Hotel Parasol by Dorobe

The beach is just a two-minute walk away, and Parasol is well placed for buses and trains to Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and Malaga. I didn’t try the pool because it was crowded, with loungers spread across the grass. My room was reasonably clean and serviced daily, but being near the lift meant constant noise, along with children and people shouting from balconies at all hours. Staff could be rude about where guests sat. They didn’t assign tables, yet got snippy if you chose one they didn’t like. The food wasn’t very good, with a lot of random dishes and little appeal if you’re hoping for local food. The labels for allergens were confusing, and the serving utensils weren’t marked, which could be a problem for anyone with allergies.

The room itself was modern, lovely, and spotless, and it was made up daily with fresh towels. The bar staff were pleasant, especially Fran. Those were the bright spots. Most days the food was cold because there are no heat lamps, just ordinary bulbs, unless you arrive right as service starts. The €1 charge for a reusable cup also made the place feel very budget. The pool area was described as the hotel’s “highlight” online, which I found laughable. The loungers are on dirt where grass used to be, there are no tables for drinks, and the filthy cushions are kept in a basement. They were stained and, to me, looked like they’d never been washed. The pool needs repainting and care. The toilets nearby were dark, filthy, smelly, and felt unsafe, especially for women. After checkout at noon, with our flight not until 10PM, I showered in those toilets. My partner found the ladies’ showers weren’t working, so asked Alfredo at reception if there was somewhere else to wash before the airport. He told her to use the men’s toilets or the outdoor pool showers. I repeatedly asked whether there was a safer option, perhaps an empty room, but he kept saying no and sending her to the men’s toilets, which were open and in use. I couldn’t believe he thought that was acceptable, with men using the facilities nearby. That last episode finished it for me. I’d read mixed reviews and decided to try a stay, but I wouldn’t come back. The management’s reply to my complaint was the same generic wording pasted onto other negative reviews, which made it seem they didn’t care about my experience.

Fran at the pool bar was brilliant, friendly, and polite. He deserves a pay rise. The room was fresh, modern, and very clean, thanks to the maid’s excellent daily work and fresh towels. The themed food nights were interesting and included some tasty dishes, though the food was lukewarm; at least there was a microwave. I also thought charging €1 for a reusable cup was a ridiculous idea. The loungers’ cushions were covered in filthy stains and smelled bad. There was no complimentary water in the mini-fridge, unlike at other all-inclusive places we’ve stayed, including some worse hotels. The evening entertainment didn’t make it clear where events were happening, and guests sitting at some tables weren’t included, which was a shame.

I didn’t book this holiday, but the best part for me was the view from the hotel window. The air conditioning was fine. There were no tea or coffee facilities, no toothpaste, and the shampoo was rubbish. Cleanliness was only fair, and the phone beside the bed was filthy with dust. The food was awful: it was the same every day, I found mould on bread and cheese, the fried eggs were undercooked, and the watermelon was going rotten. We ended up spending a small fortune eating out just to get by, so be ready to go hungry. The drinks were revolting and nothing like what I expected. Bar staff were rude, and I saw a chef handle raw meat then cut watermelon without changing gloves. I’m not fussy, but that really surprised me, so be careful with the food here. The pool area was dirty and neglected. For the money, I’d stay away.