We are going to the Barclona F1 Grand Prix in May and would like to stay on the coast just outside Barcelona. Does anyone have any suggestions, recommendations for hotels etc.

If it's a toss-up between the two, Sitges every time. It's a lot closer to Barcelona, has a Catalan style of its own, with lively bars and clubs (some but not all are gay) and good accommodation. In contrast Salou is a brash holiday resort with concrete boxes and bars full of drunken teenagers, though the beach is decent. If you are going to Sitges, book your accommodation now, as it's very popular. The best hotel is Terramar on the southern edge, overlooking the main beach on one side and golf course on the other.

Thank you thats really informative.

We stayed in Sitges for 1 week during the Summer of 1979. It was a wonderful fishing village. We got chicken for dinner one night off the open spit, and had a nice dinner on the outskirts of town in the midst of groves of trees.<BR><BR>Sorry I can't recommend places to stay, but I would definitely go back to Sitges. (Never been to Salou)

Val:<BR><BR>Ah Sitges! Brought back memories! After backpacking in 1974!! across Europe we were running out of funds FAST! Stumbled apon Sitges by accident and spent 21 glorius days in that wonderful town! I still hope it has that same charm after all these years!\JOHN

Spent a night in Sitgas in October, 1999. What a lovely little seaside town. Had a great beach, a beautiful church right out on the water and a multitude of clubs on a Saturday night thumping out a round-robin of Enrique Iglesias' “Be with You” and Cher's “Believe” until 4:00 in the morning. <BR><BR>Get a hotel on the edge of town, or bring your earplugs.

Another resounding vote for stylish, cosmopolitan, hip Sitges. No contest, in my book!