Golf Hotel Rio Real, Marbella

Advantages: Sunny, friendly people and good food.
Disadvantages: Can be expensive and when it rains, it certainly rains!

...for the mild climate in winter. With of course Golf courses for those who like to play in a warm climate. It is no longer well known as a fishing port, the harbour was full of cruisers and yachts, some were quite luxurious, but for REAL LUXURY, visit just along the coast to Puerto Banus, which still comes under the title of Marbella in some holiday brochures, where we sat with a coffee and watched the rich and famous relax on their boats, or drive by in snazzy cars. There was a huge department store called El Corte Ingles which had everything under one roof, if you are into shopping whilst on holiday. We also found one in Marbella which we had passed the first night but thought it was just a furniture store, the food hall was huge and below street level! Back to Marbella, the Promenade is a lovely place to start and you can walk miles... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Easy to reach
Disadvantages: Some local traditions aren't for animal lovers

...the waterfalled pool area and sun-loungers. The water was grey and dirty, and a real let down. Torremolinas and Benalmedina (spelling?) were the nearest big resorts, and are actually a lot nicer than I thought they would be. Whilst Torremolinas was still bright and busy, it was no where near as tacky as the name has always conjured up with me. GOLF The golf courses also abound in and around the local area, and I have it on good authority that they're wonderful. I, personally can't stand the sport so I've never visited one, but I should imagine that as Sean Connery's a local, then they'd have to be decent. FOOD Typically Spanish inland, but if you're sticking round the coasts then you can eat as much English-style food as your cholesterol-fed heart desires! HOTELS We stayed in the Club Marbella Complex as part of a prize that hubbie had won... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent service, attention to detail, impressive value for money
Disadvantages: Not suited for lively people

...La Villa Marbella is located in the beautiful Old Town of Marbella. The hotel is very charming and the friendliness of the service personal is exceptional. The rooms are very nice furnished and well equipped. The room rates are quite expensive though. You pay for at least 4* stars without having a pool, wellness area, etc.. If you are aware of that and can live without those amenities, La Villa Marbella is for sure a beautiful place to stay. We stayed at this property in late April and had a fantastic time. We had read in our travel book on Spain not to expect much from the Marbella area and had it not been for my attraction to this hotel we very well may have passed on the area. I am so glad we did not. Marbella has a beautiful little old city and a pleasant strech of beach, along with superb restaurants. However, our favorite part... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful