C/ Del Norte 2, Estepona, Spain | (888) 710-7049
Family-friendly property with all-inclusive options
Located along the coast with direct beach access
2015-renovated rooms have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges
All rooms have furnished balconies, some with lovely sea views
Large splash park with several huge waterslides
Four pools include wave pool and one for kids
Buffet restaurant, beachfront eatery, and poolside bar
Kids' club, playground, and an entertainment team
Gym and sports facilities including tennis and archery
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Not much to do within walking distance
Food quality receives poor reviews
Free Wi-Fi is spotty
Fee to use safe
The upper-middle-range Globales Playa Estepona is an extremely kid-friendly property located along the coast, about a 20-minute drive from Marbella. The hotel's crowning feature is its splash park with lots of waterslides, plus there are multiple pool areas, a kids' club, and sport facilities. All of the 443 rooms were renovated in 2015, but some have a more cheerful and attractive aesthetic than others. Still, they're modern, and equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning. All-inclusive packages are available for the two dining options on-site, but previous guests have been left unimpressed by the food quality. This is an excellent option for families, but those looking to be closer to Marbella may prefer Hotel Fuerte Marbella.
Scene
Family-friendly hotel with lots of activity
The Globales Playa Estepona is a large, expansive property with lots on-site to occupy families. Interiors are contemporary if a bit lackluster. The lobby's outfitted with beige tile, white faux-leather couches, and blue armchairs, and wood-and-metal coffee tables. Chrome light fixtures and silver orchid vases add an elegant touch, though that's offset by the huge blue-and-orange hotel sign that says "hotelesglobales.com" behind the front desk. The restaurants continue this mix of modern and less-appealing furnishings, mostly in earth tones. The majority of activity takes place outside though, where numerous pools and a colorful, large splash park are located. These features mean the resort is bustling and lively, and really on suitable for families with kids.
Location
Beachfront hotel, a 20-minute drive from Marbella
Globales Playa Estepona has a lovely location right on the beach between the towns of Marbella and Estepona -- both within a 20-minute drive. There isn't much within walking distance of the hotel, though several restaurants can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot. A bust stop is located about a five-minute walk from the hotel, and buses are available to both Estepona and Marbella, the latter of which is known for its nightlife. The drive to Malaga Airport is about 46 minutes. Free parking is available.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with a beachy vibe
All of the air-conditioned rooms at Globales Playa Estepona were renovated in 2015 and it shows -- although more so in some than others. Rooms are bright with light-beige tile, white walls, and simplistic two-tone wood furniture in different shades. Some have colorful touches, such as blue striped linens, blue-velvet desk chair, and large beach-scene photos that act as headboards. These rooms have a more attractive beachy feel than the others, which are a bit more drab with their tan-and-brown color schemes. All rooms have furnished balconies, some of which have gorgeous sea views. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and pay-to-use safes. Bathrooms vary slightly from room to room, but all are modern and equipped with showers, hairdryers, and free bath products.
Features
Tons of kid-friendly features include a water park
There's a lot going on at this hotel when it comes to amenities, especially for kids. Globales Playa Estepona offers enough space, pools, and sunbeds to accommodate their numerous guests. Its drawcard is the splash park featuring several waterslides and a water playground. Additionally, there are four other pools, including a children's pool and a wave pool. A kids' club, tennis court, ping-pong table, and archery are on-site, as is a small gym. Of course, there's beach access for those who just want to relax in the sand. Laundry facilities and a sundries shop are convenient. Guests can eat at the main buffet restaurant and beachfront eatery, but the buffet particularly receives poor reviews. A poolside bar is also available. Wi-Fi is free but spotty.