Hotel El Puerto by Pierre & Vacances

From the street, the hotel's unusual architecture is eye-catching, if nothing else: A low-rise, rounded entrance is flanked by two round towers -- one eight stories and the other 16. The towers have a striking spiral design that can be ascended through staircases or elevators. The design is a mix of modern and dated, most evident in the rooms, as only 100 of them were updated in 2014. Also in need of a refresh are brass chairs with red cushions in the restaurant, and some hallway carpeting is looking worse for the wear. The rooftop pool, however, is a showstopper, thanks to its panoramic views of the ocean and city. There are very few on-site features for kids, making this hotel better suited to couples and friends. 

As is often the case, a convenient and central location can come with unwanted noise, especially at night. Some previous guests have complained about nighttime noise both inside andoutside of the hotel. Looking past the potentially bothersome noise levels, guests will find themselves conveniently placed just across from the beach and promenade. Guests coming in by train will certainly appreciate the fact that Hotel El Puerto is just a seven-minute walk from the train station. There's also plenty to do within a short walking distance of the hotel, and restaurants, bars, and shops abound. Entertainment-wise, there are Parque del Sol (12-minute walk), Bioparc Fuengirola (11-minute walk), Costa Water Park (nine-minute walk), and Centro Comercial Miramar (24-minute walk). The Malaga Airport is 25 minutes away by car.

Guest rooms are a mixed bag at Hotel El Puerto, as 100 of the 310 rooms were refurbished in 2014 and given a contemporary, modern aesthetic. The untouched rooms, though, have dated decor, wear and tear, and tired fabrics throughout -- think '70s-style striped bedding, bright-yellow walls, and wood furniture. Renovated rooms are bright and airy, with a soft color palette of gray, white, and black, and modern IKEA-like furniture. All rooms have air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, and a furnished balcony. Most guests agree it's worth upgrading to a renovated room with a sea view. Mini-fridges aren't provided, but guests can rent one if desired. All bathrooms have a shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. 

Features at Hotel El Puerto are limited. Travelers looking for an entertainment team, gym, or spa facilities will not find either of those things here. The hotel's rooftop pool is undoubtedly its best feature; it's, unsurprisingly, round to match the building's structure and offers incredible panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding area. It's worth noting that there's no designated area for kids, and the only way to reach the pool is via a few flights of stairs, which could be an issue for those with limited mobility. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, but the connection can be unreliable. A snack bar is available by the pool and there's a buffet restaurant, but food receives mixed reviews and many previous guests have said that breakfast time can be a bit chaotic. All-inclusive and half-board packages are available.