Hotel Apartamentos Vistamar

With a yellow exterior, blue trim, and arched balconies, the Hotel Apartamentos Vistamar has a typically Spanish look to it that fits right in along this sunny stretch of the coast. However, once inside, things are a little more humble, and most interiors have a dated quality that could benefit from an overhaul. The front entrance off the street opens into a lobby that's covered in polished stone tiles and yellow walls, with yellow leather chairs and couches arranged in small sitting areas in every corner. Expect to see lots of older granite, gilded details, and bright linoleum, all making throwback appearances in decor throughout the hotel. The hotel makes the most of its hillside location, with a series of sunny outdoor spaces that include terraces and a large pool. Overall, the hotel sees mostly families due to its setting away from Benalmadena's party scene and decent number of kid-friendly features, though plenty of couples pass through as well.

The hotel is just a three-minute walk uphill from the beach, near a lot of bars and restaurants ranging from independent spots serving local cuisine to chains like Burger King. There's a large grocery store within a three-minute walk as well, and Torrequebrada Casino is a 13-minute walk down the busy Avenue del Sol. The Selwo Marina Delfinarium sea life center is an 18-minute walk from the hotel, and sits next to the Parque De La Paloma -- with its ponds, fountains, picnic areas, and wildlife. Those looking to be within walking distance of Benalmadena's party scene may want to look elsewhere, though, as the marina is a 10-minute drive from here. Torrequebrada's golf course is also a 10-minute drive away from the hotel. Most visitors to the region will arrive and depart from Malaga International Airport, which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.   

The hotel has 182 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with casual, if dated, decor. Plain tiled floors and pale-yellow walls are paired with blue curtains and conservative wood furnishings for a look that feels held over from previous decades. The gaudy oil paintings and the heavy bedspreads on beds -- many of which are simply two twins pushed together -- don't add much appeal. All units have kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges, toasters, kettles, and electric stovetops. Sitting areas have small couches and flat-screen TVs, though in-room Wi-Fi costs extra. While all rooms feature air-conditioning, many guests have noted that the units are older and noisy. The furnished balconies vary in size and some have pretty decorative tiling, while others are plainer and could use a new paint job. Upgraded rooms have partial sea views. Tiled bathrooms have bidets and shower/tub combos plus a decent amount of space on pink granite countertops. Unlike many apartment-style hotels that we've visited, housekeeping is provided every day.

Features at this hotel are par for the course in this part of Benalmadena. The outdoor pool sits in the center of a long sundeck, with a hot tub on one end and a few rows of thatched umbrellas on the other. Drinks are served at a seasonal pool bar and at Bar Comodoro, which features indoor and outdoor seating and regular nightly entertainment. The hotel also has a buffet restaurant that serves breakfast, as well as a la carte lunches and dinners. Meal plans are available, but food receives mixed reviews. Supervised activities for kids include mini-golf on an enclosed garden lawn, and there's an indoor kids' club, along with a game room featuring two pool tables, air hockey, and foosball. Wi-Fi is available for free in the lobby and at the internet corner, but it tends not to be reliable in other public areas (and costs extra to use in rooms). The hotel also offers coin-operated laundry facilities and garage parking for a fee.