Hostal Azahara

For a week without a car, Hostal Azahara worked really well for me. It's right beside the bus stop on the main road through Nerja, so I walked or took the bus everywhere. Cafes and supermarkets are nearby, and the various beaches are a 10-15 minute walk. Nerja Caves are about a 4 km walk, with a pedestrian pavement all the way along the main road. I especially liked the beach by Balcony of Europe, Playa Calahonda. There's a central courtyard for breakfast, and it stays open for sitting until 11 pm. Smoking is allowed there, which was annoying for a non-smoker, especially when one guest smoked a lot. You can sit away from one person, though, and I was out hiking most of the time. I had noisy neighbors on a couple of nights, so earplugs might help. The guesthouse was very clean, with a good breakfast, comfortable bed, and friendly owners and staff. It's excellent value for money. It's not a five-star hotel, but it gets five stars from me for the value. Spend more elsewhere if you want luxury. I didn't rent a car, and a note for anyone with mobility issues: there are 31 steps up from the street. If I return to Nerja, I'll stay there again.

I booked through Hostal Azahara Nerja's own website on February 27th, for a seven-night stay beginning May 9th. I chose that option so I could be clear about the room I wanted, since I didn't want a window beside the dining area. But on arrival, that room had been given to last-minute guests, and I was told I'd spend two nights in a smaller room beside the laundry and drying room. Luckily it turned out to be only one night. Still, I couldn't unpack, and the next day I had to wait for my things to be moved and the other room cleaned before I could go to the beach. It happened fairly quickly, but it was frustrating. Since I'd booked in February, I thought the last-minute arrivals could have been asked to use another room for their final two nights instead. The owner should keep an eye on this. I started in room 114 beside the laundry. It was quiet and fine for one person, though not very spacious and a bit tight for two. The bed had one long pillow to share. I was told the price was the same as my booked room despite this one being smaller. The next day I moved to room 112, which was more spacious and had two single beds. Its door opens onto a small French balcony where you can't sit, but it lets in light and gives you somewhere to hang clothes to dry. The room was clean and quiet, with its window and balcony door facing away from the busy street. The beds are light enough to shift aside to open the balcony door. I don't understand why the price was the same as for the smaller room. The showerhead holder was broken, as I'd already read in a review. There was a small fridge for drinks and yogurt; I switched it off at night because of the noise, and that worked fine. Breakfast was good, with plenty of choice. I also liked being able to use the dining-room kettle for tea in the evening. I brought my own tea bags. The long stairs at the entrance may be difficult for people who have trouble climbing. The owner helped me with my heavy suitcase when I arrived, which I appreciated. I still felt very comfortable at Hostal Azahara, which is why I gave it five stars. The atmosphere was good, the staff were very friendly, and someone even offered me soup when I came back cold and soaked from the beach. The rooms are acceptable for the price, and they were good enough for me. The location was ideal, with bus stops right in front for Alsa buses to and from Malaga and buses to Frigiliana. That mattered a lot with my heavy suitcase. Restaurants and shops in the centre are about seven minutes away on foot; the first restaurant is three minutes away and the big supermarket five. Several beaches are about 15 minutes away on foot. Booking on their website costs a little less than Booking.com and is supposed to come with a bottle of wine as a thank-you. I didn't receive one, but didn't mind because I don't like wine and I'd been given soup spontaneously. One correction for the owner: the website says guests can arrange a lesser-known visit to the caves, but that information is incorrect, so it should be removed.

The service and breakfast were very good, and the rooms were nice. But there was a lot of noise from other guests or neighbors, going on until 2 am. I hardly slept that night. Finding a parking space for the car was extremely difficult too.

A welcoming, friendly hostel just yards from the bus station. Tatiana was so helpful and willing to do anything we needed. There are quite a few steps up to reception, but once you're there, everything is on one level.