Catalunya Express - , Spain     

We were only in Tarragona for the night during a long (1 November) weekend and had real problems finding accommodation in Barcelona so opted for Tarragona. Most hotels in Tarragona were also booked up, but we managed to find a room at the Catalunya Express for 50 euros. As we were travelling by train, it was easy to find, just a block away from the station. No lift that I could see, so not good for disabled tourists. The receptionist was very friendly and was more than happy to find us another room when we found that the window facing onto a quiet, inside-facing courtyard wouldn't lock properly. She found us a slightly larger room, but the downside was that it was VERY noisy, facing onto a street frontage. I don't think there was any soundproofing at all, so we could hear trains rumbling past, cars revving, announcements at the station, and lots of music and yahooing from a nearby disco. The room was clean, functional, nothing flash, but with airconditioning, hairdryer and tv, it was good value. Breakfast at 4 euros was particularly good value: chorizo, real fruit juice, a good selection of ham and cheese. If you're going to stay here, bring earplugs! On the plus side, we encountered three receptionists and all three were lovely, very helpful and friendly.