Hotel Spa Benalmadena Palace

This family-focused property was built in 2004 and has been well maintained since -- the building is immaculate throughout. Guests can choose their board basis, from self catering, bed-and-breakfast, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive. There are thoughtful touches too, like fruit and a welcome drink on arrival, and a free daily newspaper. The public areas, both inside and out, have lots of seating available, and guests’ comments are listened to and acted upon, such as requests to add cushions to the poolside lounge chairs. The lobby of the hotel is a large, bright space, with a cream tiled floor, potted plants, tourist information leaflets, and a guide to the hotel's daily entertainment program. There's also a large cut out of the hotel's mascot, Beny the Tiger -- he sometimes makes live appearances at the hotel for photo ops with kids. Many guests here are repeat visitors -- some returning more than once a year. Most are families with children, but plenty of couples also stay here.

The family-friendly sandy beach is just a five-minute walk from the hotel, and there are a range of bars and restaurants near the beach, ranging from independent places serving local dishes to chains like Burger King. Returning back to the hotel means walking up a steep hill, so the hotel offers a free shuttle bus for those who find the walk too tough. There are also other attractions within walking distance of the hotel. The Selwo Marina Delfinarium sea life center is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, as is the popular Torrequebrada golf course. It’s also a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive to the large Parque De La Paloma with its ponds, fountains, picnic areas, and wildlife. The hotel offers a shuttle bus to the park as well. Malaga International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

There are 182 rooms at the hotel, all of them are either Studio or One-Bedroom Apartments with a balcony. They have views of either the swimming pool, mountains, or the sea. Decor in the rooms is simple but modern, with shades of taupe, tan marble tile floors, and mid-tone wooden furniture. Bathrooms have a coastal feel with blue and white mosaic tiling plus shower/tub combos, marble vanities, and toiletries. Each apartment has a kitchenette with a stove, fridge, sink, microwave, kettle, and a range of cutlery and crockery. There’s a small dining area and sofa too. Air-conditioning and a flat screen TV with satellite channels are provided. Wi-Fi is free, but there is a fee for using safes and housekeeping is only provided every other day.

The Hotel and Spa Benalmadena Palace has a wide range of facilities, many of which are available for guests to use free of charge. This includes a cinema, game room with table tennis, outdoor tennis, billiards, and darts, sauna, hot tub, steam room, and large fitness center with modern equipment. There’s a heated indoor pool and two outdoor pools, plus separate entertainment programs for children, teenagers, and adults. There’s also a gift shop and a hairdresser on-site, and the hotel offers spa services. The buffet restaurant provides a wide range of dishes for breakfast and dinner, and the snack bar next to the pool is open for lunch. Theme nights are organized around international cuisine like Italian, Mexican, and Asian. For drinks, there's an adults-only bar, and a disco bar where children are welcome and live entertainment is provided. Those traveling with children are well catered for, as babysitting services are available, plus high chairs, children’s menus, and even game consoles for the rooms. The hotel has free parking available outside, and also private garage parking, for a daily fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.