Estepona, H10 Estepona Palace Hotel

Estepona, H10 Estepona Palace - The Estepona Palace was just as we expected it to be for a 4 star - Large, comfortable and not too ostentatious. The main reception area is enormous, nicely decorated, with plenty of seating and we were greeted with free champagne (a good start!). The guests seemed a nice mix of Spanish, English & French, also a couple of Americans.

The room was large enough for me, my partner and our nine year old, (although she had to make do with a zed-bed instead of a real bed, unlike the previous 3 star we stayed in & upgrades to a junior suite are very expensive) - It was spotlessly clean and had all the things you would expect for a four * - nice bathroom, power shower, toiletries, etc. - We joined the (free) H10 club and received a large basket of fruit as a gift. (You can collect reward points).

The pools were delightful, and kept spotless. Two large clean pools and a kiddies paddling pool - with some nice plants & waiter service. (Although there were some points where we couldn't get a snack mid-afternoon, maybe due to the fact it was the end of May, a poolside snack bar opened on June 1st). There were plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas and fluffy towels, etc., etc.

During our stay, my partner became ill with a bad flu and the staff called the hotel doctor (cost 100 euros) who came within half an hour, spoke fluent English and gave him some medicine to get his fever down, the hotel porter also kindly drove me to the other side of town on a Sunday to an open farmacia, and drove me back 'the scenic route' giving me local info. Helpful and polite all round.

The restaurant staff were very efficient and good with children, it was all buffet food, with chefs on hand to fry up meat or fish of your choosing, nearly everything was available - However, after a few days, I was rather sick of hotel food somehow...(although ideal for children, as they can choose what they like) - but if we were going for a long stay, I am not sure we would choose the half-board again, just b & b. Especially wonderful, were the deserts and fruit. Breakfasts were also very good with loads of choice and I made the most of the free Cava they brought me to down with my orange juice. (Being semi-vegetarian though, why do they put bacon in all the potatoes?!)

The main disappointment was that the beach the hotel was directly on was totally unmade and wild, with sharp rocks, loads of seaweed & a few bits of broken glass, etc. (no good for kids) but I expect, as this is a brand new hotel, that will soon be cleaned and ready for those who can drag themselves away from the swimming pool. Nearby, there were some beautiful beaches (notably, the lovely Playa 'El Cristo' within short walking distance), but it was too hot to walk to them with a young child in tow, so we stayed by the pool. (I am not a driver). I noticed there wasn't much shade on the beaches, and saw many people coming back looking like lobsters! So take your own sunshade as it is rather exposed. Estepona has blue flag beaches and the sea was very clear.

In the evening, the hotel seemed deserted, and the few bits of entertainment we witnessed were rather uninspiring and of the usual kind...I think most people went out at night, but again, due to my husband being ill, I spent most evening playing cards with my little one in a practically empty bar.

(Note, ladies on your own, one barman would serve a group of male golfers before me, even when I had been waiting longer).

Estepona Port is charming, (although again, in the heat, the walk can be a bit much for a child, so a car is advised) - and the town retains its Spanish charm - Also, if you like shoes as I do, this town is the place to be. Loads of shoe shops with very resonably priced shoes of good quality. The Sunday market in the port is worth a visit too.

All in all, the Estepona Palace was a good deal for a young family, and couples alike and I expect when the organised activities start in the summer season, the kids will be kept very amused while the adults can laze with a book by the pool. There was also a lifeguard keeping an eye on the children at all times, a child's play area (not shaded), volleyball, paddle tennis, etc., and there was plenty of space so easy to relax. The hotel is opening a gym and health center this year, although I expect you wouldn't that inclined to be indoors much with the sun and views outside.

It is also an eco-style hotel, all decor being of a natural nature and designed in traditional style so as not to be a blip on the landscape.

I would gladly return, but a week would probably be enough.