Where to stay on Costa del Sol
 

Friends have invited us to join them at a timeshare on Costa del Sol through Interval Intl, but have asked us to select the property. I know Marriott's Marabella Beach Resort has rcvd great reviews. Any other area/properties we should consider? Anyone know of Club Tropicana in Nerja. We want easy drives for daytrips to White Villages, Granada, Ronda. We enjoy good local food, wine, history & atmosphere. Do not want to end up in a concrete jungle. Thanks for your advise.

For all the excursions you mention Marbella would be a better base than Nerja, except for Granada which is situated more eastwards. The A45/A92 highway, though, make it possible to drive to Granada in about 2 hours.
Re the concrete jungle ... I'm afraid most of the Costa del Sol is a concrete jungle.

Nerja is not really concrete jungle - yet. I don't know where the Tropicana is, but the eastern end of Nerja is very scenic. Nerja is within a few hours of Grenada,and it's a spectacular drive thru the rugged Sierras.

Thanks MyriamC and zootsi for your advice. I'm still trying to find info on the II's Club Tropicana in Nerja. Also, anyone have any suggestions besides the very in demand Marriott's Marabella Beach Resort? I'm new to timeshares and am trying to make an informed decision. Thanks again.

I would suggest the Kempenski Hotel in Estepona. It is a beautiful hotel and easy driving to Ronda, Marbella.

Marriott also has a property in Estepona. I've never stayed there, but if it's anything like the one in Marbella, it would be excellent. Friends of mine have stayed in II timeshares in Mijas and liked them, though I'd prefer the Marbella location.

Mayber, thanks for input, but we have to choose a timeshare with Interval Intl.

Artlover, the website for Marriott in Estopona shows construction thru 2009. Want to avoid as much of that as possible. Do you know what II propertes your friends used in Mijas. Our 1st choice is Marriott Marabella Beach Resort, but I know we need some backups. Thanks so much for the help.

Can anyone else offer some suggestions re II timeshares and or locations to stay in or avoid? I'm really having a hard time getting info other than from the timeshare co. Thanks.

No, I'm not sure what property they used, though I believe it was inland rather than on the coast. You might check out tug2.net for more information. Also, each resort has a satisfaction ranking--you can ask an II rep about that for each one you're interested in.

Artlover, thanks for the suggestions. I will contact both of them. Do you have any comments/advise on the Mijas-Costa area? II has quite a few timeshares in the area, with 3 on the beach at Km. 196 thru 199. The Marriott Marbella is at Km 193. Can you give me an idea of what this area is like? I appreciate all your comments.

Hi Jaf
I stayed in Club Tropicana in Nerja two years ago, it was ok, but a typical holiday club type thing, it depends on what you like. We have always taken a villa when we go to Nerja,( we have been going for the past 6 yrs) but in 2005 we went to Tropicana, I depends on whether your children are small or not. Its is very handy for travelling to Granada, Sierra Nevada, and Frigilana, Rhonda. Nerja is the only place I would return to on the Costa del Sol, I used to like Marbella about 15 yrs ago, but I would no longer feel comfortable there, due to the over crowding in the summer months, I still find Nerja charming, but maybe i'm biased! Good luck in whatever choice you make.

Sorry that should read ( we went to Tropicana in 2003! )

I agree with lucielou. The Marbella of 15 years ago doesn't exist anymore.
Km 193, 195 etc. refers to the road numbering on Carretera de Cadiz, a very busy road leading from Malaga to Algeciras. The waste land that it used to be 15/20 years ago has all been sold to project developers to build huge time-share properties. Some are well located, at the 'good' side of the road, i.e. the side of the beach, some not.
Mijas Costa is about halfway between Fuengirola and Marbella old town (approx. 20 km). It has some nice beaches and a golf course.
On the area map you will see the busy Carretera de Cadiz (in gray) with the urbanizations and the various beaches.
http://www.mijas.es/mijas/mijas.asp?codigo=243
Click on 'turismo' and 'alojamientos' to find out more information and websites of holidays villages.

We just got back the end of Oct. from staying at a timeshare on the Costa del Sol. It was called the Villacana and we just loved it. We even had our own roof top patio that over lookd the Mediterranean Sea. It says it is located in Estepona but it is really east of there in a little town called Canceladas I think it was called. It was a great location to explore from. We didn't rent a car but rather took tours and used the local buses which stopped right in from of the Villacana. We are with RCI so don't know if it is with II. Let me know if there is any other info you might need.

Carley,
Was it Macdonald Villacana Resort? If so, that also is an II property. And thanks for the information, especially regarding using public transportation 'cause I'd like that option.

jaf, The only place I would say to avoid for sure would be Torremolinos--I'm just not sure about the others.

Yes it was the MacDonald Villacana. As I said we were very pleased with it. The staff were very helpful and it was very quiet. It had two pools, restaurant, although we only had lunch there as we found a great rest. across the highway that had a prixe fix menu that was wonderful. There was an overpass right by the TS to cross over. If you need more info just ask.

Thanks everyone for all the info.

Yes, Artlover, I've already ruled Torremolinos out. You've raved so much about the Marriott Marabella that it is our 1st choice.

Myriam C, thanks for the info on the general area. I realize that it all has pretty much been overbuilt. My goal is to find a nice property on the "good side" to home base within all the craziness. After our week at the timeshare we will venture to Seville & beyond and, hopefully, stay in small inns/hotels away from the crowds.

Lucielow, thanks for your input on the Club Tropicana & Nerja. I think for this trip we will stay to the east of Malaga due to the choice of II properties. But we will definately make a day trip to Nerja. Any charming lunch spots you can recommend?

Carley, thanks for the info on the Villacana. As Artlover said, it is also an II. Did you see the 2 bedroom units? Any negatives to location or the property itself?

No negatives at all. It was quite a large one bedroom and bath with granite counters in the kitchen, full fridge, stove, dishwaher and all kids of glasses, cutlery etc. It was laid out very beautifully with flowers and fountains in each courtyard. It smelled heavenly at night when we were walking through it. It also had two pools. It was only ablout 20 min by bus to Marbella (less by car) but we liked bussing as you didn't have to worry about finding parking spaces as we found Marbella very busy altought we did like it there.

Is a week too long in Marbella? We want to relax and sightsee. Thanks

Thanks everyone for all your comments & suggestions. You have really helped us make an informed decision. Now we're just waiting for II to confirm exact dates and property (fingers crossed).