Playa Granada Club Resort

Located in a somewhat remote beachfront area, Playa Granada Club Resort stands out for its gorgeous, expansive grounds. The resort is set on over 12 acres of beautifully manicured gardens dotted with palm trees and flowers, and there are separate sections for active entertainment and quiet relaxation. Rooms and common areas are housed in several two-story buildings designed in a traditional local style with arches, clay tile roofs, and wrought-iron details. Interiors are upscale and contemporary, particularly the lobby, which has an eye-catching design that combines checkered marble floors, white pointed arches, soaring wooden ceilings, and a central seating area with brown armchairs and couches. The resort’s extensive entertainment program, lovely grounds, and stylish interiors draw couples and families alike, but food quality seems to have dropped significantly since the property changed hands in 2016, and there are some pesky extra charges that can add up, including for parking, in-room Wi-Fi, and food and drinks at the beach club. 

Playa Granada Club Resort is located on a long, shingle beach adjacent to Los Moriscos Golf Club and a 15-minute drive from the town of Motril. There are a couple of beach clubs nearby, but little else of general interest can be found within easy walking distance. The beach is pleasant but pebbly, and the hotel has a few dozen loungers and straw umbrellas on a lawn right by the beach that guests can use free of charge. The port area in Motril -- complete with a small but attractive marina and a handful of restaurants and bars -- is a 10-minute drive away, as is Salobrena, a small town known for its 10th-century Moorish castle. Sierra Nevada National Park is about a 50-minute drive away, and Granada is about an hour away. The nearest international airport is in Malaga, which is an hour and 20 minutes from the hotel. 

The hotel has 329 rooms spread over several two-story buildings surrounded by gardens. Decor is contemporary and fresh, with a fresh combination of chocolate-brown and turquoise hues, beige floor tiles, and clean lines throughout. Junior Suites have a more muted earth-tone palette, consisting of brown bed runners and throw pillows, beige textured walls, and minimalist wooden furniture. Most rooms are spacious and light, with glass doors that open onto furnished balconies, and enough space to comfortably fit a cot. Some rooms have lovely sea views. However, a few Standard Garden View Rooms are tiny -- about 215 square feet, balcony and bathroom included. All rooms feature a wide array of amenities, including flat-screen TVs with a few international channels, mini-fridges stocked with water, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers with free coffee pods. Safes are free, but there is a charge for in-room Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are clean but compact, with just a small shower and either one or two sinks. Hairdryers and all-in-one soap are provided.

The hotel has a large outdoor pool for families and a smaller one for children on a spacious terra-cotta deck dotted with palm trees and a good amount of loungers. There is some entertainment around the pool during the day, and the kids’ club offers several indoor and outdoor activities in a spacious area in the gardens. The fitness center is well-equipped and light, with separate areas for cardio and strength training, a spinning room, and a movement studio, plus there are tennis, soccer, and beach volleyball courts that guests can use free of charge. The pleasant spa features a small indoor pool with jets, massage cabins, two saunas, and a steam room. The main buffet opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but food gets average reviews for taste, quality, and variety. A la carte options include the poolside snack bar, the beach club, and La Bodega, which specializes in regional cuisine. Meals at the latter two are not included in the all-inclusive rate.