s worth checking or bringing a small travel kettle.
Can You Easily Return To The Hotel During The Day?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of staying on-site. You can pop back for a rest, a swim, to change your clothes or to drop off souvenirs, which makes the whole experience much more relaxed.
Are The Hotels Suitable For Couples Or Just Families?
While they are very family-focused, couples can still enjoy them, especially in quieter seasons. Hotels like Lucy’s Mansion feel more upscale and peaceful, while others are more lively and child-friendly. As a solo traveller I was certainly in the minority, but I didn’t feel uncomfortable.
Is It Better To Stay Inside The Resort Or In Salou?
Staying inside the resort is more convenient and includes park tickets, which can offer good value. Staying in Salou can be cheaper, and closer to other restaurants, bars and nightlife, but you’ll need to factor in transport and separate park entry costs.
How Early Should You Book A PortAventura Hotel?
For the best prices and availability, book as early as possible, especially for summer and school holidays. Prices tend to rise closer to the date, particularly for hotels with included Express Passes. If you don’t mind which hotel you stay in, you could get some great late deals doing the Hotel Roulette option.
Are The Themed Hotels Actually Immersive?
Yes, more than many people expect. Areas like Gold River feel like a mini themed village, which adds to the experience, especially in the evenings when the park is closed and the atmosphere is quieter.
I hope this article has helped you decide if staying at a hotel in PortAventura is worth it for you! If you have any questions about my stay that I haven’t covered please leave a comment below or head over to our Facebook group and join the conversations there.