Calle San Fermin 11, Benalmadena, Spain | (888) 240-0568
10-minute walk to the beach and several restaurants
Clean rooms have air-conditioning and outdoor spaces
Large pool with separate kiddy pool and a lifeguard
All-day buffet restaurant serving international fare
Kids' club on-site (operates seasonally)
Half- and full-board options available
Tennis court and thrice-weekly entertainment
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Parking available (for a fee)
Rooms are dated
Location up steep hill may be difficult for some
Food receives mixed reviews
Fees for in-room mini-fridges and safes
Fees to use poolside sunbeds and pool towels
No fitness facilities
The 308-room Hotel San Fermin is a dated budget property, located a 10-minute walk to the beach and about 15 minutes from the charming old town. However, it's location up a steep hill can be difficult for some. Old-fashioned rooms have minimal, simple furniture and old tube-style TVs, and there are fees for mini-fridges and safes. Also expect fees for pool towels, use of poolside sunbeds, and parking, though Wi-Fi is free. On the plus side, all rooms do have air-conditioning and furnished balcony or terrace. Features include a large swimming pool with a separate kids' pool, all-day buffet restaurant with half-board packages, and seasonal kids' club. Food receives mixed reviews. Travelers wanting to be right by the beach should consider the Sunset Beach Club, which has kitchen-equipped rooms and more amenities.
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Scene
Dated hotel equipped with the basics
There's nothing that really stands out at Hotel San Fermin, as it's a dated property offering the basics. Although a budget hotel, it's not a great value due to lots of added fees. While clean, rooms are old-fashioned and in need of a refresh -- think small tube-style TVs and tired upholstery -- though common areas were renovated. The buffet restaurant and bar have a fresh, modern look with lots of light wood, white chairs, and green elements that include live plants on walls and ceilings. A large outdoor pool and separate kiddy pool are pleasant spots, but prepare to pay for loungers and towels. Travelers with mobility difficulties should also be aware that the hotel sits on a steep hill and walking to and from destinations can be difficult.
Location
Hilly setting, within walking distance of beach and restaurants
The hotel has a good location for travelers looking to spend time at the beach, as the closest one is a 10-minute walk away. A good number of bars, restaurants, and shops are nearby, as well as entertainment options such as Sea Life Benalmadena (17-minute walk), Parque De La Paloma (eight-minute walk), and Sunset Beach Water Sports (24-minute walk). The charming old town of Benalmadena is about a 15-minute walk away. Guests are also an 18-minute walk from Puerto Marina, an area teeming with bars, restaurants, and cafes. However, the hotel's steep hill setting may be an issue for some. Malaga Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Rooms
Clean but dated rooms with a few pay-to-use features
Rooms at Hotel San Fermin leave something to be desired, as they're basic, dated, and have several added fees. Decor-wise, expect simple traditional wooden furniture, wood floors, pale-yellow walls with bucolic artwork, and old-fashioned patterned bedspreads and drapes. Mini-fridges and safes both come at a fee, and air-conditioning remotes require a refundable deposit. On the plus side, rooms do have free Wi-Fi and furnished terraces. Old tube-style TVs with a handful of English-language channels, desks, and closets come standard. Bathrooms are the most modern area of rooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling beige tiles, shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and limited free toiletries.
Features
Well-sized pool, buffet restaurant, and nighttime entertainment
The crowning feature here is the well-sized outdoor pool with a separate kiddy pool next to a green grassy lawn. Plenty of sunbeds are available, but guests have to pay for them, as well as pool towels. An on-site lifeguard is a nice perk. Kid-friendly amenities consist of an outdoor playground and seasonal kids' club, plus daytime activities and nighttime entertainment three times each week -- think mediocre dance and singing shows. A tennis court is also on-site. The buffet restaurant serves international fare for all three meals, but food receives mixed reviews. Half- and full-board packages are available. A bar has al fresco seating by the pool. Parking requires a fee and there's no fitness center.
