Sol Marbella Estepona Atalaya Park by Melia

For a hotel that houses 401 rooms, Atalaya Park Golf Hotel and Resort looks surprisingly unassuming from the street. The white, three-floor building itself is lined with shrubs, palm trees, and plotted plants, and blue lettering marks the entryway. Interiors -- much like rooms -- are a mix of contemporary and understated, and dated and old-fashioned. The lobby has sleek gray and white tiling and modern artwork, but there are also unattractive wood-paneled columns and black sofas with yellow cushions. The Don Quijote Restaurant has a stylish neutral-tone design and charming outdoor terrace, while La Torre Restaurant Buffet has chairs topped with pink, purple, and red-patterned cushions and aqua tablecloths. For those that can look past the disjointed design, the two outdoor pool areas and wide stretch of beach are far more pleasant and pretty. Given the array of kid-friendly facilities both indoors and outdoors, the hotel sees more families than couples.

The beachfront location of this hotel is definitely a positive, but the otherwise remote area can be a negative for those hoping to venture out on foot. There is little to do within walking distance of the property, but nearby cities such as Puerto Banus and Marbella offer plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Puerto Banus is just a 12-minute drive from the hotel, while Marbella is about 20. The Malaga Airport is about 45 minutes away by car. Free parking is available on-site.

There are a range of guest room options available at the Atalaya Park Golf Hotel and Resort. The lower-category rooms have light-wood furniture with blue trim, worn blue carpeting, blue-and-yellow patterned linens, and generic floral artwork. These also have old tube-style TVs. Some suites have a similar aesthetic with outdated seating areas and mismatched patterns. The higher-category Superior Rooms, on the other hand, have a lovely, contemporary design consisting of wood floors, neutral-tone linens, and tan-and-white-striped accent walls. Some of the old-fashioned blue-trimmed furniture is present, however. Suites have spacious, separate living rooms, while Bungalows add dining tables and well-equipped kitchens. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, some with sea views. Bathrooms vary, but all have free bath products, bidets, shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Also standard are free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and safes for a fee.

This hotel offers a wide variety of activities, particularly for kids. For leisure, there are loungers and umbrellas on the wide beach, though some guest complain that it's rocky. There are two lovely outdoor pools, one with a separate kiddy pool and one with a beach-like entry. An indoor pool is a good size and has an adjacent kiddy pool. The hotel has a gym that's well-equipped, but machines and weights are noticeably old. The limited spa facilities include a massage room and sauna. Inside, there are also a game room fitted with a few arcade games, a pool table, and foosball table, while outside there are sports facilities such as volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, mini-golf course, and an outdoor playground. Food-wise, there are three restaurants to choose from, include a buffet restaurant and two a la carte options. Food across the board receives mostly positive reviews. A poolside bar and piano bar with live entertainment are available.