Benavista Guadalmina Alta

The best parts were the friendly, helpful staff and a very good breakfast, with plenty of quality choices, including freshly squeezed orange juice. Our large deluxe club room had a sea view, a comfortable bed and bedding, and a huge bathroom with a jacuzzi bath. The hotel itself felt dark, tired, and dated, like it hadn't been renovated in years. It didn't feel like a four star place, maybe three at most. Club level wasn't worth paying extra for: we got some soft drinks in the room on arrival and a later checkout, while the lounge was only open from 11 to 1. The private pool was in a small, enclosed area, and the main pool was nicer. I'd stay one night again if I found a cheap deal, but not at club level. I wouldn't want to spend a week there. It's too dated and too far from the beach.

Breakfast had an excellent range of food, and the dining room was spotless and tidy. The pool was okay, though I felt the place lacked atmosphere and other Barcelo hotels are better. You'll need a car. Being opposite a golf course could be handy, but restaurants and shops are a good 15 minute walk away. Parking costs €15 per day, which feels steep for a resident.

The breakfast staff were excellent, and the pool area was decent. But the handrail was broken, which felt unsafe, and I nearly hurt myself. The room was functional, if a little dated. My wife and I asked for late checkout because of a late flight and agreed to a €50 fee. Later I found the hotel had charged my card twice, even though they'd said the first payment was cancelled after an error. When I contacted them, they said there was no discrepancy. It's the principle that bothers me, not the money, so they can keep the extra payment. Maybe it can go toward fixing that pool handrail.

It wasn't a bad stay, but there were several issues: the pool was still closed at 11:15, they first gave me a room that was already occupied, and some breakfast and lunch items were out of stock. There was nothing to clean the toilet with, and one of the power outlets had a problem.