Gran Hotel Costa del Sol

You step outside and you're basically right by the sea, and the location is amazing. We had a few small room problems, including heating that didn't work, a shower that was either too hot or too cold with no comfortable middle setting, and a bed that lifted. They didn't stop us enjoying ourselves, though. The breakfast was delicious and we liked the pool. If you just need somewhere to sleep in a great spot, I'd recommend it.

The rooms and bathrooms were spacious and tidy, and there were plenty of TV channels for me and the kids when we stayed in to get out of the rain or sun. I enjoyed the meals and the daily food suggestions, and the vending machine was handy for anything we needed right away. We went all inclusive, and I fell in love with the range of cocktails. My only letdown was the pool: in winter it was so cold that the kids and I couldn't enjoy it as much as we should have. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars.

We came as a family of three with our 2-year-old, and the hotel made for a lovely holiday. Our superior sea-view room was clean, roomy and comfortable, with a nice balcony and a big bathroom. The staff, from housekeeping to the animators, were wonderful and always helpful. Someone even helped me at breakfast while I was choosing food for our little one. Anas at reception also showed us around the beautiful region, so a special thanks to him. There were lots of hotel activities, including gym, aquagym and karaoke. The location is hard to beat, with direct beach access and plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. There's a Chinese store just around the corner with anything you might need. Parking costs money, but it's convenient and reasonably priced, and public parking is nearby too. The place is very clean, though I can see that some areas could use work. For us, the location and quality of service made up for everything else. We were surprised by the bad reviews. It was a relaxing, enjoyable stay, and we'd definitely come back.

The pool is beautiful, with views over the beach, and the beach is right outside. Shops, pubs, restaurants, bus stops and the town are all within walking distance. The rooms were clean and spacious, and the staff made us feel welcome. I'd read a lot of negative reviews and was skeptical, but the stay exceeded my expectations. The hotel is lovely, though a bit dated and could do with a revamp; that didn't affect my holiday. We didn't try the food, so I can't comment on it, but I'd definitely stay again. Highly recommend.