Ilunion Mijas

The Hacienda is housed in a lovely U-shaped white structure typical of the Andalusian region. The grounds have lots of greenery, with large palm trees and plenty of patios for lounging, and the lack of immediate neighboring properties contributes to a sense of peaceful isolation. Decor styles vary throughout common areas, with Castilian, African, and Andalusian influences. Most guests here are vacationing families or couples, many of whom come from the U.K.

Hacienda Puerta del Sol is somewhat isolated, on the road between Fuengirola and the town of Mijas. There's not much within walking distance, and travelers staying here are better off renting a car, particularly if they want to see the surrounding countryside or nearby towns. It's about a three-minute drive to the town of Mijas, with attractions such as the Museo Historico-Etnologico, while Fuengirola -- where the closest beaches are located -- is a 10- to 15-minute drive away. Getting to the Costa del Sol Airport takes 20 minutes or so by road, while Malaga proper takes about 35 minutes by car.

Rooms at the Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol are simple and relatively bright, with light-wood floors, a mix of white and wood-toned furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in a fair bit of natural light. Decor is bare bones, however; some rooms have nothing more than a simple abstract piece on the wall, and overall the Standard Rooms here -- while pleasant enough -- are not particularly memorable, with amenities limited to tube TVs and mini-fridges. The bathrooms are a bit snazzier, with mini tiles and shower/tub combos with glass doors; make-up mirrors, small hairdryers, and toiletries in wall-mounted dispensers are provided. Suites and Junior Suites have a bit more flair, with wall-sconce lighting and copper- or silver-hued furniture that some might find borders on garish. Junior Suites add whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms.

The Hacienda offers a good array of amenities for a hotel of its size. There's a small fitness center with a few stationary bikes and weight machines along with an outdoor clay tennis courts with views out over the countryside and on to the coast in the distance. Family-friendly features include a grassy mini-golf area, an adjacent playground with swings and a see-saw, and a kids' club with a scaled-down foosball table and plenty of toys, games, and arts and crafts supplies. There's also a Olympic-size outdoor pool with an adjacent kids' pool, plus a lovely indoor pool surrounded by blue tiling highlighted by soft lighting. The Hacienda also offers a restaurant with lovely atrium seating overlooking the pool, and all-inclusive options (with drinks) are available, but not required. There's a terrace bar with lovely views and a lobby bar with clusters of colorful faux-leather seats and a large flat-screen TV, plus a section with tables and chairs off to one side for those who want to sit down for a proper meal.The hotel offers plenty of on-site parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but there have been some complaints of connectivity issues.