Bahia Tropical

I’ve stayed here four times, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the beach and sea. You can walk there, and it’s quiet enough to properly rest and enjoy your holiday. The staff are helpful and always smiling. Rooms are clean and spacious, with a really nice view, see pic. 10/10.

The hotel is clean, and staff are friendly and helpful, so it feels welcoming. The bar’s reasonably priced too, which is nice for a relaxed evening drink. For a place rated four stars, I found the basic amenities lacking. There was no iron in the room, and you’re expected to pay for laundry service instead. The in-room safe also costs extra, which surprised me since even three-star hotels I’ve stayed in included one. Toiletries were just a bar of soap, shampoo, and body wash, with no extras like earbuds or dental packs. We had half board. Breakfast was okay, nothing special, but dinner was a letdown. A lot of dishes were bland, too salty, or unappetising, and the food quality and variety fell well short of what I’d expect at a four-star hotel. The dessert bar was especially disappointing, mostly overloaded with sugar, and the fruit was tasteless and clearly not fresh or seasonal. It felt like quantity mattered more than quality. Cleanliness and good service are definite positives, but the experience as a whole doesn’t match the four-star rating. I’d put it closer to three stars, and I’m unlikely to return unless things improve.

The evening buffet wasn’t worth the price to me. We enjoyed premium food at a pizzeria about ten minutes’ walk to the northeast, and you can also walk or ask reception to call a taxi to Almunecar. The hotel is a little out of the way for anyone who won’t walk 10-30 minutes to a restaurant, though the places we visited nearby were fantastic. I loved the breakfast buffet, with so much choice, and would definitely stay again. Our deluxe double room was amazing, with views over the pool and sea. The solarium was a peaceful break from the usual poolside noise, with comfy beds and loungers, a small pool, and a hot tub. It’s a topless area for women who aren’t comfortable around the main pool or beach. The hot tub wasn’t working during my stay, and the rooftop bar was closed until summer, so getting drinks up there meant going to the bar elsewhere. The foyer was elegant, and the front desk staff were helpful and informative, especially about parking and prices when we rented a car. Underground parking was €10 a day. The bar staff were cool despite making cocktails nonstop all day at the pool bar. The cleaners did fantastic work, keeping rooms and halls spotless even with people bringing in sand every day. Tipping didn’t improve their work ethic because it was already top quality, though I always tip and recommend doing so. The hotel is constantly being updated and improved. There were lots of older Spanish people staying for the weekend, and entertainment every night in the main bar for them. That didn’t bother me. If locals stay there, I take it as a sign it’s good quality and worth it.

It’s a quiet spot that suits a peaceful holiday, and the staff are friendly and courteous. For the price, service, and facilities, I’d say it’s decent value and deserves three-plus stars, but not four. The city center is a 15-minute taxi ride away, so it’s a little distant but not too far. Evenings can drag, especially if you’re 60 or older. There’s very little entertainment, no daytime program for different age groups, and no shows for kids or adults. The musical performances are dull, low-energy, and not cheerful. The musicians act like they’re at a funeral, and the music isn’t something you can dance to. The internet connection is unstable too, and disappears at midnight. Spanish guests might enjoy the place more. It seems better suited to retirees or Spanish visitors, but for me the quiet location is boring.