Parador de Málaga Golf

The bar service was a little slow at times, so going straight to the bar may be quicker if you want a drink. Flights pass overhead because the hotel is close to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, and you might have to pause a conversation for a moment. That proximity makes it convenient for arrivals and departures, though. It’s a comfortable, luxurious beachfront place, with exceptionally spacious rooms where you can relax indoors or sit out on the balcony. The pool area feels peaceful, with green spaces and birdsong. Breakfast had a rich variety of high-quality options.

The main restaurant was excellent value, with amazing food at about half the price of London. Try the roast goat shoulder or the lightly floured fried anchovies. I went for a swim in the sea every day, the beach is at the end of the garden and fairly quiet since it’s away from other hotels. Golf was great too, and I could just turn up in the afternoon to play. I visited at the end of September and found a green, low-rise paradise full of palm trees. My superior room was huge, with a double bed, sofa, two chairs, and a big bathroom with a bath and separate shower. The setting and value were exceptional. I don’t know much about Malaga prices, but compared with nearly every other hotel I’ve stayed at recently, it seemed like great value. I can’t understand why this place isn’t above 9 stars on Google.

Dear Javier Manzano Garcia, I’m staying at the Parador del Golf with my wife. We went down for coffee at 10am, but the bar was closed until 11, so reception sent us to the restaurant. We politely asked for coffee and were told they wouldn’t serve it because it was only the buffet breakfast. I explained that we had lunch booked there for 1.30pm and didn’t need a buffet breakfast, but they still refused. Back at reception, we were told coffee was only available at the Golf Kiosk. We went there in bad weather and brought coffees back to our room in paper cups. I’m sorry to say that no hotel in the world has ever refused to serve me coffee before. This is completely alien to me. Yours sincerely, Oliver

The service fell short of what I’d expect from a four-star hotel, especially from the two women at reception, who weren’t very welcoming. Planes could be heard arriving and leaving throughout the day and night, though that bothered me less than the service. After eating the fish served the day before, I became ill in my room. Room service was available and two staff members were there, but at first they wouldn’t bring me tea. I had to go to the restaurant myself. After I spoke with hotel management, they brought the tea and were friendly, but the whole experience left me with a poor impression. I wouldn’t fully recommend the hotel.