Hotel Casa Rosa

Housed in a three-story building that feels more like a home than a hotel, the Hotel Casa Rosa is a family-run property with a small staff -- the owners Rosa and Rafael stay on-site and are involved in every aspect of the hotel. That personal touch endears this hotel to travelers seeking to experience authentic Andalusian village living that feels far away from the touristy melee closer to the shore. A wrought-iron gate opens into a small lobby with plain walls and terra-cotta floors decorated with oil paintings and ornate rugs. There's no lounge or lobby, only a couch in front of the reception desk and a few chairs tucked into nooks, but an elevator takes guests up to the top floor's rooftop terrace, which has views over the village. This isn't the best option for tourists looking to lounge at pools or party, but for those wanting a charmingly simple home base to explore this part of Spain -- especially couples -- it's hard to beat. 

Hotel Casa Rosa is on a narrow residential street above Benalmadena, far from the touristy parts of town but close to the A-7, a major highway that provides easy access throughout the region. There are a handful of restaurants, cafes, and shops a five-minute walk from the hotel in what is the actual town center of Benalmadena. The Castillo Monumento Colomares -- an ornate, modern castle that's a monument to Christopher Columbus -- is about a 13-minute walk from the hotel, but a car is required to get anywhere else. Most of the dining, shops, and nightlife for which Benalmadena is famous can be found along the waterfront promenade at the marina, a 20-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a 35-minute drive to Marbella's Old Town and just a bit longer to Puerto Banus. Malaga Airport -- the hub for the region -- is within a 20-minute drive. 

The hotel's 14 air-conditioned rooms have traditional terra-cotta flooring, white walls, and plain pinewood furnishings. Architectural details vary from room to room, and some may have vaulted ceilings, skylights, or exposed stone walls. It's a humble look, but everything is bright and impeccably clean. The views at the front of the building overlook the village toward the sea, and the back side faces the mountain, though most of the latter's views are blocked by a building across the street. Sitting areas have tables and chairs draped with white linens. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and electric kettles come standard, and all rooms have either tiny Juliet balconies or larger furnished rooftop terraces. The tiled bathrooms are simple, with stall showers and pedestal sinks, though nearby shelves provide extra room for storage. 

As a tiny property, the hotel's features are limited, but there is a small rooftop terrace with a great view overlooking the village below. A few lounge chairs and a cafe table are set up there for anyone wanting to kick back in the sun. A breakfast buffet gets high marks from previous guests and features cooked-to-order eggs plus lots of other options -- it's not included in room rates, but is reasonably priced. The meal is served in a breakfast room that combines contemporary tables and chairs with exposed stone walls and a wood-beamed ceiling. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and free on-site parking is available.