Paseo Maritimo 47, Playamar, Torremolinos, Spain | (888) 399-9863
Beachfront property
Gorgeous ocean views from room balconies
On-site pool with sun beds
Free towel service
Breakfast that varies daily
Private parking with surcharge
In-room safe and fridge cost extra
Thin walls
Free Wi-Fi is slow; premium Wi-Fi costs extra
No fitness center
The 70-room Hotel Isabel sits on the promenade at Playamar, one of Torremolinos' beautiful beaches. Fans of sun and sand come here again and again for the views and the relaxing atmosphere. The Isabel is about a 20-minute walk from the city center for those needing a change of scene, but this beachfront resort provides plenty of opportunity for lounging waterside. Just know that rooms are clean but quite basic, and extra fees for in-room safes and fridges may make guests feel nickel-and-dimed.
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Scene
A beach resort with a retro vibe, catering to a middle-aged crowd
Hotel Isabel is a typical Costa del Sol beach resort, with sun, sand, and surf as the focal point of most activities. Many guests return season after season for the Isabel's comfort, service, and reassuring predictability. The clientele includes a lot of chill middle-aged guests rather than loud, partying types. The slight retro vibe created by the straw-roofed tiki huts and amoeba-shaped pool contributes to the venue's easygoing atmosphere.
The lobby is done in various types of marble, but Spanish sunshine is its major accessory along with paintings for sale. The lobby bar is not fancy, but it is bright and convivial, and snacks are served there into the evening. The restaurant is similarly casual, and lunch can be ordered out on the patio. Ultimately, Hotel Isabel offers nothing extraordinary, but it is well-maintained and run with care, enough to turn first-time guests into repeat customers.
Location
On the beach with awesome views and access to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops
Hotel Isabel is on the promenade at Playamar Beach, with spectacular sea views from the rooms. It’s a 20-25 minute walk down the beach or promenade to the center of Torremolinos, with plenty of bars and fish shacks along the way. The Isabel itself is surrounded by restaurants and souvenir shops as well as a small supermarket for guests who want to keep food in their rooms. Málaga Airport is a 10-minute drive away.
Rooms
Cheerful rooms and comfy beds, with some balconies facing the sea
Rooms at Hotel Isabel are quite basic and dated, but the beds are super comfortable and guests have enough space to move around. Every room has a lovely balcony; the difference in price for a sea-view room is well worth it. Decor is cheerful, bright, and beach-y, and spaces are spotlessly clean. The free Wi-Fi is purportedly slow unless upgraded to premium service for a surcharge, and there’s also an extra fee for use of the fridge and in-room safe.
Features
On-site pool with free towel service; fee for breakfast, but menu is varied
The pool at the Hotel Isabel is moderately sized, but there’s enough room to swim and there’s free towel service. In the afternoons, staff members make the rounds of the sunbeds with fresh fruit. There’s no shallow area for kids, so parents must keep a close eye on their children. The game room offers table tennis, air hockey, foosball, and pool. The on-site restaurant has large greenhouse type windows that give it a fresh, open feel. Breakfast (which costs extra) is satisfying, with variety in the menu from day to day.
