Hotel Palia La Roca - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Fly Globespan/ Thomas Cook - July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Niven- Ross-shire(42,17)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Returning to Benalmadena after 10 years was certainly a shock! The previous resort has been taken over by Spanish, French and Germans sadly.
We booked last minute with Fleetway Travel staying at the Palia La Roca which is 3 star. We must admit we have been to better 3 star accomodation than this but the hotel was very clean.
The hotel was filled with noisy, rude spanish and we believe that ourselves and 2 other people were the only British there!
Although we were half board, we insisted that we only stay for breakfast as this was the only meal we thought the food was substatial.
As a vegetarian, lunch and dinner had no option but salad and even for my mum, who is a meat eater, was unable to tell what was on her plate as no names above dishes.
Breakfast was your typical juice, hot drinks, croissants, pastries, cereal, bread and bacon, eggs, beans, sausage which was fine but we were unable to hear ourselves think with the noise of the other guests.
Waiting staff were appauling they just stood unhappily watching you eat.
However, the reception staff were excellent English and very helpful.
Entertainment did not seem to be very popular but we are unable to comment as we never watched.
Location was handy for beach, down a hill and you are there but as for shops, supermarkets and restaurants, you are better to be nearer Torremolinos.
We took a trip to Gibralter which was worth every penny! Booked with a company just on the right at the bottom of the hill, and was much cheaper. We went discount shopping - Ciggarettes and Alcohol were a fraction of price there then went up mountain to see the Apes, which I loved!
Weather was very hot - 35 degrees most days so make sure you drink plenty as many people were taken to Hospital with dehydration.
All in all the holiday was fine for the 5 night price we paid- Towels changed everyday and close to beach, however the hotel could have big improvements as well as the mannors of it's guests!
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Hotel Palia La Roca - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: travel deals direct(dawson & sanderson) - Feb 2007
Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : harry & margaret 69 &68
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
although the hotel is excellant with large clean rooms we do feel the evening meal could have more choice for the main course and the sweets certainly need more choice although most people seemed satisfied, perhaps we have been spoilt in the past.watch out if you are with a tour operater as the bus transfer only drops you off at the bottom of the bank leading to the hotel, very difficult for the elderly, and when we were there, two couples had hand luggage stolen while they were collecting their cases from the bus, be warned.
if you like a game of bingo a quiz and a laugh call in to mr. pickwicks along the road to the left from bottom of bank then up bank that leads to the bali hotel but despite the moans would go back to palia la roca. went feb. 2007
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Hotel Palia La Roca - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Travel Counsellors - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Sue Edmunds 32
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
stayed at this hotel for 1 week from 15th june 2006 half board.
arrived at malaga airport got a taxi straight away costs 22 euros. Good Price for three of us.
well what can i say the food was very nice good choice, staff very friendly, rooms bright, airey and very clean. There was a problem with the air conditioning, they sent a caretaker in two hours could not fix so offered to move us to another room. Cannot fault this at all. Excellent service. entertainment not for me but you cant please everyone. there is a english bar over the road called Boos Bar great place, homemade english food good atmosphere and cheap beer prices, would recommend to couples and families as they cater for children with a play area.
walking distance to the marina and all factilities ie shops, bars, restuarants.
5 minutes up the hill is bonanza square. Great place for a night out.
when to Tivoli World, taxi costs 5 euros. great place for amusements rides and entertainment for the kids.
bus service is very good, bus stops to Mijas within walking distance. Train station 3 miles up the hill so would need to get a taxi up. but will only costs 5 euros approx.
would stay at this hotel and go to benalmadena again. great place and all spanish are friendly and welcome you with open arms.
worth a visit, we will be going back again.
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Hotel Palia La Roca - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Linda Britton
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from this hotel, and I would like to say it was very good. The staff where very helpful and courteous at all times. The hotel is mostly occupide by french and spanish tourists with only a few English guests. But that itself is not a problem. While we where staying the mojority of the guest where older with very few children. (A plus for us) We book each part of this trip ourselfs, and found this a great benefit. Local buses and trains are very cheap and Convenient enabling you to get around the local area.
The hotel is situated near the beach, just a short 2 min walk, and the beaches are very good with all the facilitie you would expect.
The restaurant served up such a wide variety of beautiful dishes, the only down side was the breakfast, which has thin hard bacon.
This is not the place to go for a wild nightlife, but if you want to relax.
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Hotel Palia La Roca - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Med Hotels - March 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : David Grieves - Newcastle (35)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We decided to book our own flights via an Easyjet offer - £60 each, return! Med Hotels after many hours of pawing through endless websites, came up with the best package deal by far.
Even when my girlfriend spoke to hotel direct in Spanish; this sneaky attack proved fruitless as Med Hotels had negotiated a better deal!
We had asked for a room with a sea view, but on our confirmation it was highlighted, this was not guaranteed. To our utter delight the hotel delivered a room with both a superb sea view and spectacular views of the mountain range. The room itself was wasn't the biggest, but quite modern in appearance and bathroom/shower was adequate.
Staff were always pleasant and courteous. The hotel itself was based 2 minutes from the beach - sheer convenience.
With March being touch and go in regards to regular sunshine, it was a distinct advantage to us that there was two pools to choose from- 1 outdoor and 1 heated indoor (we couldn't spot any other hotel on the main strip with this excellent feature)
Our Half Board package at £160 p/p for 9 nights turned into a dream deal when we discovered that the restaurant served up such a wide variety of beautiful dishes, plus a barbecue too!
The food was of a much higher standard than we would have associated with a 3* Hotel rating.
It was so handy to have a bus stop 1 minute from the hotel entrance and adjacent to a travel/excursions agency. We took advantage of great deals to Gibraltar and a 'must do experience' of Tangiers in Morrocco for only £55 each in total!!! After a recomend by an acquaintance we also visted the enchanting village in the mountains, namely, Mijas. If you want a meal in the most amazing Arabic themed restaurant (Alcazabar, it has a website), with the most breathtaking views of Fuengirola Coast Line - or any coastline come to think of it, you must come here.
If you want the best nightlife and the real 'Spanish experience' try Malaga on a Saturday night. I thought Newcastle was the place to party, but I had a rethink when people were queing up at 5am at a Night Club entrance in the rain!! The bars with loo roles above the counter were a real culture shock, but added to the occassion (drinks were also cheaper here than at the tourist spots).
Benalmedena Village was ideal for a quiet romantic meal and a glass or two of wine. Couple this with the incredible gothic/art noveau appearance of The Puerto Marina Harbour and choice of endless restaurants and you have the recipe for a memorable escape.
Oh, and don't forget a day trip to fabulous Ronda - and don't bring flip flops for scaling it's steep slopes! (woops Jenny)
If this hasn't wet your apetite, I guess nothing ever will!
Cheers - Dave - Newcastle (35) & Jenny - Sweden (26)
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- Dec 2006
Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Mrs Riding - Lancashire (52,59.60.53)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
We bookedthis holiday as a 60th birthday treat, we knew weather would be hit & miss in December, but did not expect hotel to be so hit & miss.
The hotel is located on a steep hill,just up from the Marina, this is a main link road to Malaga, quite noisey at night. Hotel past its sell by date, needs total refurbishment, public area's need good clean, bathrooms have a belfast size style of sink, which constricts use of the toilet to side saddle use! lifts accommodation 2 people and 2 small cases or 2 people & 1 large case. One of the pillows on the bed had vomit staines and odour, revolting. The view from our balcony overlooked an appt block that had closed some 2 yrs previous, it is littered with debris,rubbish and pool half full of stinking water and rubbish. Strange feeling on balcony seemed to slope more than any other balcony we have been on.
Food in hotel bland,chips, chips and more chips not always served warm, cooked meat left on unchilled counter. Main bar & TV lounge closed without notice, excuse due to technical problems, bar moved into unheated conservatory, so at night, everyone was freezing, never full unless you went in with your thermals on.
Good points about hotel not far from Marina and the great shops.
I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. 0/10.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
Nov 2006
Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Dave & Sheila 61 & 52
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed here for 1 week. Arrived late Sun night, and went looking for somewhere to have a drink. Got ripped off in a sports bar on the main road, 8 euros for 2 drinks! Went back to the road our hotel was on, where we found a row of about 8 bars, most of which were closed. Went into one (last drop in) which was full, and discovered the drinks were half price, due to it closing down that night. The reasons for this were explained to us by the landlord and his wife. They said that the whole block was being demolished for redevelopment, so that holiday flats could be built. As the week went on, there were only 2 bars left open. The rest were shut down. This is worth bearing in mind, as there may be more building work going on here soon. The apartment/hotel block directly opposite the hotel, was also closed and derelict, which was unsightly and a shame.
The hotel is old but well run and clean, rooms/beds are comfy. Hotel not good for wheelchairs though, as we met a family there who had a child in a wheelchair. As the restaurant is below ground floor level, and there are no lifts to the restaurant! They had to go out of the doors towards the pool, then down a slope to the restaurant, and enter by the fire exit.
We originally requested a high floor/pool view! This was a joke, as the pool was only visible through the small gaps in the trees and dense foliage. However some rooms did have a better veiw of it than ours. And most rooms have a good veiw of the beautiful marina.
Because we like to sit in the sun on the balcony we asked to be moved, as the sun was never on our balcony. due to the direction we faced, and the time of year. We were then given a room on the other side of the hotel, overlooking the road. This was better, as we had sun from about 10.30 ish. But the patios are only single glazed, so we had lots of noise through the night from drunks passing by, which woke me up every night.
There is also building work going on to the side of hotel, which is noisy for those on that side. Food was very good, and always hot. Although sometimes choice was limited.
Indoor pool only open from 10am till 2pm.
Evening entertainment was not very good.
Not on par with some of the hotels we've been in.
Hotel is near to the main road where you can get the local bus, to Torremolinos or Fuengirola for 1 euro 20 cents. We found Fuengirola the nicer of these 2 resorts, and some very good shops there too. We liked Benalmadena better as a resort. Torremolinos is more of a city, and shopping place, the beach is quite a distance from the the shops. This all being individual choice and preference of course.
The hotel overall was good, and i would go back once the redevelopment is complete, and the patios get double glazing.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
nov 2006
Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : roy johnson spalding 65,60
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hotel satisfactory. Clean,good location,can be noisy through the night due to the locals leaving the nightclubs at weekends, if you have a room overlooking the road.Food excellent and hot. Night entertainment very poor. Indoor swimming pool only open 10am-2pm.Suggest go to Riveria hotel for entertainment very good.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Independant Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : John Chris (61,62)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We found the hotel very good .When we arrived we were allocated a room at the back of the hotel which overlooks a building site and was very noisy till 9pm.We asked to be moved and were allocated a room on the 5th floor overlooking the pool with excellent views. There was very little noise from the marina only from spanish kids going home at 07:30 am on the Sat morning.We stayed at the hotel for 10 nights .The staff were very helpful with the exception of the bar staff .The hotel is very clean and if you have a problem they attend to it quickly.The food is very basic with little choice but was sufficient for our needs.We booked the rooms through Alfa rooms.One word of warning the day we left the timeshare touts came out in force and were very aggresive towards older people ,we had not seen them in the days before so it must have been due to the influx of older people.Once the building work has been completed it will be a nice little oasis amongst the hub bub that is Benalmadena .
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: July 15th 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Barry - wigan 43,41
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: No rating
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed in this hotel for a week because on its website it has a disabled room symbol. When i arrived was told that they dont have have disabled rooms. I am not in a wheelchair and i struggled because the bathrooms are so small (about 3inch gap between beday and side of bath)so god help anybody who relys on one because they would really struggle with this hotel.
The hotel has ramps leading to the pool area but none to the dining area.It is also at the top of a very steep hill and you get a lot of noise from the marine (from about 4am in the morning onwards) Also be warned:there is major building work being done at the side of the hotel(2 JCBs,3 generators,2 dumper trucks and about 20 people working on site.Very noisy)and as they are building appartments they are going to be there for 12 months.Aviod.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- March 2006
Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Sue Kay - North Wales (56,60)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Wasn't sure what to expect after reading the reviews, but was pleasantly surprised. The hotel is in a lovely position so close to the marina, the gardens being a bonus, no complaints there.
The food was fine, choice and plenty of fresh food.
The local buses and trains are excellent, bus(from the top of the road) to Mijas passes the railway station and the train takes you to Malaga for about 3 euros.
The walk to Torremolinos is very enjoyable, lots of lovely beach, restaurants on the way and then back to lovely Benalmadena Marina.
If you can avoid Fuengirola and its time share touts!
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: 2006
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : rachel adrain 40,40
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
went to celebrate us both turning forty, weather was a bit hit and miss sunny but strong winds. hotel was keep spotless, rooms where very spacious,but bathroom sink very close to toilet so had to sit sideways, would be very good if you had holiday tummy though. staff where very freindly and helpful espically when on our arrival my husband got locked out on the balcony while i was locked outside the room for 35 minutes trying to get back in. balconies can not be opened for outside so dont close the door behind you.
marina is beautiful and full of places to eat so you wont go hungry, we found a nice pub for our afternoon pint called the irish times go to the top of the road and turn right very freindly and wellcoming, just go 4 a pint its worth it.then when you want to party turn left at the top of the road and head for mcdonalds for the 24 hour bars and disco all good fun.
all in all had a brilliant time there is building work going on but we never heard it so werent annoyed. food was good and warm and plenty so i would recommend this resort and hotel to anyone.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: October -2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Sheila and Amy - mum and a 13 year old !
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
What a fabulous holiday at Benalmadena.
We booked our flights and hotel over the internet and got a really good deal.......saved 50% off brochure price. The hotel was in a really good position for the marina.......just 2 mins walk. A slight incline on the way back but really not worth mentioning.The pool area was outstanding with tropical palms and exotic flowers surrounding the pool.Plenty of sunbeds available. Lifeguard present and area kept very clean.The room was fine, not too spacious but kept spotless by the staff.Food was very good with a vegetarian option every night.We found the staff friendly and helpful.Not so many young people in October, the entertainment reflected this.Bingo and bad comedians !!! With the wonderful nightlife at the outstanding marina just a short walk away, we had the best holiday ever. Talking to people from various hotels in the area, we feel we got the best value.
Already looking to book for next summer. Go and enjoy.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook-September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Gordon Reynolds 40,51
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
This Hotel is not what I would expect from a 3 star Hotel.
The rooms are very basic to say the least.Maids are very good. The Hotel food was a lot to be desired.Very plain and not much choice,but edible.Would not recomend this Hotel as a seasoned traveller,as it was well below our expectations.From Thursday to Sunday make sure you wear ear plugs to bed as i gaurantee you will be rudely wakened by Local Party Goers passing the Hotel as the windows are not Double Glazed.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: direct - august 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Sue & Paul - Liverpool
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
The location of the hotel is fantastic. very close to the harbour with its array of gorgeous restaurants. however, this also has its down side as from midnight till 6am you can get a lot of roudy noise from the late night clubbers who have to go past the hotel. as the hotel is quite old the facilities are not the best. the pool is ok and if you end up near to the lifts you will hear them crash up and down constantly
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : 30,30,28
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Good points:
Nice marina area - lots of great bars/restaurants
Excellent weather
Hotel clean and surrounded by pleasant gardens
Air con and maid service everyday
Mixture of age groups
Men not lecherous
Close to other busy resorts
Bad points
Many of the hotel staff are unfriendly (as mentioned in other reviews)
Noise of main road/traffic and bottle banks - ask for a room with a pool view - it's quite an improvement
Food not very nice - we ate out for almost every meal even though we were half-board! (Great Chinese restaurants in resort)
24 hour square is not as grand as it sounds and the drinks are a rip off! Don't get involved in 2 for 1 offers as they are a con
Overall - we had a great time - if you like good weather, a resort that is quite mixed and are not too bothered about staying in the best hotel the Palmasol is ok and not overly expensive.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
-July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : M & M (49, 16)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived around 2pm at Malaga Airport, found the Thomson Holidays
service very
good, easy to spot and no problems finding coach to hotel. Around half
an hour transfer to get to the hotel.
We found the reception staff to be very helpful, especially on the last day when we had to be out of the room by 12 but didnt leave for the airport until 8. We tried to get late check out but it wasnt possible, however the reception made sure we got a half hour slot in the courtesy room to shower/change.
The lifts in the hotel are VERY small, around 2 people per lift. It says 4 on the wall but 2 or 3 is enough or your going to get squashed.
The room we got (355) was on the 3rd floor with the pool to the right and the entertainment area below. We found this quite good as the bar often got busy at night but the entertainment could still be watched from the balcony if we didnt feel like going down to the bar area. The entertainment stops at around 11, so it doesnt really interfere with sleep.There is basically no street noise, or at least not to the degree described.Cars do not usually race up and down the hill, we wereut till 12 some nights and the was no sign of this. Yes people go up and down the road to 24 hour square but theyre only having a bit of fun on holiday like the rest of us. I would say the noise would only affect you if you go to bed at 2am and are a light sleeper.
The rooms are advertised as "twin room-sleeps 2-4". We would say that two can fit in comfortably with plenty of space for things but any more would be a bit of a squash. We reccomend trying to book the corner rooms as these are bigger. The room was kept spotless by the cleaners, as was the rest of the hotel. TV had a good few english speaking channels but you dont go on holiday to watch tv. The safe in the wardrobe is 3 euros per day plus 6 euro deposit that you get back at the end of the holiday. hotel will not cover for anything not in safe so we reccomend getting the safe (just in case).
The food in the hotel was lovely,with lots of choice at both breakfast and evening meal, only 2 of the 7 nights we stayed we didnt eat in the hotel.
The pool area was kept very clean and there was always a lifeguard present at the side. At first it looked like there weren't enough sunbeds but we soon realised that even around 11 yopu could get a couple, although not in the sunniest areas. The lifeguard had very limited english but started to insist we showered before entering the pool. The shower area wasnt very clean however and we refused and just went into the pool(no complaint from the lifeguard, he seemed to understand why), went to the rep and explained and it was sorted within 12 hours. We had a theory that no one had used the shower for a while and the lifeguard gave up but then someone complained that no one was using the showers before going into the pool and the lifeguard has been told to get people to use them, hence the insistence.
The hotel is situated on a hill, not good for those with walking difficulties. However the hotel is in a good area, 2 minutes to the marina/beach in one direction, and 2 minutes to a supermarket and a pharmacy in the other. There are plenty of bars/restaurants in the area. We would reccomend Jacks at the marina, an American restaurant with beautiful food and great service. Its a little more expensive than most other places but well worth it. We would also reccomend The Last Drop Inn, just across from the hotel, for lovely british food and a friendly atmosphere and Potter's Bar on the beach front, again lovely british food and a friendly atmosphere.
Overall the hotel definetely deserves its 3 star rating but thats all it is, a typical 3 star hotel. I believe many people are hoping for something special, if so book a 4 or 5 star not 3 star. You get what you pay for and as a 3 star hotel this is well worth the money. If you are going here you have nothing to worry about and if you are planning to book and this sounds like something you would like, go ahead, its a nice hotel in a nice area. have a good holiday :)
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
-June 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : 18,20
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Ok, then where do i start.
I will start by saying that we had a great holiday and if the hotel came up for a good price again we would go back.
The hotel is set on a incline off the busy Marina road, this is the reason for the noise people say about. The noise is mainly of cars and bars/restruants using bins. We personaly did not find this a problem as are room that we had for the duration of our holiday was in the middle of the hotel facing the pool. When we first arrived the hotel upgraded us free of charge as soon as i walked into the room i felt extreamly uncomfortable the furniture was grey and old the room had 3 sets of sliding doors, and the noise here was trumendus, so we got a room transfer. A word of advice do not upgrade the standered rooms are far nicer and less noisey.
The pool area is lovly, the best part of the hotel, the whole area felt really new and clean, we spent many nice relaxing days around the pool.
The food in the hotel was ok, We are used to all-inclusive in the Carribean, so we were expecting the worst as carribean all-inclusive tends to be really good. There was a really good selection at breakfast eggs, bacon, toast, yougurt, fruit etc. We only had the dinner once in the two weeks we were there as we love eating out in european countries, i must also confess that we went out for breakfast most days too, as we enjoy waking up early and going for a walk.
We found eating outside the hotel very dissapointing actually, we often go to Cyprus, the Canaries and the Algarve and i must say that this resort is full of english restruants which is ok but that is not what we go on holiday for (however meant having a great english breakfast). The pool bar does nice food we often shared a peallea at lunch. We found that most of our money went on buying drinks during the day as the weather was hot however we had nowhere to keep the drinks cool.
The Costas are well known for resorts such as benidorm and torrimolinos it has to be said, we found that benalmadina had been taken over by the english and enjoyed the hussle and bussle of torrimolinos and walking through the market in the evenings, it had a spanish feel to it.
I have to say that this hotel is a good base, however its not the kind of place you book halfboard and enjoy the food everyday, my partner and i paid a really good price, and just slept and used the pool of the palmasol and this worked well for us. If this is your main holiday for the year and have children and enjoy eating at the hotel this is not really the place for you. If you have already booked this holiday, do not worry yourself people like myself moan alot on here to give people a picture. I think the main thing is the pool area is nice and the hotel is clean, be sure to ask for that all important pool view.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: TUI April 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : John and Hilary Penny (44, 39)
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
This is a nice hotel. We went after reading reviews that led us to think we were going to a bit of a dive. Not so. The rooms are large enough and pleasantly furnished. The bathroom has a tiny bath but the powershower was excellent and invigorating. The room was presented as very clean and was kept so all week by a first-class cleaning team.
The restaurant was a standard Spanish hotel buffet but was one of the best we have encountered. The choice might not always have been imaginative but the quality of cooking and food presentation was excellent. The house wines were dirt cheap and very drinkable. We celebrated our anniversary with a bottle of fizzy for £6! The hotel does lunches but these are very expensive. Go over the road to Dick Turpin's Bar instead!
The pool area is lovely with a large, clean pool and lots of landscaped gardens that will provide much-needed shade for summer visitors. The sunbeds are a bit tired and saggy, however. The bar staff are friendly and fast to serve. The entertainment, however, was the worst we have ever seen. Rarely did it even reach amateur standards. Other entertainment in the town was very hard to find, so the evenings dragged a bit.
The resort is frankly a bit of a dump. There's a nice area down by the marina, and up into town from the hotel is 24 Hour Square, home of the cheap bars and discos (cheap 2 for 1 drinks and nice staff at the Dutch Bar). This was all a bit dead in April! However, it does generate a lot of noise all night, especially on the weekends. Try and get a room facing the pool area to cut out the worst of it, otherwise there's nothing between you and the discos. The promenade area in both directions is tired and badly in need of a facelift. Some graffitti and litter, much as in England!
In summary: nice hotel if your room overlooks the pool, good food that is well cooked and a lovely pool area. Downside: crummy resort, poor entertainment, street noise at night.
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Hotel (H10) Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- April 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : P & E Baker - Nottinghamshire
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stayed at the hotel H10 Palmasol in mid April 2005 and found it to be an extremely disappointing experience and not worth the money spent. We found the staff (both reception and restaurant) to be unfriendly, unhelpful, disinterested, unresponsive and obnoxious.
This hotel is on the noisiest street in Benalmadena, with noisy karaoke from 7.30pm to midnight across the street. The noise continues, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when hundreds of local teenagers pour down the street in droves from the 24 hour square to the marina and between 4am-7am make their way back up the street noisily back to 24 hour square. The cars along the street were tooting their horns so loudly and shouting abuse in the streets. It's the first holiday we have had to wear earplugs all night to try and get some sleep. This is not a quiet hotel, nor did we find it a pleasant stay. Infact, whilst we were staying here we witnessed many disturbing incidences.
A few issues to take note of include the following: the "half bath" shower was on the small side and was not cleaned during our one week stay at the hotel. The sliding windows leading to the balcony are extremely thin, no double glazing and no proper security locks.
We had problems with the food. This is our experience, whereby twice we both had sickness from eating in the restaurant, this was breakfast and dinner. We ended up having to eat out in fear of having food poisoning. The food quality in any case was extremely bland and lacked any entertainment. There are many other issues which we cannot mention here as we are now in dispute with our holiday tour company, but we can strongly advise and warn anyone considering this hotel to strongly avoid it and look at other options! As for a star rating for this hotel and it's service of staff and restaurant, we would struggle to give it a single star!. This hotel has recently been made up to a 3 star from a 2 star but in our opinion it definitely is not 3 star material. Overall, an extemely disappointing experience, disappointing Hotel, Just not worth considering and we strongly would never stay here again!
On a brighter note, there are some great bars and restaurants in Benalmadena close to this hotel where you can get good quality meals and excellent service at a friendly and affordable price. One of these bar restaurants that we highly recommend is "Scotty's Hollywood Stars", which is situated across the street from the H10 Palmasol hotel. Stu, Sue and the girls will treat you to that friendly kind hospitality with brilliant service that is so hard to find on any holiday. The meals are of excellent size, value, standard and quality at very good affordable prices. Their service approach was most flexible and accomoding to us for example, my partner has an allergy to certain foods and Sue at Hollywood Stars, went out of her way to prepare something that suited my partner's dietary needs. We ended up popping over just to say hello to them every night, even if it was for half an hour just because we found them to be such helpful, genuine, sincere and warm people. So all in all please do pay a visit to Sue and Stu & girls at Scotty's Hollywood Stars bar restaurant and say G'day!
Now, If you want good traditional home cooked spanish food, then visit: Diana 1 Restaurant, Benalmadena. It's not far from the 24 hour square. If you ask somebody local, they'll point you in the right direction. We recommend especially the seafood soup and the Paella!
Overall, we found Benalmadena as a resort, has alot to offer. Local travel agents do cheap tours to seville and local buses will take you to wonderful villages like Mijas for 1.15 euro or you can visit the arroyo marketplace on a Friday. There's lots to do and we had wonderful weather too, 28 degrees is not bad at all for April. Happy Holidaying but choose wisely where you stay as it can make the difference between a great holiday and a stressful holiday!.
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- March23 2005
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Christine &Helen (55 & 24)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We found all the Hotel staff very pleasant and helpful, the Thomson Holidays
Rep was unhelpful and uninformative. Our room was small but fairly clean
we had requested a pool or sea view but got the view of overgrown rubber
trees instead, we asked for a room change but an alternative was not
available.
We found the food at breakfast o.k. the food at dinner was very bland with little variation, my daughter saw a cockroach scuttle out of the cutlery tray and along the food area one evening which did not help our appreciation of the cuisine. The bar and lounge area was clean and very pleasant, drinks were reasonably priced e.g. 4 euros for a cocktail.
The entertainment in the hotel was awful probably the worst I have ever experienced, the animation girl did Bingo and Quizzes she seemed to be laughing at herself - she was pathetic - if this is entertainment heaven help us, I would expect better from a H10 Hotel.
Benalmadena is lovely with lots to do in the area e.g. Sea Life, Tivoli World. We visited Torremolinos, Marbella, Gibralter Rock Tour - the Barbarry Apes are lovely, we went on the Dolphin Safari,the boat crew were very informative and we actually saw baby Dolphins in the bay of Gibralter.
The Marina in Benalmadana is lovely - a good place for a meal or drink with some nice shops to browse in. The weather was excellent while we were there reaching 29 degrees.
I would definitely return to this resort but not the hotel unless it improved food and entertainment. There are some good restaurants/bars along the promenade, the beach is good with dark coloured sand, the sea was very clear and good for swimming. Children would enjoy this resort.
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thompson -march 2005
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : mr&mrs walton -washington 62, 59
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Cleanliness - hotel very clean
Accomodation- rooms small but adequate.
Bathroom- small hip bath and fixed shower above the bath. room small
Food-not much choice, but cooked quite well
Noise- what can I say. constant yelling and shouting at the weekends especially Friday and Saturday from appoximatley MN till 07.00am.This seemed to be mainly local young people on all night binges walking from one venue to another.Some double glazing and floor carpet would certainly help cut down some of the noise,but failing that I would advise anyone staying at the Palmasol to take some earplugs.The immediate bar area stated Non smoking area but this was not enforced.Mixed signals were being sent out by placing ashtrays on the tables.
Other than the above and despite appalling weather the first week, we still enjoyed our stay.The hotel was very clean, and the staff quite helpfull.Benalmadena is smaller than some costal towns in the area ,but still plenty to do I recommend the Bar park opposite the hotel, and the Eldorado opposite the hotel Sirroco. There are plenty of places to see if you hop on a local bus, and the fares are very cheap. I you have time, visit Ronda appox. 2 hours away either by bus or train ,you will be transported through beatiful countryside, and Ronda itself is charming ,we will certainly be going back
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - September 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Jim & Pat Taylor - Stockport, Cheshire (55, 50)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Arrived at Malaga Airport early Friday evening to be met by Thomas Cook rep who informed that there was a problem with the Palmasol Hotel - a building next door had been demolished and there was a problem with dust, noise etc. Not what you want hear on arrival at the start of your holiday. Told us they were moving us to another hotel until Sunday when we would have the choice of either moving back to Palmasol or staying put at the other hotel. Opted for moving back to Palmasol on the Sunday. However, later found out that the problem really wasn't demolition of the building next door - the Palmasol seemed to have a problem with double bookings through our 2 week stay. Have to say though that Thomas Cook handled the matter well for us and paid us (and 2 other couples) compensation in cash in the resort.
The Palmasol, we have to say, is struggling. The pool area is really nice - although there was a dead rat in the bushes for a number of days and despite numerous requests from residents this was not removed for a number of days. We found the staff extremely unhelpful and unfriendly - apart from the cleaners - who were very friendly. The bar staff and reception in particular - really unhelpful. The pool snack bar stops serving food at 3.30pm every afternoon - this seemed to be the time when lots of people were coming up from the pool for a snack. There is a further pool bar - serving drinks and ice creams - this seemed to open as and when the staff felt like opening it and was never well stocked.
The bedrooms are OK but the bathrooms are a nightmare. When you sit on the loo the washbasin is jutting out over your thighs !! I don't know how elderley people manage.
The dining room is inadequate for the number of residents - there were frequently long queues of people stretching up the staircase to the floor above, waiting to be seated. The food was fine and varied, although we tend to eat out half of the time on holiday.
There are a number of bars across the road that do good food - Dick Turpins in particular - Adrian and Andrea will really look after you !! If you eat or drink in the marina it is obviously much much expensive - double the price at some places - but well worth it - absolutely stunning setting for people watching. If you walk along the promenade towards Fuengerolia you will come to a strip of fab top class restaurants where they barbeque the steaks and fish in front of you and on the seafront - well recommended, especially El Authentic.
As for the noise at the Palmasol - this is on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights - Saturday night being the worse. Mostly Spanish teenagers walking down to the Marina, drinking and then walking back up the road (approx 3am) to the 24 Hour Square where the bars don't close until 6am. If you are on the front of the hotel you will be more affected by this than on the poolside.
Trips out - get the local bus to Mijas - stunning village in the mountains - buses a bit unreliable though. Also, get the little train upwards the mountains where you can get a cable car to the top - fantastic views, falconry, donkeys, Spanish riding exhibitions.
All in all would definitely go back to the resort - beaches are clean and uncrowded, good restaurants etc. but would not go back to the Palmasol. There are much better hotels in the area. The Palmasol is living on its location overlooking the marina and is in need of a good refurbishment and some friendly staff.
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Alpha Beds - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Amanda Jackson - Leeds (1, 3, 28, 36)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this holiday on the internet and only knew about the hotel from this website's reviews.
The hotel in my opinion was very good I had read it suited mainly couples and older people but we found there was just as many families in the hotel as there was anybody else.
The hotel only has 1 pool and its not really designed for young children as the shallow end is still a bit deep but they had their inflatables and loved it. We thought the food was very good it caters for everbody's tastes and there was plenty to choose from. My three year old is very picky and even he found something he liked everyday.
The entertainment was not up to much but the marina is so close by and there is so much to do in Benalmadena we didn't find it a problem. The Marina is only a short walk down a slight hill and then your're on the flat. There are shops, restaurants, childrens activities a small land train which takes you round the marina for around 5 euros each. Torremolinos is only a short bus ride away with Fuengirolla in the other direction.
When we arrived at the hotel there was some confusion with the size of room we needed but the reception staff immediately sorted the problem out and we were given a larger room with no problem. The rooms in general are comfortable and clean and all have balconies. If you are on the ouside it can be quite noisy as the windows are not double glazed.
For the first couple of nights we were on the third floor on the main steet and although it was quite noisy with horns tooting at 6am it wasn't anything really disturbing to say we went in peak season. Before we went I didn't know what to expect from the Costa del Sol but now I have been I would definitely go back there again as there is something for everyone to do in fact we went for two weeks and there were somethings we didn't have time for.
I would definitely stay at the hotel Palmassol again as the location is excellent and the hotel was lovely
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
july2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Joan
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
I DO NOT RATE THIS HOTEL AT ALL!!!!
Everyone is different though, this is my oppinion.
Food-Poor
Breakfast- cheap bacon if you could call it bakon, stale bread and little choice!
Evening meal-Yuck not much choice and strange combinations.
Bedroom-Poor
Small, basic, toilet is white and green, hairdryer does not work, half a bath and not enough space for big people to use the toilet!
Pool area-Good
The best part of the hotel, though a dead rat problem if you go down stairs from poolarea.
Staff-Extreamly Poor
Rude,unhelpful and grumpy!
Basically not a great base if you like a good hotel, i would recommend
Hotel Triton
Hotel Alay-even though it does not look great from outside!
Hotel Riverira
If you enjoy the marina area all these hotels are great.
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
-July 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : sally Peters 25,27
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Overall if you are visiting this hotel you have nothing to worry about, it is not a complete dive!
The pool area is lovly, probly the best feature of the hotel, this area is kept very nice and the gardens are always being cared for.
The room are small, but how much space do you need? i personally thought the room was lovly, loads of wardrope space and nice decor and kept very clean. the bathroom however is on the small side, there is only half a bath and there is little space to keep toiletries around the sink.
A word of advice is do not upgrade to a superior room, as when we first arrived this is what we were given and it was horrid, the lounge area was grey and needed undating, ok the tv was larger but do you go on holiday to watch tv? All the superior rooms are also situated at the noicest end of the hotel and with three sets of patio doors that ate not double glazed it is very noisy. We also paid for a room on are last day as we had a late flight, we could not keep are own room, this room was not as nice as are room and i would have been very disapointed if i was given this room for are whole holiday as with the superior room, the best rooms tended to have pool views! However the entertainment is on untill 11.30 evry night in this area.
As for the noise issue, i would say it will effect you if you are an extreamly light sleeper and enjoy early nights.
The main falt with this hotel is the food, my partner would usually eat anything, but in this case we spent most of are money eating out. (the resort is very expensive) spent £700 mainly on food for two people we are not big eaters! 20 euros for a steak! 9 euros for a starter and 5 euros for a pint of spanish beer!!!
The breakfast at the hotel is ok if you dont eat bacon and are counting on a good cooked breakfast, yougurts, cheese, ham, fruit, bread and toast and on some days eggs are the best bet! orange juice is more like water and citrus bits, in my oppinion yuck!
Do not count on reception being helpful, as you can not get anything when you want it, everything is tomorrow and they are unhelpful.
The staff at the bar are also not very nice, they seem extreamly rude as they leave you sitting at the table for hours before the serve you.
The nicest staff at the hotel is the maids, they are lovly they speak everyday and do a brilliant job! we had clean towels every day!
Over all the hotel was what you would expect in spain, nice and clean extreamly praticle with a great location, incline is nothing to worry about. With grumpy staff.
My advice would be take plenty of spending money, dont expect 4* quality therefore you will not be dissapointed. DO NOT pay for a supperior room as they are awful, believe me!
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
july 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : midlands 22,26
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I have just come back from my holiday,in costa del sol,we stopped in hotel palmassol,great location to the beach, nightlife, and shops.loved the place apart from the hotel,i was very dissappointed with the hotel as you wasnt allowed to have lilos, rubber rings or balls in the pool, which i thought was very unfair on the children that was there, as they didnt have nothing else to do.
as for the food it was horrible at breakfast time not much to choose from,and dinner the potatoeswas un cooked,n hard.food in hotel a very dissappointment after reading on here that people saying food in the palmossol was great,i defianatl didnt.
apart from that we had a great holiday, and if we ever come back to
costa del sol we would stop in a different hotel! but the Thomson Holidays
reps
are very good the only company we will go with there great. i dont think
the hotel palmossol is catered for children.
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
March 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Ann Short- Berwick 48,52
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel was clean and although the room was basic it was comfortable.The bathroom was tiny and would pose a difficulty for larger people.The bath was really just a large basin with a shower over it.One guest who was probably about 6 feet tall told us he had to get down on his knees to get his top half washed! The food was good and the serving dishes were kept topped up throughout.We found the waiting staff to be extremely pleasant.
The only real criticism is that there is no double glazing in the rooms to cut noise and the noise on Saturday nights was awful.It started about midnight,with car horns honking,police sirens and people shouting until 7am in the morning.
Before we went we asked Thomson Holidays
's about the noise but they said they
had never had any complaints.
We enjoyed the resort for a week,using the public transport and walking,visited Malaga,Fuengirola and Torremolinos.
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- March 2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2004 by : Louise & David Hague, Sheffield (33, 34)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this holiday 3 days before we travelled with Thomson Holidays
on a
HB allocated on arrival basis, we knew which hotel it would be in which
resort. Out of the 3 hotels and resort the Hotel Palmasol in Benalmadena
was the one we were hoping to be in.
We arrived at the hotel and the very pleasant, very good english spoken staff welcomed us and gave us the card to our room. The room was smallish but how much room do you need? It was very clean and the maid cleaned and made the beds every day and changed the towels every day if you wished.
The food in the hotel we thought was excellent, there was always plenty of choice to suite everyone, it was very well presented and even if you arrived for breakfast/dinner 20 minutes before the restaurant closed there was still plenty of choice. Even if a tray/dish etc was not empty it would be taken away and another full one brought in. The staff in the restaurant are very nice, good english spoken again and always taking away the plates you have finished with straight away.
No offence but the entertainment in the hotel was geared up for the over 60's but then the hotel was 75% full of the over 60's at this time of year who didn't really venture during the day or night.
We were on the front of the hotel on the 2nd floor and it was quite noisy, especially at the weekend when the locals let their hair down til 5-6am.
The hotel is situated in a very good spot and close to the Marina where most of the life after dark is, if you're under 50. The prices are reasonable to expensive near the Marina bars, the Metro is particularly expensive because of it's location. Have a walk around the shops in the Marina and have a walk round at night because when it's lit up properly around the boats and fancy apartments it's really pretty.
We went to the welcome meeting but once we said really we'd come on a
budget and didn't know what we fancied doing for the week they lost
interest in us straight away. There's plenty to do around the resort
without spending a fortune and you don't necessarily have to go on the
Thomson Holidays
s trips to enjoy yourself. There's a little white train for 3
euros it takes you right round the Marina (about 20 minutes) look for
the yellow board with the clock at the top near Pinochio Pizza. There's
also a green train that takes you up to Arroyo, Tivoli World and the
Cable Cars, the train is 4 euros each (about 40 minutes return) at the
top of the steps opposite Sea Life Centre near the Marina. The green
train will take you to Arroyo market on a Friday, 4 euros in a taxi from
the Marina but it's a fair walk back if you can't walk far.
Get the bus across the top of the road outside McDonalds and go into Fuengirola for 90 cents, it's worth a visit, it's quite built up in the town but along the beach front it's a really nice walk because it's flat. On Tuesday there's an enormous market but be aware of pick pockets.
From left or right at the Marina you can walk on the flat tiled promenades with various shops, bars and restaurants to nosey in - with public toilets dotted around.
Along the main road there's a roundabout with scaffolding and windmills, if you walk 2 minutes up the hill opposite there's a park and it's free. There's various birds walking about freely and also rabbits just running around on the grass. There's a big fountain and a lake and it's quite lovely. Through the park is Selwo Dolphin Park, we didn't go in but it's 1/2 the price to go yourself rather than with the Rep's.
To say we went on holiday on a budget last minute we had a fantastic holiday, did lots of different things and didn't spend a vast amount of money. We would definately go back to the same resort and the same hotel by request.
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Hotel Palmasol - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- Feb 2004
Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : Anne Willis + Mum (44 and 72)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having booked a pricebreaker deal at a really really cheap price, we were quite happy to be at the Palmasol. However had I paid the full price I may have felt differently.
I felt the hotel looked a bit jaded and could do with a bit of reburbishment.
Bedrooms and bathroom were both fine but little things like the hairdryer not working and cracked tiles and lamps not fixed properly to the walls and thick dirt all along the tops of the pictures and mirror( and no I have 4 children so i am not a fanatical cleaner!!) and dirty patio doors all just took the edge of my impression.
The dining room seemed nowhere near big enough for the hotel and there were always queues for meals.(maybe we just hit a bad week) You often had to table share as well.
Food was nothing special but it was always hot and edible and plenty of it.
Outside the gardens and pool area were lovely, although we went in Feb so I imagine in the summer it could be very crowded.
We found the prices in the bar quite reasonable.
I notice other reviewers have mentioned the noise which I feel I must re-iterate.
We were on the 4th floor(out of 5). The weekend was the worst with cars reving and lots of shouting until 6/7am the next morning.There is no mention of this in the brochure.
Re children. I have 4 although I was here only with my mum on this occasion.
Personally I wouldn't take my children as they would have been really bored.Also a note to any parents of young children. The bars on the balcony are metal horizontal bars and the gaps between them are fairly big.I certainly wouldn't have let my children out on the balcony, so its worth bearing in mind esp. if you go in the summer and its hot etc as you dont want to be worrying about keeping the door shut.
We found the staff generally polite although I am waiting for the day
that we actually find a really helpful genuinely people friendly Thomson Holidays
rep!
As for Thomson Holidays
s trips I found them very expensive although I
understand the convenience of being taken everywhere etc.
The local bus service is really cheap and goes up and down the coast both ways at regular intervals.It's easy to use.
The hotel is in a very central position which is ideal for getting around easily and is only a couple of mins, from a chemist and supermarket etc.
The comments above aren't intended to be negative, just my observation of how I found it.We had a lovely holiday and if you go here I'm sure you will be fine.
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Apartments Pepita Alay - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - September/October 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Martin Anderson - Newcastle ( 27,23 )
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our forth year in a row in Benalmadena and we still haven't managed to do everything yet!!
These appartments were very good with adequate cooking facilities and a freezer compartment which actually works!
If you do go to Benalmadena towards the end of the season (end of sept) be aware that most places, this one included, do turn off their air conditioning. This didn't bother me too much but as the temp only dropped to about 20 degrees my fiance was a bit hot during the night and opening the doors/windows doesn't help so it's a v.good idea to get a fan (most places have these to hire if you ask at reception, though I can't comment on here.)
The rooms were cleaned out/bedding/towels changed every day except Sat/Sun so make sure you keep back some loo rolls to tied you over.
All the staff were fantastic too.
Various things i would advice are well worth doing in and around the area (especially if you don't want to bother with the usual excersions): Sea Life Centre in Puerto Marina, Walking through and around the Puerto Marina, Paloma Park just up from the windmill round-a-bout, Selwo Marina next to the park, Tivoli World in Arroyo de Miel, Cable Car - now has Birds of Prey at the top (eagles, owls,vultures etc), Mini Train to get to Tivoli, Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, Aquaparc in Torremolinos, Feungirola Zoo.
Also, avoid the touts with the scratchcards where you will have won 600euros. It's another timeshare scam.
We're going back again next year - same appartments.
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Apartments Pepita Alay - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: BUDGET SEPTEMBER 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : PATRICK-Derry(52 ,42)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Pepita Alay apartments are in an excellent position to enjoy the facilities that the lovely resort of Benalmadena has to offer.Apartments facing road can be noisy and a definite makeover for the rooms would be in order. Air conditioning was temperamental when we were there and even at end of september was needed.
The pool area was excellent and very relaxing. A room overlooking this area would be much preferable to one facing road.There was a really nice atmosphere about the apartments.recommend the Waterford restaurant around the corner from the apartments.
Brilliant holiday all round.
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: july 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : belfast
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Playa Bonita is a four star hotel and what can i say,only disapointment.I have rated the accommondation as excellent as this was the case.Rooms kept spotless at all times,daily cleaning.Inside the hotel and the exterior superb standard.
But and this is a very big BUT,the resort itself is not for the british,it is entirely catered for the spanish holiday makers.There is no kids club for the british kids,they speak spanish and cater for these children.Nightly entertainment is catered for spanish guests,no english talking whatsoever,and the food is entirely fish and more fish and some meat.the potatoes are slop,you have to pay for snacks if you are british unless u love tapas which are free,all inclusive with no snacks.The staff are very friendly but even friendlier to guests who can speak spanish.We didnt care who stayed in our hotel,what nationality.But this was just ridiculous,the brits were there just to fill their rooms up.The spanish guests were the most ignorant people we have met,they push,bunk the queues,are greedy and dont have manners,and their children hog the pool tables while banging the cues off the ground.You will not see your rep,cause we didnt,we think she snuck in at night and left a note.
We however made the best of our holiday by going out nearly every night somewhere,buses only 1 euro 10.But eat before u get back as there isnt a shop for miles,so that snack u want after a drink u wont get.Very very expensive holiday to go and to spend.Of the few british people we met they did not like this place at all,WE have stayed in better and next time will be more carefull at chosing.
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook-Oct 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : 33,61
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
In between Benalmadena and Fuengirola,this is an idial hotel if you want a quiet location away from the hussle and bussle of a busy resort. Facing the sea and a small sandy beach, each room has a seaview, though i wouldn't have liked, to have been on the first floor even though they had balconys i'm guessing they couldn't see much.
We was lucky, was on the 8th of 11 floors, which is also the reception,entrance,bars and shop floor, and only one floor down from the restaurant.
We went half board, on this you get a choice of either having a lunchtime meal or evening meal. Food is poor not much of a variety and sometimes cold, they do have a section where you are served [dinner lady style] freshly cooked meats and chips, but be prepared to queue.On a positive note the desserts are delicious a choice of cakes, fruit and freshly cooked pancakes. For Breakfast once again you have to queue,which wasn't too bad as it was october, i dread to think what the queues were like in the summer.
Only a small number of Brits stay here, and is manily occupied by the French and Germans, which made a nice change,"you really felt you were abroad".
Didnt spend any time around the outside pool so can't comment on that. Went in the indoor pool a couple of times, small with a heated jucuzzi next too it, which i hear does get overcrowded a times.
Lovely sandy beach across from the hotel but the sunbeds are a little expensive.
Was only there a week so only took 2 trips one to the cablecarts in Benalmadena,worth it, lots of fun with great views. Caught the free shuttle bus to Benalmadena there and back, that the hotel provides.
Our other trip was to Gibralter, took the shopping and tour trip with Thomas Cook,if traveling with them, go on a wednesday they have a excellant spainish guide, he makes you feel like your back at school, but is lots of fun. We had an excellant day, you must see the monkeys.
Had a good stay and rest at this hotel, shame about the food, its the only thing that lets it down, which you never know may improve next year.
Must recommend a restaurant to the left of the hotel, down a slop, you can't miss it. Excellant food and service.
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours July/August 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Julie 45 Derek 50 Kate 15
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Nice hotel excellent room very clean. Food fair quality but lacked finishing touches such as sauces and more variety.Pool very nice fun watching people come down the slides! Entertainment fair probably more suited to families with young children nothing much going on for teenagers! Very poor location not able to walk to shops or bars so relied on public transport which was ok. Reception staff were very helpful. Enjoyed a night out at Tivoli fun park. Hired a car but had problems parking it overnight as the hotel charges were quite high! Probably would not go back here either to the hotel or resort area. Did find a super parc in the center of Benalmadena and loved the atmosphere at the port area.
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Kim & mike (36,51)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hotel playabonita is a lovely hotel right on the beach would give the rooms and beach 4 stars. The food was not good we ate out most mornings and evenings and you don,t pay for anything until the day you leave ie drinks pool food and your saftey deposit box 4o euros.Good bit out from any night life local bus only 1.05euros. The hotel puts on a bus 4 times a day free of change into town there and back.Found a good bar if you like bingo Mr pickwicks really good. Would not go back to Playabonita seem to be mostly spanish people staying there and they where so rude pushed you out of the way to get a lift and at meal time barged right past you.
Would not recommend this hotel and will not be going back to costa del sol
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Air Tours - July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Linda Kelman - stonehaven (45,40,12
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a two week stay. Rooms very clean as all restaurants and reception and bar areas, Staff very friendly and helpful. Food very varied but a bit repetitive after two weeks (but only to be expected. All inclusive meant just that. As much to eat or drink although snacks at pool bar were to be paid for. Has own beach which was filled with locals at the weekend. Trips to look out for are Aqua Park and Gibralta. The dolphin safari was worth it and couple hours shopping too. Our rep forgot passport so she had to pass us on to another rep. Not very professional.
Only problem that we found was that outside the hotel the nearest of anything was around ten mins in a bus. But a good holiday we all had and would really recommend this hote.
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : keith hare-middlesbrough 44, 43,41,48.
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
hotel was fantastic staff very friendly and helpful, meals were very good, and nice private beach,it is quite a distance from the centre of the resort but there is a free bus which takes u there. also the regular bus service is every half hour and is only 1 euro.bars are plentifull and not rowdy, i enjoyed busbys as there was differant turns every night, and the best night out for a good laugh and drink it has got to be BUNNYS,its a bar with drag acts on and is fantastic, but book in advance or you wont get in.there is a busy main road which run right through the resort and is dangerous to cross but all the rooms in the hotel are facing the sea so you dont here the traffic.
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - june 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : steven - (20,19)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
on the whole we really enjoyed our holiday here we can not fault it.
Rooms were lovely all over looking the sea with a fab view also very clean with the maid coming in once a day.all staff very friendly.the food was nice but decided to go out a couple of nights as the food is mainly sea food great if you like it!i recommend the pancakes as desserts they are gorgeous!the pool area is very clean and there are plenty of seats so no rush to get your towel down!if there was anything i would complain about is the prices of drinks at the bar and pool a little steep compared to the prices at bars along the front.
if you like goin on day trips Milas is lovely a typical spanish town with great views over the costa although bus ride to get there is a little scary, also gibraltar is a must(the uk with sun)booze cigs watches very cheap but dont book with your tour operature as it can be quite expensive a lot of bars do day trips at aroung 10 euros!ive been coming to the costa for 5yrs and love it.one restaurant i recommend is called Casa Edwardos it is about a 10min walk inland near arroyo de la miel get a taxi they will know most book in advance as it is hard to get a seat from bout 8o'clock.
i would definatley stay at this hotel again and really recommend it well worth the money!!!!
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Alpharooms.com - Oct 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Sean & Cara Gillard 36,32,5,3
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
BEWARE: DO NOT ACCEPT ROOMS NUMBERED 901 - 918. THESE ROOMS ARE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE ENTERTAINMENT ROOM AND CANNOT BE USED TO SLEEP IN BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9.30PM -12 MIDNIGHT.
We had a complete nightmare with this problem. We were in rooms 915 + 916 with two young children. We had to keep them up to midnight everynight (used to being in bed by 8pm). So each day was cranky. When we complained to reception staff they offered us room 917+918 or separate rooms (not ideal with children), or rooms overlooking the coast road(equally noisy). Noise from entertainment was really bad on our second last night (television in our room was actually vibrating), when we mentioned this to the recption staff we were told "its your last night0.
When we checked out, we asked could we have a discount, we were told no, but were given a leaflet to write to and complain, the leaflet would be great if we were from Belgium, Germany, France or Portugal. Playa Bonita is closer to Fuengirola than Benalmadena, both are taxi journeys.
The hotel itself is clean (maids did not change towels when requested, nor dust, nor clean mirrored wardrobes). Rooms were great, two very large double interconnecting rooms with bathrooms and balconys. Food very good, but entirely spanish, our kids struggled at some meal times. Beach lovely, outdoor pool-not bad- could do with a good clean-indoor pool faboulous, but very small, ideal for young kids. Restaurant staff were excellent and very good with children. Our children loved the mini disco every night. The rest of the entertainment was very boring, even though we won the last nights quiz - enough said.
We would not go back to Playa Bonita. It really does not deserve a 4 star award.
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Hotel Playa Bonita - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2004 - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Natasha 30, Wullie 30, Joel 6, Trudie 9months
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well what can I say, I am a bit disappointed with this place. We paid a small fortune to stay here for 2 weeks end of July beginning of Aug 2004, it was supposed to be a real treat for us before I went back to work after being on maternity leave.
This hotel is not in Benalmadena its in another tiny place called Torremuelle. The rooms are nice, the food is good, but there is not a lot else to do around here but sunbathe or at the pool.
We like to look about everywhere and go for lots of walks and its just not possible here. The pathments are really awful, full of massive wholes, there are stairs everywhere or really steep hills which were not buggyfriendly at all. There is a shutle bus which goes into Torr and Benalmadena but not Fungerola and its not on time on the way back.
The hotel is on the motorway which is near impossible to cross, a total deathtrap with a buggy and small child.The train station is 15 min walk from the hotel up the biggest hills I have ever seen in my life, and there is virtually no pathments to walk on and cars drive round the bends at fast speeds.
The beach that the hotel is on is bogging with shells and litter everywhere and the water is dirty. There are lifeguards at the pool but they basically just sit there and don't even look at what is going on, the 2nd day we were here I ended up with whiplash in my neck because a spanish kid came down the water slide too soon after me and crashed into me at the bottom, unfortunely my 6 year old son was in between me and the spanish kid and hurt his head too.
I found the kids club rubbish, they were all spanish kids and the reps took my son to the pool without even telling us. They just don't seem to have the same safety ideas in their heads as us. We still have 8 days of our holiday left and I can't wait to go back.
We went to Benidorm in May 2004 and stayed in a three star hotel, Hotel Posiedon and it was much much better than this place and the staff were really happy and friendly. I think we have met two other british families here and the rest are spanish. They are so pushy and rude and it is a nightmare even trying to get to the canteen with my buggy because they just push in front of us to get in the lift. When we first arrived the air con and lights weren't working and they had not even put a cot in our room, it took four phone calls and 5 hours later to get someone to help. Then we discovered we were directly above the nightly entertainment and we had to change rooms which they could do until the next day.
So my advice is don't book here, save your money! And its far far too hot at this time of year!
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Riu Nautilus - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice 12th - 19th September 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Sandra Cook - Nottinghamshire (56, 53)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: No rating
My/Our Holiday Review:
I never book a holiday until I check out the reveiws on this website, therefore I had no worries about going to the Riu Nautilus after all the excellent comments.
I expected to be telling you all what a wonderful time I had at this hotel, but on arrival at Malaga Airport we were met by a First Choice Representative who very pleasantly told us we would not be staying in the Nautilus as the hotel was overbooked by 4 rooms on a last booked first out basis, as you can imagine we were really upset and dissapointed at this news and told we were going to another of the Riu group with the reassurance of moving to the Nautilus when a room was available, we were taken to the Riu Costa Largo in Torremolinos as far away from the marina as you could get in a really run down and dirty area, on checking in at reception the manager told us the Nautilus was overbooked by 7 rooms. (please read another report on the Riu Costa Largo Torremolinos P-Z and you will understand why we couldn't stay there).
The following morning I rang the First Choice office not to ask if, but when we were to be moved to the Nautilus, to be told "as far as we are concerned you are there for the duration" later that day the First choice rep: arrived to welcome us, she didn't get the welcome she expected, we told her in no uncertain terms were we staying there, she told us the Nautilus was overbooked by 20 rooms and there was no possibility of transferring, after a lot of negotiating we and another elderly couple accepted a move to the Sol Aloha Puerto which at least was near to the marina..........now it gets interesting!
On talking to several people during our stay we found that a large number of rooms were also overbooked on the 5th, 6th,13th sept:this wasn't a one off it was happening on a regular basis, we had been booked 5months, some people had been booked a year in advance, one lady who WAS staying at the Nautilus only booked it direct 3 weeks before and to add insult to injury even got the room she requested.
We think the Riu group is cashing in on the Nautilus excellent reputation and persistently overbooking to fill up their less popular hotels in grim areas, the Sol group won't be complaining either as they also gain from the overspill.
Thompson as well as First Choice were overbooked. First Choice told us surprise! surprise! "it's not our fault" it's the Riu who's to blame, but First Choice and Thompson are repeatedly letting them get away with it, and telling trusting holidaymakers, "Sorry! it's an unfortunate one off.It would be interesting to know exactly how many people has had an unfortunate one off.
ARE WE ANGRY? YOU BET WE ARE!!!!!!!
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Riu Nautilus - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice September 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : John Donaldson Bangor Co Down
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
The only reason we are giving this hotel a poor rating is because of the way we have been treated here. The hotel itself is very good and we had excellent food during our stay and also the hotel was spotlessly clean.
Our big problem was that the hotel was obviously overbooked and therefore we were allocated a room with a connecting door to the next room. Upon complaining to reception on our first night we were told there was nothing they could do and we were put on a list to be moved.(We were told on our first night we were number 14 on that list.
By Tuesday no sign of getting moved and having no sleep because of the racket coming from next door we spoke to our rep and reception to be told we were 3rd on the list now.
After another two nights of racket and very loud talking on Thursday we were told we could move on Saturday the day we were going home!
We are great fans of Riu Hotels but the staff at reception didnt give a damn and were quite ignorant when we complained. Every morning we passsed reception couples were asking to be moved and told the same old story.
Our rep really didnt insist enough as far as we were concerned and the only compensation the Manager would give was pay for Taxi to Airport. We never once got a Sorry either from the Hotel or First Choice Rep all he did was shrug his shoulders and say on one time This hotel is going to Kill Me!
As far as we are concerned couples do not get put in adjoining rooms, especially when we have to put up with continuous noise until 2-30 am (We could even hear the people next to us going to the toilet and breaking wind) When we reported to reception about the noise they were making they really went off on one and shouted even louder.
Our holiday was totally spoiled by a hotel overbooking and not wanting to help their guests.
Apart from all my ranting if you want to go to the Nautilus make sure it is not in peak season(Although I woudnt class Sept as peak) and make sure you get a decent room and then you will probably have a good time.
As for the area I found it to be rather grubby needs a good clean up
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Hotel Riu Puerto Marina - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Theresa - Rotherham (From 1 to 50)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Booked direct with Riu. Excellent service.
Much more expensive through tour operators.
From the very accommodating reception staff to the restaurant management, nothing was too much trouble.
The food was outstanding and all rooms good. Even ones overlooking the road.
We were a party of 15 and the staff made my 50th birthday very special and one to remember.
Evening entertainment was average except for the fabulous weekly Flamenco show which should not be missed.
The only negative comment about this hotel is little or no activities for teenagers. However, with the hotel being so central this did not present a problem.
Would I recommend it? most definately.
15 mins from airport. 25 Euros by taxi.
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Hotel Riu Puerto Marina - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- Nov 2006
Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Ann (56,56)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
My husband and I spent 2 weeks at the hotel Peurto Marina in Benalmadena. This is a RIU Hotel and the first time we have stayed in one. The staff from the Maids to Managers were excellent. Nothing was too much trouble we were sure that the staff were given a 'Happy Pill' as they came in to work. The hotel was spotless. The food your usual buffet style but again excellent. The food our first week was better than the second. Not the quality but the execution. The first week a breakfast there was exhibition fruit juices and smoothies, and in the evening exhibition flambé fruit & crepes.
The negative side is the resort. The hotel is nearer Toremolinos than Banalmedena with a view of a 24/7 bar and club square. The noise was not too bad as we had double, double glazing to our room and mainly at the weekend. Also the noise was mainly the locals. The brochure also conveniently air brushed out the Burger King sign which is visible from the pool area. The Marina is just round the corner from the hotel but beware the prices of drinks are high. We found the prices in the hotel reasonable.
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Hotel Riu Puerto Marina - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Individual Booking September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Paul Searby - North lincolnshire (50,52)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This hotel which was only opened in June 2005 is wonderful. Located next to the Benalmadena Marina and a short walk from Torremolinos, supermarkets, shops and bus stops, we did not think we could have chosen better.
The manager and his staff provide a superb service, the hotel is spotless, the staff attentive and the facilities very good. The buffet breakfasts and dinners are typical Riu style with lots of "show cooking" and a huge choice, all presented immaculately.
There is no shortage of sunbeds or umbrellas the pool/pool bar area being busy but never over busy. Evening entertainment is in the usual International second rate cabaret act style, but with so much going on around the marina, people watching was a far better idea!
This hotel is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as a great place to stay with so much on its doorstep, great food, wonderful service and facilities, though one word of advice - if you can, book the hotel direct via the Riu website along with flights and transfers separately. We saved 50% on the tour operators charges for the same holiday and we used scheduled flights!
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Hotel Riu Puerto Marina - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Ted & Ann - Gloucester (60's)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This hotel is a new hotel opened in June. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Ask for a pool view as the rooms overlooking the road can be noisy when the nearby bars close. The other problem is mosquitoes, so take a spray. Staff are very efficient and friendly. Food is wonderful as the majority of it is cooked fresh in front of you. Not many Brits. there, mostly Dutch and Germans. Plenty of sunbeds for everyone as nobody reserved them. The hotel is very central for the beach and marina. Very flat for walking. The local bus stop is about ten minutes walk away, up a hill. No daytime activities. Evening entertainment is limited to one act six nights a week.
We enjoyed our two week stay here.
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Hotel Riu Puerto Marina - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: independently booked - September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : 61, 59
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Riu Puerto Marina is a new hotel recently opened this year. The furnishings are all tasteful and comfortable. Lovely to see everything in pristine condition. The hotel caters for invalids too. The staff are extremely helpful and nothing is too much trouble for them.
Food:
The food is excellent, a good variety and plenty to choose from. The best 4 star we've stayed in for food, a variety of meat was plentiful, fish too ... even smoked salmon one evening.
You can eat outside in the courtyard or in the dining room. You have only to state your preference.
Entertainment:
There is only one lounge bar, but it seemed sufficient, most nights it was warm enough to sit just outside in the courtyard. There was entertainment on 6 nights out of 7 - there was only one night the entertainment wasn't very good, the rest of the week was okay.
Pool area
Plenty of loungers, no need to rush out with the towels on a morning. Free towels supplied by reception with a E10 deposit refunded at the end of your stay.
There's a small pool bar with service to your loungers if required.
Area
The hotel is a 2 minute walk from the marina/prom/beach. Perfectly situated for those who can't walk too far. We weren't bothered by any noise at night when we were in our room - which faced out onto the pool area.
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Hotel Riviera - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Thomson Holidays
-August 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Lisa Hawkins - Maesteg South Wales (40, 43 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed at the hotel Riviera with my husband for a week in August 2007.Chose this hotel because it was adults only . It was very relaxing with lovely food with exellent choice and something to suit everybody.
The only thing I would suggest to anybody thinking of booking to stay here is to request a room away from the very busy road which runs along the front of the hotel as it is very noisy even during the night which did wake us. this was my only complaint about the hotel. The staff were friendly and very helpful.There were a mix of ages during our stay not all old as some reviews i have read have suggested .The sunbeds around the pool were always taken early but didn,t bother us as we prefered the lovely garden area ,and the cats which are always around.We did the Gibralter excursion which we really enjoyed ,also the cable car up to the top of the mountain was a lovely experience.
Although I had a lovely time I don,t think I would come back as I prefered Majorca or Ibiza.But would recommend this hotel as it is as good as any 4 star hotel in spain.
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Hotel Riviera - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Thomson Holidays
-July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Debbie Lee and Hen Party 47,45,26,21,21,20,16
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We came back on the 17th July , we had 4 nights at the hotel, it was
absolutely fantastic, the rooms were brilliant and really clean, the
food was fantastic, the beach is just outside the hotel gate, it was 8
euros for 2 beds and an parasol, and the beds had mattresses on, we
stayed on the beach all day, we were there for my daughters hen party,
so we did not use the hotel entertainment or pool as iwe did not think
it was fair on the other Thomson Holidays
guests, who had probabley booked a gold
hotel for a bit of peace, we all went to 24 hr square every night, it
was ok for the young ones, but for me and my friend it was horrendous,
but hey, thats what they were all there for, .I will go back to this
hotel with my husband as it was a brilliant holiday.We did find an irish
bar just after the 24hr square and we had 2 brilliant nights there, the
staff were even singing and playing the guitar, it was called kitty
o'sheas.The best club in the square was linekars and the beer kellar.
The hotel staff were really nice and friendley and every evening when we were coming back from the nights out, we were quiet and the receptionist would always bid us a good night, they were brilliant.
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Hotel Riviera - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Thomson Holidays
July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Barb and Pete (50 and 55)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have been to Benalmadena a few times before and always really
enjoyed it there, but this time was even better. It was certainly helped
by easy check in at airport and the Reps from Thomson Holidays
always being
about, at the airport, at the hotel everywhere. But not in your face.
Although we did find the welcome meeting just for trying to sell you
their trips. We did take them up on one, to Gibralter. What they were
NOT quite truthful with was the travelling time, we expressed a wish to
go only if travelling was under two hours...it took, with a delay at the
border of twenty minutes...three hours and twenty minutes. So in total
we were on the coach for six hours! Long time and made the day a bit of
a let down, otherwise the WWII caves were VERY interesting and the
shopping a bit of a waste of time, did NOT have time for the Dolphin
trip and would have preferred that. Lessons to learn for next time.
Hotel was excellent. Food including breakfast and evening meals were excellent, hot and plenty of choice for everyones taste, we were always able to get a lovely table with sea views and the staff were most helpful and polite. Rooms cleaned daily and bed linen and towels changed every other day. Air con was brilliant, sometimes we had to open the balcony door to warm the room up a bit. This hotel is placed RIGHT on the edge of the promenade along the sea front which makes it very easy access to the beach and bars and restaurants. Most people I spoke with said they would definately come back to this Hotel and in my opinion deserves the four stars.
The ONLY down side was should you get a room that backs onto the road
I do feel you may suffer with road noise and the party revellers
returning home at six in the morning from '24 hour' square just up the
road. We were along the middle on the top floor so did not have to
suffer that. Yes as some people have said this Hotel has areas that are
a little 'shabby' but we hardly noticed it as everything else was so
good. The worst thing was the early risers in the Hotel who just HAVE
too 'bag' their sunbeds along the front row overlooking the sea. On the
day we did the trip to Gib we were up at six and at six thirty the
entire front row had towels placed over the chairs. You CANNOT blame any
other nationality this time, it is an entirely English hotel during the
summer months as it is booked entirely by Thomson Holidays
Holidays!! We were not
amongst that brigade and always managed to find sunbeds, so why do they
do it !!! ?
There are loads of eating places along the front prom, including some lovely fish restaurants, come out the back door of the hotel and turn right, go around the bend and there they all are. We ate out only once on this holiday as the food at the hotel was so good we did not feel the need to venture out to eat.
Shopping trips for leather goods, Lladro etc we went to Torremolinas, catch a bus outside the hotel, every twenty minutes or so, costs one and half euros, get off at centro publica(or something like that) its the stop after the horses head roundabout, and there you are in a lovely area with shops, eateries and street entertainment. The shops do close for siesta, between two and about five or six I think, but open again until ten or eleven at night, so makes easy shopping when its cooler.(not that we did a lot, spent most of our time around the pool) We did a trip to Feungorala and it was a total waste of time. Although the boat trip, boat taxi, its the one with the big starfish on the side goes across the bay, that was pleasant and worth the euros we paid.
You can hire a fridge for your room at reception, we froze small water bottles so we had iced water all day. Good for keeping your chocolate from melting as well !!!!
All in all a very good, relaxing holiday and we are in the process of booking a short break to go there later on this year, they do four day breaks as well, I would highly recommend the hotel.
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Hotel Riviera - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: Thompson - April 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Bob & Sheila (57 x 2)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Resort seemed quite, although it may have the time of year, plenty of bars and eating places.and magnificent harbour.Excellent food at hotel which was very clean and staff helpfull.From reading previous reviews we thought the entertainment might be too old even for us,but really enjoyed it for 5 out of the 7 nights,although the main acts were only on for 50-60 mins.(But we gave the afternoon old time dancing leasons a miss).Good market at Fuengirola ,but some of the time share louts here and at the bus station were quite abusive when told that we were nt interested.
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Hotel Riviera - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland - Easter 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : A Ryder - Lancs
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed here first week in Easter 07. Had a great time. Food excellent and house wine good and cheap. Lots of retired people and they had tea time dances so you didn't get your tattoed, vest and gold chain gang!! We had our 10 year old daughter with us who soon made friends and enjoyed the small indoor pool. Entertainment ok in the evening but loads to do around the marina. The previous year we had stayed across the road at the Sorroco, that was ok but liked the Riviera much better.
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Hotel Riviera - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland - April 2007
Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Fiona - 48, 14
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Have just returned from a weeks break on the Costa Del Sol. Weather was unusally chilly but nevertheless a good time was had. The hotel is very nice and most of the staff are very helpful and pleasant and all can speak english. It is situated right on the sea front with a personal gate to the promenade, which made it feel like it was your own house! Don't think threre would be enough beds to go around in the summer as quite full even in cloud!
Benalmadena is a pleasant and lively resort and has a lovely marina. Goerge Clooney's yacht was there at the time, not him though!! Plenty of shops, bars & Cafes to be had all at reasonable prices.
Plenty to do in area to, Crocodile Park, Tivoli World, Cable Car and lots of shopping all along the coast.
All in all would go back but only if the sun shined!
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Hotel Riviera - Benalmadena
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- march 2007
Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Jim & Jane - Ayrshire (51 & 47)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel accommodation was up to