Hotel Colonial Mar

This mid-range property occupies a large peach-colored, six-story building with kitschy palatial touches like green domes capping the rooftop and tall palms flanking an entrance that features a mirrored glass facade. Interiors are decidedly not palatial but are instead ho-hum, with a bland and dated look. Tile floors permeate throughout; wood paneling crops up here and there; and furnishings are a mix of wood and wicker. Hallways wrap around an airy interior atrium, with a wall of windows offering views over the pool and beach in the distance. Common spaces lack style, but they're functional, including spacious dining areas.The grounds are a highlight, with an attractive pool area facing the beach that includes a kids' pool as well as colorful waterslides. Palm trees dot the surrounding pool deck, which offers blue sun beds. And of course, the beach is just a two-minute walk away.The hotel attracts many families who value the competitive rates and kid-friendly features like the children's pool, a game room, and the kids' club. Overall, it's a fairly no-frills place and is due for an update, but it offers a good value for a beachy vacation. The majority of clientele here is Spanish families on vacation. 

The hotel is located in a residential area about a two-minute walk to the beach in Roquetas de Mar, a summer resort area in southern Spain's Almeria region. There are a couple of cafes, tapas bars, and other dining options within a five- to 10-minute walk of the hotel, as well as some stores and a supermarket. The town center, with more dining options, shops, and services, is around a 20-minute walk away or a seven-minute drive. Nearby attractions include the Aquarium Costa de Almería and Mariopark water park, both of which can be reached in about seven minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot. The Castillo de Santa Ana, a castle with a small museum and gallery, plus beautiful views, is about a 10-minute drive away. Almeria, the capital of the province, is a 22-minute drive away, and its airport can be reached in about a half-hour. Other popular cities that are a bit further away include Motril (70-minute drive), Granada (an hour-and-45-minute drive), and Malaga (about a two-hour drive). 

Rooms are fairly plain when it comes to decor, but they're pleasant and spacious. Tile floors and cream-colored walls are paired with dark wood furniture and hints of patterns and colors courtesy of yellow curtains and striped seating and bed skirts; some also have striped yellow bed covers. Glass sliding doors open onto private balconies with pool and distant beach views, plus they allow for ample natural light in the rooms. Balconies are furnished with chairs and tables.Amenities are fairly limited and could use an update, especially the small tube-style TVs. Other than that, there are mini-fridges and electronic safes, but they incur an added fee for use. There is no Wi-Fi in rooms. Simple tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, roomy sink vanities, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Fixtures could use an update.

A range of features add value to a stay here. There's a large freeform main pool with several colorful waterslides at one end of it, as well as a separate small kids' pool with fountains and other water features. The pool deck is dotted with tall palm trees and lined with blue loungers. Other kid-oriented features include an outdoor playground, plus there's a kids' club that organizes a few activities for children. The spacious game room has pool tables and a variety of arcade games. There's a beach volleyball court on the grounds, as well as soccer and basketball courts.Breakfast is included in rates, plus half- and full-board options are also available. Dining is buffet-style and gets mixed reviews. Past guests cite poor variety and repetitive fare. The hotel provides some entertainment (poolside and in a lounge with a small stage).Free Wi-Fi is available in public spaces, but not in guest rooms. On-site parking is free.