Torrequebrada - Benalmadena, Spain     

I stayed here with a girlfriend for a long weekend and cannot fault the place. Yes it was not the greatest looking hotel but it certainly wasn't that bad. The room we stayed in was on the 8th floor, clean enough, bathroom was a fair size and lots of wardrobe space. Side sea view - very pretty. We did find the balcony doors didn't lock properly and we had to call maintenance a few times about the safe but they always arrived quickly and sorted the problem. The pool was lovely, the grounds were pleasant enough. As for the breakfast that other people moaned about, there was hot food, cold food, a chef that cooked fresh omlettes, pastries, juice, tea, coffee, even champagne! Again tea/coffee facilities in the room, not sure why you need that but there wasn't any. We didn't eat in the evening in the hotel so i can't comment on that as the marina is a 10 min taxi ride and full of restaurants and bars so we went there. Lovely place. We walked one day which took about 40 mins but there are bars and places to eat on the way. Taxi's wait outside the hotel so there's never a shortage and i believe buses go from there as well. Overall it was a lovely place/area and i would go there again probably not for my 2 week holiday but i would recommend it for a weekend or maybe a week.

After reading mixed reviews on here I arrived with some misgivings.I can honestly say I could not fault the hotel. We arrived 5.30 in the morning and reception went without a hitch(even though we were 14 hours late). Our room was exactly as described and very comfortable and spotless. The grounds and gardens were beautifully maintained as were the pools and although the private beach was not the best I have ever been on it was secluded and had what you needed.There was also a lifeguard and security on display.The grounds themselves can only be accessed from outside with your key/card. The breakfast buffet has been criticicised on here but honestly I don't know what people expect. It obviously caters for a high percentage of English so has full English Breakfast-but it also has full Continental(4 or 5 different breads) choice of 4 cold meats and 4 cheeses and a superb range of fresh fruit etc.It also has a full range of juices including wine! I did not have anyother meals as we prefer eating about. I also found all the staff helpful and courteous.There arealso cash machines in the lobby. All in all worth the money and remember 5* in Spain is different to 5* here.