La Malagueña by Croma

The location may be the best in the whole area, right on Plaza del Flores, and check-in was easy. I had an issue on my first night when the power was out in my allocated room, but a staff member came almost immediately and moved me straight into another one. The service was friendly, professional, and efficient. Rachel in particular was outstanding. I'm a former Hilton Hotels manager and have hired hospitality staff for most of my career, so I know good service. The rooms are decent, the beds clean and comfortable, and the staff fantastic. It's basic for a hostel, but at €54 a night it's incredible value, and the rooms are warm and cosy. Five-star service at a hostel. Very highly recommended.

The big advantage here is the setting, in a corner of the traditional Plaza de las Flores in Estepona. It's just by two splendid new four-star hotels, which may have swish rooms but aren't any better placed than this humble hostal. Cheap and cheerful, friendly, and scrupulously clean, though a bit spartan. It's no luxury stay and might not feel especially comfortable, but it's fine for somewhere to lay your head.

We arrived after 9pm, wet from the rain and hungry, and someone gave us some flat bread free of charge. The staff were lovely and went out of their way to help. It felt like staying with family. The hotel is quaint, quite clean, and not pricey. Please keep this up, it makes your hotel stand out from the rest.

The rooms are small and basic, but spotlessly clean, as are the little shower rooms. There's a small flat-screen TV, about the size of a modest computer screen, though you're never far from it in a room this size. Rooms have TV, air-con, a private bath or shower, and free Wifi. Some have a third bed, and paid parking may be available. You can't beat the position: this charming little "Hostal" is just off Plaza de las Flores, 10 metres up the Calle Raphael. The beach is two minutes away, the bars and restaurants 20 seconds, and the flower-filled streets of the Centro Historico 25 seconds. Being near the bars and restaurants could mean noise, so you could ask for a room facing the back patio instead of the square. Loads going for this convenient, clean, cheap place. What's not to like here?