Resort Terrazas Costa del Sol

This sprawling gated property is made up of several apartment buildings set around a common area in the middle, styled like an Andalusian village. The buildings are done in varying muted colors such as yellow, green, blue, and a range of pink shades. Guests enter through sliding glass door into a sunny, bright lobby with yellow walls and a white tile floor. Cushioned wicker sofas and chairs and benches provide places for guests to hang out -- it all has a fresh and simple look, a clue as to the style throughout the property. A couple of children's tables with toys keep the little ones engaged, and two computers are set up for guests to access the internet. The property has lots of walkways and stairs, so less mobile guests may have problems navigating. Depending on the time of year, the resort may be quiet and relaxed, or it may be overwhelmed with families and rowdy kids. It is primarily designed for families with children, but couples and groups of friends also make their way here. Most guests do hail from France, so it's not always a guarantee that employees will be fluent in English.

This resort is located in a residential area surrounded by private homes and apartment complexes. It's not exactly a convenient location for exploring on foot -- there's nothing nearby of interest within an easy walk. The beach is about a five- to 10-minute drive away, and the hotel provides free shuttle service there in high season, though most guests rent a car because there isn't anything within walking distance. There's also a cluster of cafes, shops, and restaurants about a five-minute drive south along the coast near Torre Guadiaro. Golfers can get to Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in about 20 minutes by car. Gibraltar is about 40 minutes south by car, and Marbella is about 40 minutes to the north. The Malaga Airport is a little over an hour's drive from the property.

All rooms are apartments, with one, two, three, or four bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. They are modern and bright, if simple, and all have a balcony or terrace, most with views of the Mediterranean and Strait of Gibraltar. Light wood furniture is clean lined and simple, and dark wicker-resin pieces add a beachy vibe, while floors are done in light tan tiling. Decor is otherwise kept to a minimum, though the few pieces of art on the wall and the cut-out sconces look up-to-date and sharp. Kitchens are stocked with everything needed for cooking and dining -- including a dishwasher -- and there's a dining table as well. Other amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Bathrooms are compact, but they are clean and have tiled shower/tub combos or just showers, small packets of toiletries, and bidets in some. Balconies are furnished with cheap plastic furniture, and some we inspected have been exposed to too much coastal air -- but the views can be spectacular. It's worth noting that daily housekeeping isn't included in rates. 

Styled more like a condo development than a resort, certain features like a gym and spa are missing here. There are a number of other amenities on offer, though, including the popular pools. The large pool area overlooks the Mediterranean, with lounge chairs on the pool deck and grassy lawn. Straw umbrellas and palm trees provide a bit of shade. The kids' pool is adjacent, and there's a separate smaller pool for adults only. Though the hotel isn't on the beach, a free shuttle runs there in high season, and lounge chairs and umbrellas also are provided.Don Cabanne restaurant serves Spanish fare, including a breakfast buffet, in a sunny room with yellow walls, or guests can dine out on the terrace. Classic resort-buffet food is also available, including burgers and fries. La Vela Chiringuito -- the property's beach club -- serves barbecue along with live entertainment in high season. Dos Mares is the place for drinks and snacks by the pool. Meal plans are available.Free outdoor activities include basketball, soccer, volleyball, fitness classes, table tennis, and games for kids. Tennis and archery are available for additional fees. Kids ages 3 to 17 are allowed to use the property's kids' club, which is free. An on-site mini-market sells drinks, snacks, and travel essentials, and there's a coin-operated laundry room as well. Two computers are set up in the lobby for guests to use and Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.