When we decided on a winter break we choice the Hotel Siroco in Benalmadena as we always wanted to visit Gibraltar and this Costa was nearest. We arrived at the hotel about 6pm and checked in, the process was very slow as only one person was on duty and it is an extremely busy hotel. We paid 19 euros for a safety deposit box for one week 2 euros a day plus a deposit of 5 euros. Then with key card in hand we headed for room 408.
The Room The room had two single beds pushed together to look like a large double situated between a large headboard with had bedside tables on it. A light was situated over the bed and a picture was above the bed. The room had laminate flooring in dark wood to match the doors. The wardrobe were hidden behind to two large sliding mirrors and the rail was so high I was unable to reach it myself. There was a shelf in the wardrobe but not drawer space in the room at all. Extra bedding could be found here. The room was air conditioned but also had a radiator for winter heating plus a smoke detector and fire escape route. Also in the room was a dressing table, chair, TV with some satellite channels, telephone and another mirror. The safe was hidden behind the curtains and a door led to the balcony which had two chairs and a table. A luggage rack completed the room furnishings.
The Bathroom The bathroom
was lovely and fresh with beige tiles on the walls it had the usual sink set in marble with large mirror behind it, bath ,toilet, shower and bidet. There were lots of fluffy white towels and spare toilet rolls. There are a tray of freebies these included combs, shampoo, shower gel, soap, and shower cap. There was also a couple of glasses on the unit and a bin underneath. There was a plug and razor socket also.
The Reception The reception area was large and airy with lots of seating. It also had a shop, a Drs surgery, a vending machine with everything from chocolate to condoms, two computers with internet access cost 1 euro for 15minutes, holiday reps books and information board, toilets and pay phone. We ordered a wake up call for our early start to Gibraltar and lucky we woke as the call was never received, when we complained a computer error was to blame!!!
The Dining Room We were half board so had the delight of buffet breakfast and dinner in the zoo sorry dining room. It was so disorganised bread one place cereal another hot food in two different places for example if you wanted an egg you queued and the chef cook it then fancy some beans with that and you joined another queue toast another queue etc I think you get the picture. If there is one thing the British do well its queuing however I cant say the same for other nationalities. Dinner was served at 7pm till 9pm queuing started at about 20 minutes before that if you wanted a table. Once the dining room was full I was horrified to see a bar was put across the door to stop anyone else entering so the corridor filled up with people and I could not see any other exit. The food was hit or miss and very repetitive thought I am not saying you would not find something to suit your taste. Drinks were ordered at the table and paid for on leaving the restaurant. On our first night we had a bill put under the door of the room for drinks we had already paid for, this was waived on complaint but should never have happened. There were very very few children at that time of year but I can not imagine what it would be like in the height of the season.
Pool There were three pools a childrens paddling pool, a larger shallower pool for children and an adult pool with attached Jacuzzi all surrounded by sun beds both on the terrace and in the garden. The pool was situated at the bottom of the garden and you had to walk down several paths and stairs to reach it. On that level there was a lounge bar with seating indoor and out also where the hotel gym was .This was the lower floor of the annex of the hotel rooms in that part were accessed by walking through the garden. For the first few days of our holiday evening entertainment was in that lounge, and it was a thought to wander through the garden in the dark even though there was some lighting. The gardens were award winning so the sign said in 1971!!!!! It was nice enough and had a pool with carp and turtles.
The Lounge The winter lounge opened during our stay and was a lovely big room with a bar both in the room and out in the reception area with waiter service. Entertainment was here and everything from Flamenco dancers to bingo there was a very varied programme during our stay. There were lots of sporting activities during the day to get involved with if you wished.
The Situation The hotel was situated half way up a fairly steep hill and though it did have a locked door you could enter the grounds from street level using you key card you still had a flight of stairs and the uphill garden to contend with. This entrance would be ideal if you were in the annex but not the main hotel. It was within close proximity to shops bars and restaurants and the beach and port were within easy walking distance. It is one of the Best hotel group and access was allowed to its sister hotel the Triton where you could use the sauna and steam room.
Overall impression To sum up the hotel was spotlessly clean and the staff very friendly but the hill location and the dining room would put me off a return visit. I am sure younger people would not be put off by this.
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Apologies again for delay in rating - no alert received for this one either!! I'm not sue I fancy that dining room shambles at all..... Good review, Caroline xx
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