Crta Nacional 340, Bahía de El Palmer, Aguadulce, Spain | (618) 248-8274
Overlooks El Palmer Bay with a small private beach
Access to longer public beach
All-inclusive buffet meals and drinks (self-service for non-alcoholic drinks)
Clean rooms with furnished balconies and sea views
Two outdoor swimming pools and a whirlpool
Outdoor game area with mini-golf and playground
Gift shop sells beach gear and toys
Supervised entertainment for kids and teens
Excellent diving off the coast and neighboring diving club
Bike rentals
Location is a bit isolated
Rocky beach and no facilities
Rooms look old-fashioned
Charge for parking and in-room safe
Limited free Wi-Fi in hotel foyer
For families and divers looking for an all-inclusive chain hotel on the beach, the mid-range Diverhotel Aguadulce is a solid bet. With a serve-yourself buffet available throughout the day, it's easy to dive in El Palmer Bay, lounge by the two swimming pools, or explore the coast via bike without having to worry about meal times. Supervised entertainment for kids and teens is a welcome perk. One place guests don't spend much time is in their rooms, which need an injection of style but do have pretty sea views. The surrounding neighborhood is isolated enough to require a car.
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Scene
All-inclusive chain hotel on the beach
The atmosphere that permeates Diverhotel Aguadulce is quiet and relaxed, with clientele mostly consisting of families with children. From the outside, the towering hotel and its sand-like and mostly windowless facade with green ivy looks a bit imposing, especially considering the rocky cliffs the property is built on -- but inside the lobby is homey and inviting. Large windows overlook the blue ocean and clusters of wicker chairs and tables look fresh against the blue walls and Spanish-tiled columns. The area behind the hotel consists of landscaped cliffs and a gorgeous pool deck set with blue loungers. Flowering shrubs and palm trees give a tropical vibe.
Location
On a cliff overlooking El Palmer Bay
The neighborhood surrounding Diverhotel Aguadulce mostly consists of the pebble beach and natural cliff landscape off El Palmer Bay, between Aguadulce and Almería. You won't find any bars, restaurants, entertainment, or shops within walking distance. There's a daily charge for parking at the hotel and a car is definitely recommended for guests who plan on leaving the property. Expect a 25-minute drive to the airport in Almería.
Rooms
Comfortable and clean but out of date, though balcony views are lovely
There are 160 single or double air-conditioned rooms at Diverhotel Aguadulce, and while they're clean and well-maintained, it certainly says something when the balcony is the room highlight. All units have sweeping sea views from furnished balconies decorated with colorful Spanish tile, flower planters, and plastic chairs with wicker backs. Inside, double beds pushed together take up most of the floor space. They're topped with dated green striped coverlets and flanked with a heavy wooden headboard. Tube TVs are mounted to the top corner of the wall. A small desk and built-in closet shelving complete the blasé look.Small bathrooms include shower/tub combinations covered with a fabric curtain and single sinks with a small vanity space for unpacking personal items. There are packets of toiletries available and a hairdryer mounted to the wall. The safe costs extra and a minibar can be arranged for a fee.
Features
Two swimming pools, private beach access, and all-inclusive meals
The best features at Diverhotel Aguadulce are the all-inclusive meals, outdoor swimming pools, and private beach access. Though some all-inclusives get a bad rap for the rush to the buffet and sun loungers, that doesn't seem to be an issue at this laid-back property. The serve-yourself buffet is set up throughout the day so guests can choose from a wide variety of options at their leisure. El Palmer Bar by the pool serves made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, and French fries. There's a lounge bar for cocktails and wine while soft drinks are self-service. One of the outdoor swimming pools (both are large) has two waterslides, and there's a whirlpool. Ample comfortable sun loungers are available by both pools.Large pebbles abound on the nearby beach, like other areas on this stretch of coast. You won't find any facilities on the beach but the diving is excellent, and there's a local diving club for lessons and excursions. Out-of-water entertainment includes activities for kids and teens, plus music in the evenings and an indoor/outdoor game room with everything from table tennis to miniature golf. The gift shop sells beach gear, magazines, and loads of toys.
