Benalmadena, San Fermin Hotel.

I stayed at Hotel San Fermin for ten days. When I got to the hotel I couldn't have been more pessimistic, the exterior was meant to be white, I could tell this by the white coming through the dirt. I got into my room to find a small room that I wouldn't keep a cat in, with a boot camp style feel. But, its a bed at the end of the day. During my trip I had 2 pairs of jeans, 3 bikinis and 2 pairs of boxers cleaned at the hotel, on my departure date, I got the bill for it, 93 EUROS! the price was unbelievable. I found this hotel under achieving and greedy. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a nice holiday and I will never be going back.

Good point, The pool. Bad points, location, service, state of the hotel, bedrooms, down stairs toilets! The food was awful and some glasses were filthy I would never ever go back to this hotel. This is a true review because it spoilt our holiday last year.

Cheap and cheerful nice place to stay and very central

We spent two weeks at the San Fermin, Benalmadena with two other couples. The weather was fantastic. The hotel is situated at the top of 'Hells Hill'. First impressions were positive and the room exceeded my expectations. Firstly, everything is spotless. I mean REALLY spotless. The maids must work like trojans. Our room was more than adequate for our stay. Two single beds pushed together. A large wardrobe with the safe. [40 Euros to hire the safe for a fortnight with only 5 Euros back at the end of your hols. Keep your receipt or you won't even get that back]. Seperate door leading into bathroom with toilet, bidet, bath, shower, sink. [all spotless]. Decor was plain and clean throughout. Patio door leading onto small balcony with two chairs and a tiny, tiny 'table thingy'. Restaurant was massive! Food was so-so. Breakfast was between the hours of 8-10pm. Usual suspects with fried eggs, the most awful bacon, bread [toaster], brick hard rolls [soft on the inside], fruit juice machine, coffee/tea facilities, muffins and fruit. It got a bit boring after the erm...second day. Dinner wasn't much better. Chips with everything. Potatoes some nights. Pizza, burgers sometimes also. We could always find something to eat, but it would be a pity to ignore all the lovely restaurants in the resort. Puddings were disgusting. Cold rice pudding and angel delight type gloop most nights. Awful.

Entertainment was same old-same old. They worked really hard but we heard 'Star Trekking' each and every night. Bingo took three hours due to them playing in around 4 different languages - Good laugh! Daytime entertainment was great for the big children [husbands] with football, archery, air rifles, silly pool games, ping-pong championships, and free drink for the winner.

The pool was big with a smaller pool nearby. The area is surrounded with lovely grass areas and gardens. '2 gets you a sunbed for the day. This eliminates the dawn raid with putting towels on the beds. They are chained up and only available from 10.30 am. They still put their towels on the grass to preserve their 'spot'. The maintenance man is quite cheeky with his sprinkler system though and usually deters towels being placed around the grass.

The beach is 5 minutes away, down the hill and over a busy road [pedestrian crossing with lights in operation]. Then down a flight of stairs. Fine on the way down - murder on the way back! Sand isn't the best I've seen, but OK. Two sunbeds and shade is available at '8. Lots of lookey-lookey men, which can get annoying, and lots of Chinese girls offering massage and reflexology.

Lots of nice bars around this area of Benalmadena. Murphy's was a favourite which is near the San Fermin.[they do a great breakfast]. Further up the hill there are lots of clubs and bars with entertainment. All good fun. The marina is beautiful and well worth a visit. Lots of taxis available which all seemed to cost '5 [no matter where you were going!].

The train system is also very good. Ticket machines are easy to navigate and it is a cheap and easy way to get around.

We had a lovely time in Benalmadena and would happily return for any future holidays.

P.S The hotel can provide hairdryers, ironing boards/irons, mini fridges, kettles etc. We didn't know this when we were there until the last day! They don't make it common knowledge, but leaflets and tariffs are available at reception. A fridge in the room would have made a huge difference.