Costa del Sol Choices?
 

I am wondering where to book our hotel in the Costa del Sol area? Any suggestions would be great! We are two adults and one 12 year old daughter looking for touring and beach fun. If you mention a town, would you mind adding a hotel name?

When are you planning this trip and what type of hotel are you looking for? There are a lot of choices along the Costa del Sol.

We fly into Malaga on the 11th of July and are in the area for five nights. As for the hotel - something with a pool would be nice but think location would be more important. Whatever suggestion you have would be appreciated.

My personal favorite is the "Elviria" area of Marbella. You are on the best beach, close to Marbella's nightlife, Gibraltar, Ronda, Grenada but away from the loud out-of-control types. If you're interested, I'd suggest the Marriott (make sure its the one in Elviria) or the Hotel Don Carlos.

altajoe - Thanks for your suggestion, the Marriott said their booked solid. Would you also suggest renting a car for touring the coast? I'm not a fan of mountains and tight driving w/ sheer drop offs (ie Hawaii)...

The entire Costa del Sol is going to be hot and crowded in July. So, any of the resort areas might do. Torremolinos is very touristy but what isn't in July? Nvertheless it has the advantage that it is close to the Malaga airport and offers transportation by local train to the city of Malaga, and to Fuengirola in the other direction with stops in between. There is a water park just outside of town. There are a lot of hotels in the area. Try the Melia Costa del SOl, the Bajondillo, Don Pablo to name just a few. There are also many hotels in the Benalmadena Costa area. There is also a marina with lots os shops and restaurants. Torremolinos is loaded with seafood restaurants, and for your daughter, pizzerias, even McDonald's and Burger King. Driving is not too bad. There is a coast road plus a highway that runs along the mountains but is easy to navigate. You can use the Costa del Sol as a base for driving to Granada, Ronda, Antequera, Cordoba, Nerja etc...

I'm amazed that the Mariott is booked solid. Its one of those time share type of places and its HUGE. Try calling them direct http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/AGPMB How about the Don Carlos? http://hoteldoncarlos.com/

Driving is no problem.

Julie

Nerja is lovely on the costa del sol, we have been there many times over the past few years, there is a lovely hotel down on the Balcon De Europe, called the same name! You could try that or Rui Monica hotel, that one is down the other end of Nerja, both are very nice,I have to say i've never stayed in them, as we always take a villa, but i'v known friends who stayed in both of them and liked them.

Thank you for your continued suggestions. I've been checking into each one. We've settled on renting a car (which I've searched through this forum) but one question I still have is: with July being so busy at the beaches - according to the posts - will driving be crazy/crowded around Andalucia? Thanks again to everyone. I love this website!

Marbella or Puerto Banus. Avoid Torremolinos or Fuengirola at all costs. Try vrbo.com

VRBO is an excellent idea BUT, during the middle of the holiday season you'll have trouble finding a condo/apartment for less than 2 weeks. 5 days might be impossible.

We just got back from Spain and very much enjoyed our stay in Marbella at El Fuerte. Our room had a view of the sea and the hotel has a great location on the water (and boardwalk) and very near the old quarter of the city.

We also liked Nerja, which is smaller and quieter. The disadvantage of Nerja, in our view, was that it doesn't have a nice long walk right next to the water.

Both towns have good Italian and Asian restaurants.

I believe somebody else mentioned that Marbella is well situated for day trips to Gibraltar, Ronda, Seville, etc. (However, we found Gibraltar to be disappointing).

happytrails, your post is so timely. Don't take this the wrong way, but yesterday we had a discussion with some fellow well traveled friends. We were all laughing about being in a foreign country and seeing other ethnic restaurants, ie. Italian and Asian restuarants in Spain. We all agreed that we'd never be caught dead in anything but local cusine. We were asking if foreign visitors to here in the US, only go to McDonald's?

Who cares?

What do you and your friends eat when you travel in North Korea?

Happy, based on the tenor of your 2 responses I believe that you somehow took my post to be a slam at you. I'm sorry that my second sentance didn't fully sink in. Let me try again.

I'M NOT MAKING FUN OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, on to the point. What food do foreign travelers eat that is considered "AMERICAN FOOD"? McDonalds? BBQ? Roadside diner? Grinder shops?

PS, I've never been to North Korea, but if I ever do, I'll probably eat at Kim's House of Kimchi.