lexluther

Hi, We are going to Spain - family of four 2 adults 2 kids (kids are 4 and 7).

We have booked Madrid 3 nights at the Westin Palace, Seville 2 nights la casas de la juderia, Parador in Arcos and Ronda (1 night each). Now we are left with Costa Del sol (6 nights).

We were hoping to do 3 nights in marbella and 3 nights in Nerja. we were thinking of the hotel balcon de europa for 3 nights.

Marbella everything is booked. This is August 11- August 17th. Don carlos is booked, everything else is either not in Marbella or very expensive. We like more high end stuff (4 stars in Europe like Sofitel etc.). Not too crazy about the 2 and 3 star bed and breakfasts. Was thinking fo $300 I could get something decent. It seems like it is more like $450 + - I don't think I have ever spent that much on a hotel.

Any suggestions for Marbella? Was thinking of maybe getting a high end apartment for the whole 6 nights in Marbella and making Nerja a day trip. The wife wants to "relax on the beach" which is why I thought Nerja would be good. I am worried that Nerja will be a little quite at night - although having never been there I don't really know.

1. Any suggestions for where to stay in marbella? Would like 4 star on the beach with a pool.

2. Should I skip Nerja and make it a daytrip?

Any other suggestions?

Also I need to book a high speed train from Madrid to Seville - anyone know the website?

Any comments on The Westin Palace in Madrid or any of the other hotels we have booked?

Last minute thoughts for what to do around Costa del sol - I have done quite a bit of reading. Thinking of visiting:

Frigiliana while we are in Nerja as well as Las Alpujarras.

Might visit Gibraltar while we are in Marbella as well as torremolinos, puerto banuz, etc.

We are flying back out from Malaga which is why we want to end up somewhat close to the airport (within an hour drive of the airport).

Any recommendations for restaurants, babysitting services, babysitters, flamenco, etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Lex

josele

Well, Lex, it seems you like to drive, as Marbella is 1hr.30min from nerja by highway, IF you are lucky not to get in a traffic jam . Nerja is the opposite end of the province, a much quieter place, but this does not mean they go to sleep at ten. In fact, Marbella in August is OVERCROWDED, my brother lives there and it is crazy. Besides, in those days of August, around the 15th, there are feasts in almost every spot of the coast, and I think the kids shall have a better time in Nerja. If you decide so, e-mail me and I shall provide several places you can go from there. Frigiliana you can't miss. Puerto Banus is in Marbella.
Arcos and Ronda are beautiful places, though pretty hot those days (as well as Seville), so be prepared with creams, etc.
For updated maps, go to www.guiacampsa.com
For the trains, www.renfe.es and you can book online.
For further reading, and plenty info, even booking, www.andalucia.org

lincasanova

estepona is a beautiful town near marbella.
maybe do a day trip from nerja to marbella if lodging is difficult there..

august is crowded everywhere. and expensive as you have seen.

unless you are only into beaches.. i would consider a highend hotel outside marbella.

photofootp

We used the Marriott at Estoponia as our base at Costa Del Sol. it made day trips to Ronda, Mijas etc very easy. There is a wonderful little zoo in Fuengirola which your children should enjoy.http://www.andalucia.com/fuengirola/zoo.htm
I have posted photo and notes at: web.mac.com/photofoot.

lexluther

Thanks for the responses. Leaving in two weeks. Photofoot, loved the pics.
Lex

Dukey

You will probably have to register on the renfe site if you are going to book tickets there.

Click on the Tiknet option and then there will be instructions about registering, etc.