2 Best Hotels in Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, and Costa de Almería, Spain

Name: Hacienda Riogordo
Address: Cerro de la Sacristia 107, Comares, Andalusia, Spain
Telephone: 676-428960
Price range: $$

Most hotels on the developed stretch between Torremolinos and Fuengirola offer large, functional rooms near the sea at competitive rates, but the area's popularity as a budget destination means that most such hotels are booked in high season by package-tour operators. Finding a room at Easter, in July and August, or over holiday weekends can be difficult if you haven't reserved in advance. In July and August many hotels require a stay of at least three days. Málaga is an increasingly attractive base for visitors to this corner of Andalusia and has some good hotels. Marbella, meanwhile, has more than its fair share of grand lodgings, including some of Spain's most expensive rooms. Gibraltar's handful of hotels tends to be more expensive than most comparable lodgings in Spain.

There are also apartments and villas for short- or long-term stays, ranging from traditional Andalusian farmhouses to luxury villas. An excellent source for apartment and villa rentals is Spain Holiday (952/204435 www.spain-holiday.com). For Marbella, you can also try Nordica Rentals (952/811552 www.nordicarentals.com), and, for high-end rentals, The Luxury Villa Collection (656/668710 www.theluxuryvillacollection.com. Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect a private bath, phone, and TV in your room.

Hacienda Riogordo

$$ | Cerro de la Sacristia 107, Comares, Spain

Perched up on a hill just outside the white village of Riogordo, this Belgian-run establishment offers boutique bed and breakfast in traditional rustic surroundings, with possibly the best views in the area. Rooms, all named for the seven nearest villages, are spacious, with crisp white linen, and complimentary tea and coffee, and most enjoy vistas. All but one have a terrace area, and the Alcaucin suite has a private balcony. Outside, guests have use of the good-size swimming pool, where you'll find the best views, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Fragrant lemon trees flank the pretty patio, and there's an impressive cactus garden. The homemade breakfast includes daily cake and pastry specials, as well as fresh seasonal fruit.

Hotel MS Tropicana

$$$ | Trópico 6, Torremolinos, 29620, Spain

On the beach at the far end of La Carihuela, in one of the most pleasant parts of Torremolinos, this low-rise resort hotel has a loyal following for its friendly and homey style and comfortable, bright rooms. A tropical theme runs throughout: purple passionflower climbs cover the brickwork, exotic plants and bamboo furniture decorate the common areas, and warm color schemes and dazzling white fabrics make the guest rooms cheerful. Note that there's a minimum four-night stay in July and August. The beachfront restaurant has a good selection of meat and fish dishes.

Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, and Costa de Almería

Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, and Costa de Almería

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