We found this hotel when we travelled on the excellent local trains from Malaga, where we were staying on a city break in 2007.
Originally we were attracted to the hotel building when we were strolling along the playa. We went in to have lunch in the Proa Cafe which is situated to the side of the main building. The lunch was excellent and we then had a wander to check out the main part of the hotel. It had spacious public rooms, was all spotlessly clean as were the toilets. We liked the look of the place but thought it may be a bit pricey. On coming home and checking the prices we were delighted to find that it was much cheaper than we would pay for the same standard here in UK. We have now stayed there 5 times.
The hotel has 540 rooms, which includes 18 suites and 36 junior suites. The standard rooms to be of such a high quality that we have never found it necessary to upgrade to anything more expensive. The room cleaning is of the highest standard and there is little to find fault with in the general running of the hotel. All reception staff speak good English and are very helpful.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Personally we usually only do Room & Breakfast and the breakfast buffet is the best we've ever experienced anywhere. There is everything anyone could want on the hot and cold buffet tables and also there is a chef who will cook eggs whatever way you want them done. Also the choice of different breads and pastries is just outstanding. We did once do Half Board and I must be honest and say that compared to the Breakfast the Dinner Buffet was extremely disappointing.
The outdoor pool is located at the front of the hotel and is in beautiful condition with a nice grassed area all around it. Loads of sun loungers available. The indoor pool is part of the Thalossotherapy Centre and Spa and I'm not sure but think you have to book a session there to use it.
The thing that we enjoyed most about the hotel when we first stayed there was the Live Music in the Lounge every night. One of the attractions for us is that local people who belong to a dance group group come in to enjoy the music and their dancing is a joy to watch.
It has a wonderful location right on the sea front and only 10 minutes from the town of Torremolinos. If you choose to walk up the Steps it is quite arduous but there is a lift which is only a couple of yards away from the hotel which will take you there. Lots of shops, cafes and restaurants which become quite busy during the day and into the evening.
It's a short walk along the sea front to the village of Cariheula which has the most incredible selection of Chirinquitos – beach fish restaurants – most of them offering the locally caught fish. It's a wonderful experience to walk along there at lunch time and smell the Sardines on sticks being BBQd in what looks like miniature rowing boats outside these restaurants and cafes. Further along the beautifully kept Playa if you enjoy a walk you will come to Benalmadana which has the incredible Puerto area where you will see some of the most luxurious flats apparently just floating in the middle of marina. Lots of luxury yachts coming and going and again plenty of places just to sit and have a coffee or a drink and watch the world go past.
Torremolinos is only 6km from Malaga Airport and 12km from the city. Although there is a good train service the station is quite a walk down to the beach area. A taxi either from the station, which is in a pedestrian area unfortunately, or as we do, from the airport. The cost from the airport is around €20/25 but in our opinion well worth it.
Because of the reputation resorts like this had in the past we never considered having a holiday in the Costa del Sol but a lot of money has been spent on upgrading this area and it shows. Apart from that everywhere is spotlessly clean, no litter, and evidence of a commitment to keeping the place attractive for the tourists. Now we have discovered this area and this hotel we will definitely be back again and again.