Take a look at the best beach hotels in Benalmadena.
The Vincci Seleccion Aleysa Hotel Boutique & Spa is one of the sharpest upscale properties in Benalmadena, near plenty of restaurants and bars. Its 35 rooms are chic and sophisticated and all have views of the sea -- the welcome bottle of cava doesn't hurt either. Some have large balconies, while others offer direct access to the pool. The hotel's Mediterranean restaurant draws praise, and there are bars by the sleek pool and in the lobby. Lounge chairs are spaced so that there's plenty of privacy on the beach, and features include a spa, fitness center, and yoga and Pilates classes. Free bikes and courtesy cars are also available. There are plenty of less expensive hotels in this area, but none match the level of luxury and sophistication found here.
Part of Malaga's Holiday World group of hotels, the 28-room Holiday Hydros is an upscale boutique hotel that has access to a popular beach club nearby. It's a bit removed from any major Costa del Sol action, but many guests consider that a plus. Suites are modern and done in attractive dark palettes, and all have sea views. Some have huge balconies, and many have outdoor hot tubs. A continental breakfast is included in some packages, and meals at the attractive restaurant are well-liked. The outdoor pool and bar overlook the sea, and the elegant spa provides a range of services including hydrotherapy. Travelers looking for a more family-focused property could check out the Holiday Palace, which has an on-site kids' club and outdoor playground.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Ibersol Alay is a clean-cut and contemporary hotel with minimalist stylings and funky splashes of color. The hotel is ideally located for access to Benalmadena’s beach, shopping, and nightlife, as it's a two-minute walk (if that) from both the beach and a large mall. Bright and breezy, the 247 rooms are attractively outfitted in modern decor, and many offer sea views from furnished balconies. Guests enjoy the food served at the hotel’s restaurant, particularly its breakfast buffet, and the chill-out bar up on the roof. On the downside, however, there are no gym or spa, and the pool is on the small side. If this is a deal-breaker, the comparable Hotel & Spa Benalmadena Palace has two good-sized outdoor pools.
The 331-room Playabonita Hotel is a two-and-a-half-pearl property on the beach, about a 15-minute drive from the shops and restaurants of Benalmadena. There's not much near the hotel save for more hotels and some restaurants, but there are lots of activities and entertainment on-site, and all-inclusive rates are available. Rooms are dated, and while they include air-conditioning and most have mini-fridges, we spotted plenty of tube TVs. Some feature lovely sea views from balconies. The well-liked restaurant serves buffets for all meals, and there are bars plus kids' and teens' clubs. However, limited free Wi-Fi and the often crowded pool are underwhelming. Travelers who'd prefer being closer to Benalmadena's action could check out the MedPlaya Hotel Bali, though it's not right on the beach.
The Holiday Polynesia is a beautiful, upscale all-inclusive resort located in a big complex near the ocean. Its family all-inclusive package gives access to a waterpark with waterslides, a wave pool, and a giant pirate ship. The hotel has an entertainment staff and a children’s club with organized activities. Other all-inclusive plans have various dining and drinking options including a buffet restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, and a Polynesian restaurant, as well as a piano bar. The hotel is popular with English guests, and its 328 rooms are spacious with separate living rooms and sea-view balconies. There are a handful of annoying extra fees at the hotel such as fees for Wi-Fi, and towel and inner tube rentals at the waterpark. Couples may want to check out Holiday Hydros in the same complex, an upscale hotel with a relaxing pool area with ocean views.
Located a 10-minute drive from the center of Benalmadena, the upper-middle-range First Flatotel Internacional has a quiet, removed location across the street from a small rocky beach. The 108 rooms are modern, outfitted with attractive marble bathrooms, conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, but microwaves, and kettles, but not all have balconies. Mini-fridges, microwaves, and kettles are in lower-category rooms, while upgrades include full kitchens. An outdoor pool is surrounded by palapa-shaded loungers, plus there are a game room and fitness center. A restaurant is available but food receives consistently poor reviews. Note that bachelor and bachelorette parties frequent here, which may lead to unwanted noise, and travelers have complained of maintenance issues. It's worth considering Sahara Sunset Club, which is closer to town and has additional amenities such as a spa, kids' club, and multiple pools.