Hotel IPV Palace & Spa

Hotel IPV Palace & Spa is an upper-middle-range property on the quiet beachfront of Playa del Costilla. The exterior of the hotel has a Mediterranean feel thanks to attractive details such as roof tiles and archways, and an outdoor garden with white lattice and a vintage victorian bench swing. This design carries into the lobby, which has marble floors with patterns, wrought-iron details, and a spiral staircase. The other public spaces and rooms are a mix of contemporary and dated furnishings. Though there is nightly entertainment, the hotel is largely peaceful and relaxing, making it a bit more appropriate for vacationing couples. 

The hotel is located along the beach in a quieter area of the city, removed from the town center. Popular Sohail Castle is a quick eight-minute walk away. Other notables in the area include the Fuengirola Street Market, which is a 13-minute walk away, Bioparc Fuengirola, a 25-minute walk, and the expansive Miramar Shopping Centre, which is a 16-minute walk. Mijas Water Park is a little too far away to walk, but only a 10-minute drive.

Rooms are split between some that are slightly dated and have a Mediterranean vibe, and others that are stylish and contemporary. Older rooms have terra-cotta floors with patterned tiles bordering the bed, wood furniture, pale-yellow walls, and mismatched patterned bedding and drapes. Updated rooms have attractive wood floors, the same furniture but it's painted gray, white tufted headboards, silver wallpaper behind the beds, and damask bedding in navy and silver. All rooms have furnished balconies or patios facing the sea, though views from higher floors are better. Also standard are small sitting areas, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes -- these require a fee. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and free bath products.

The crowning feature of the hotel is its setting along a pretty beach, which can be reached by walking a few minutes. Though there is a charge to use sunbeds on the beach, popular opinion states that it's worth the cost. On-site, guests have access to plenty of amenities, including a freeform pool with separate kiddy pool. The deck is lined with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, as well as palm trees. A outdoors are a pool table and foosball. The hotel lacks a kids' club, but it has a small playground and tennis court. An elegant spa has an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, Turkish bath, and a treatment menu. The fitness center is small, though, with mostly just cardio equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout, plus a business center and meeting spaces are available.

It would seem there are a ton of choices for dining, but some of the restaurant close during the summer. Still, there's a main buffet restaurant, an outdoor Beach Club. A piano bar is open during the winter. Room service is available but not all day.