Hotel Roc Marbella Park

Previously called Las Chapas Palacio del Sol, this large six-story hotel is situated on a green property with tall trees, cactus, and gardens. Guests enter through an arched courtyard with potted plants along the sides. Plenty of parking spaces line the front. The outdated lobby -- with sagging, tired upholstered seating -- sets the tone for the rest of the hotel. The entire place is long overdue for a renovation, with unattractive colors, old wooden furniture, and odd blends of gaudy and grandma's-house styles throughout. Still, enough people find it to be a pleasant way to access the shores of the Marbella area that it does stay busy. Most of the activity centers on the three pools, two with water slides and tunnels that are popular with families with young children. Groups also often book here to take advantage of the multiple activities. Travelers who are keen on updated facilities, however, should give this one a pass. 

The hotel is located just off the N-340 highway, about a 15-minute drive outside Marbella. There are restaurants, shops, and bars within an easy walk -- as well as plenty of other hotels. The beach can be reached on foot in 10 to 15 minutes by using an overpass over the highway, or a bus runs there in five minutes. Another bus station with routes to Marbella is about a five-minute walk from the hotel -- the city's historic old town is a quaint place to explore, with centuries' old churches and alleyways. The Marbella Golf & Country Club is about a 12-minute drive. Expect a 30-minute drive to Malaga's airport.

Rooms are offered in Single, Double, or Family configurations. Unfortunately, the decor is tired and dated, with old-style bedspreads, striped wallpaper accent walls, and dated floral drapes and upholstery. There are a number of competing fabrics throughout, and dull oceanic art hangs on the walls. Family rooms have a separate living/sleeping area, with outdated and sagging sofas and chairs. Some rooms still have old-style tube TVs. They all come with air-conditioning, alarm clocks, safes, and Wi-Fi for a fee. Bathrooms are small, but they offer either shower/tub combos or separate bathtubs and power showers. There's just a bit of space on granite counter tops and hairdryers are provided. Tiny balconies or terraces look out onto the pool, garden, or neighboring rooftop. Some rooms have a noticeable odor of cleaning products. 

The number of features on offer here prove to be the most appealing aspect of this hotel. The on-site restaurant serves a buffet for all meals, and there's an adjacent bar. But like the rest of the hotel, these spaces are dated and in need of renovation. Performers entertain some nights and food receives mostly solid marks for variety. All-inclusive rates are available. With slides, tunnels, and a pirate ship to climb on, the outdoor pool is a kids' delight. A more shallow pool has smaller slides for the little ones. There's also an outdoor playground with a slide, swings, and climbing equipment, but it's looking a little past its prime. The Jacuzzi Pool with a few lounge chairs around it is a quieter place where adults can relax. There are no umbrellas, but trees provide some shade. A grassy lawn by the pool provides more lounge chairs for relaxing, and drinks and snacks are available at the pool bar. There's an on-site tennis court as well as areas for other outdoor recreation. An indoor game room has pool tables and arcade games. Two computers are set up in the lobby for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's bar, but not elsewhere.