"Visited with husband and friends at the beginning of March, 1st time to Benalmadena so obviously 1st time to hotel.
Arrived at hotel around 1pm and hotel reception was extremely busy so rather than wait to check in we went and grabbed a drink and went back 30 minutes later which was then a lot quieter.
Check in was fairly easy, we did all have to fill things in on an ipad which was not an issue for us but maybe this is what had caused the big queue upon arrival as this process could take a while for people who are not great with technology.
Reception staff were friendly and helpful which was a good first impression.
Rooms
We had 2 rooms on the 2nd floor next to each other and they were overlooking the pool with a partial sea view so was really pleased.
They had 2 large beds, tea/coffee making facilities, a mini fridge, TV, safe & Toiletries.
They were lovely and clean although our bathroom had quite a pungent drain smell.
We struggled to use the safe despite having instructions, it took around 15 minutes.
They were cleaned every day and fresh towels left if needed.
On day 2 the smell in our bathroom was really unpleasant and the toilet was blocked so we nipped to reception and the maintenance people went up whilst we were out so by the time we got back the toilet was fixed and the smell seemed a lot better.
The smell did re-appear on day 3 and gradually got worse but as we were only staying 4 nights we just coped but if we were staying any longer we would have asked for another room.
The 1st night we got in the one bed and it was very sloped towards the edge so we got in the other bed on the 2nd night and it was fine.
I had good sleeps all 4 nights.
On the whole the rooms were good, our friends room had no issues whatsoever.
Restaurant/Food
We were half board and had seen mixed reviews on the food so was not sure what to expect but have to say we were pleasantly surprised and for what we paid could not fault it.
I will base this part on 2 reviews as I am gluten free so need to review that part alongside the normal food.
Normal food – All 3 guests were really happy with both breakfasts and evening meals. There was always a very good choice, lots of hot food, cold food and desserts so they never went hungry. I think their only criticism which is very minor was that the egg station in a morning could have done with more staff as 1 lady was doing eggs, pancakes and omelets. This queue became quite long if people were waiting for omelets.
Their favourite meal was the beef cheek which they had never had before but really enjoyed.
On the whole they had a brilliant experience.
Gluten Free – I had heard good things about gluten free at this restaurant so was hoping it would be as good as I had read because eating abroad with an allergy is really stressful.
Daniel who worked in the restaurant was exceptional and needs a mention, he knew who I was at every meal time and would always go and fetch the chef to talk me through the meals.
The chef would take me round the dishes and just say which ones I could or couldn’t have.
I had a meal every night and didn’t struggle, I did have a poorly tummy one night but no idea whether that was just holiday tummy or if I had eaten something I shouldn’t have.
The chef always bought me out a fresh plate of fries as I couldn’t have the ones on the buffet but I was never offered pasta which would have been nice as there was always a pasta sauce which would have made a good meal.
At breakfast there is a little hidden section for gluten free with a toaster, microwave and baskets of food. I did worry that the toaster may have been used for normal bread despite the signs but had to trust that it wasn’t. It was all nice but there was never any sliced bread so I was having to cut a roll in half to toast. I did ask on the 1st day and was told they were waiting for it to be delivered but it never appeared and some days the rolls were frozen so had to be put in the microwave 1st.
I am not going to lie I would have much preferred bread for toast but made do with the rolls, then I would help myself to eggs, beans etc off the normal buffet.
There was also a selection of biscuits, muffins and cereals.
On the whole this is better than some hotels I have stayed at but wouldn’t take a lot to make it exceptional – Sliced bread for toast, a gluten free pasta option and rather than having to have a chef walk you around just put allergy signs on the food labels by each dish so we don’t feel like a nuisance.
Facilities
There is a decent pool however the water was too cold so no one was really in it so can’t comment on this. There is however an indoor pool which is warmer but you do have to wear a cap. My friend went in and said it was nice.
There is also a jacuzzi which is warmer and a sauna which we used a few times. There is also a gym which I didn’t use but my friend said it was ok although could do with a few more working machines.
There are a lot of sunbeds, not sure how easy they would be to get in the summer but we didn’t struggle with it being March.
Bar area is nice, we used the indoor bar on the night and sat in the outside part in the day and both areas were nice and clean.
The thing that hit me with this hotel was how nice smelling the whole hotel was, it smelt so nice and clean all the time.
Entertainment
We didn’t expect entertainment with it being March but there was something on every night. 1st night was Karaoke, 2nd night was a movie quiz, 3rd night was a music quiz and the 4th night was an 80’s night. We went to 3 of the nights and they were good and have to give a mention to Oriana who was brilliant, very warm and friendly to us.
There is building work next to the hotel but it made no difference to us, we didn’t even know it was going on once in the hotel, didn’t hear it or see it so I think as long as you get a pool view room this would not even be an issue.
Next to the gym there is a door that leads out of the back of the hotel and this avoids the hill and also brings you closer to bars/restaurants. There is also a supermarket through this door and over the road to the right.
Just for your reference the transfer with Jet2 took 90 minutes, this was due to waiting for people to get on the coach and other drop offs but on the way back to the airport we opted for a taxi and it took 20 minutes and was 22 euros for XL car.
This hotel is very central for bars/restaurants and the harbor so perfect location.
On the whole all 4 of us had a fantastic time and would definitely visit again, thank you to all staff especially Daniel and Oriana for making our stay a good one."
