Lugar Playa de La Carihuela 19, Torremolinos, Spain | (618) 248-8274
Direct access to wide, sandy beach with loungers for rent
Walking distance to numerous shops, bars, and restaurants
Apartment-style rooms have kitchenettes with stovetops, coffeemakers, and toasters
All rooms have furnished balconies, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs
Al fresco restaurant and bar facing the ocean
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Daily cleaning service (excluding Mondays)
No pool or fitness center
Rooms don't have living areas
Hotel and guests rooms lack contemporary decor
Charge for safety deposit box
Some previous guests have complained about noise
The two-pearl Apartamentos Plazamar is a beachfront property with dozens of restaurants and bars nearby. The 14 rooms are on the small and dated side, they're well-equipped and comfortable. Each room has a furnished balcony-- some offering sea views -- a kitchenette with two-burner stoves, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. This is definitely a no-frills establishment, as the only feature is an al fresco restaurant and bar that faces the water. There are no pool or entertainment option, so guests tend to be low-key couples. Families should consider the beachfront Hotel La Barracuda, which has a pool and more kid-friendly amenities.
Scene
Small, apartment-style hotel with simple furnishings and lovely setting
Sandwiched between businesses and restaurants is this no-frills property that backs up to the beach. Apartamentos Plazamar's intricate green wrought-iron door and balconies add charm and color to the building's whitewashed exterior with terra-cotta accents. The few spaces in this 14-room property are simple but quaint, including the lobby's tiffany chandelier and wall sconces, hallway with a dresser topped by paperback books, and the restaurant's numerous photos of bull fighters. Given its lack of features, the Apartamentos Plazamar is quiet and predominantly attracts low-key couples.
Location
Beachfront location, walking distance to shops, restaurants, and entertainment
Apartamentos Plazamar's proximity to the beach is hard to beat, as it's literally just outside the hotel doors. Guests are also within walking distance of other beaches, such as Playa del Bajondillo (12-minute walk). The surrounding area houses countless bar and dining options; the can't-miss El Gato Lounge is a 12-minute walk away. There's plenty to do within the area to stay entertained as well. Attractions nearby consist of Crocodile Park (31-minute walk or nine-minute drive), Aqualand Torremolinos (34-minute walk or nine-minute drive), and Parque La Bateria (15-minute walk). For those looking to get a little shopping in while on vacation, Plaza de Andalucia Torremolinos is teeming with shops and is only a 19-minute walk from the hotel. Malaga Airport is 16 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Small, apartment-style rooms are well-equipped
There are 14 apartment-style rooms here, though it should be noted that there are no separate living rooms. Rooms are small and dated, though there's a surprising amount of furniture -- two bedside tables, a small dining table for two, a desk, and a side chair. The over all look is simple, consisting of old-fashioned wood furniture, floral or striped linens, white walls with framed prints above the beds, and terra-cotta tile. Features such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and furnished balconies -- some with sea views -- helps make the spaces feel more contemporary and comfortable. All guest rooms also have small kitchenettes with mini-fridges, two-burner stoves, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and basic cooking necessities. Like the rest of the room, bathrooms are small, too, though they don't feel cramped. Bathrooms have a glass-enclosed walk-in shower and just two free bars of soap. Note that some past guests have complained about noise and safes require a fee.
Features
Free W-Fi and beachfront restaurant, but nothing else
With the beach just outside the hotel doors, guests might not be disappointed by the fact that Apartamentos Plazamar doesn't have a pool on-site. There are no entertainment options or gym facilities on-site either. The only true amenity is the on-site restaurant and bar with an al fresco terrace overlooking the beach. Additionally, Wi-Fi is free, and previous guests have noted that the connection is good.