La Barracuda Hotel

The Hotel La Barracuda has a retro Miami Beach feel when approached from the outside, but the indoor public spaces do not seem consciously designed or decorated with much intention. La Barracuda is ideal for tourists who want to enjoy the Costa del Sol's sand, surf, and sunshine. The pool bar is nicely furnished with bar stools, tables, and chairs, and has a tented outdoor section, but there are no fresh flowers or other accents. The large salon bar is furnished with sectional sofas in yellows, blues, and greens, and blue carpeting, all of which adds up to an airport lounge or cruise ship vibe. The restaurant doesn't feel intimate, and with its drop ceiling, beige walls, no place settings, and no decorative accents, looks a touch institutional. The beach environment and large pool and lawn, along with quality cocktails and all you can eat buffet, are the true pluses here.

The Hotel La Barracuda sits right on a beautiful Costa del Sol beach along a strip of hotels halfway between Torremolinos and Benalmadena. Either town is within a 20- to 30-minute walk. The hotel is surrounded by bars, shops, and restaurants, most notably near the marina and La Carihuela, an area known for its fresh fish and seafood. Sea-Life, Aqualand, Crocodile Park, and other popular tourist sights are within a short drive.

Rooms at the Hotel La Barracuda have balconies and most have sea views, but the decor is dated, and the furniture is worn around the edges. The rooms are clean and plainly designed, but some of the furniture, such as stiff vinyl sofas, looks less than inviting. Bathrooms are decorated in bright blue-and-white tiles, but fixtures are neither modern nor stylish. Balconies, which have terra-cotta floors, are furnished with light-weight card tables and chairs. Free Wi-Fi is available only in the public areas of the hotel. Rooms have flat-screen TVS, and hairdryers, and suites have refrigerators (guests in other rooms can request refrigerators).

The Hotel La Barracuda is about the beach and the large outdoor pool (with indoor/outdoor poolside bar). There are tennis courts, and moped, scooter and bike rental on-site. The buffet serves a wide variety of food, and breakfast includes hot items, including eggs, and breakfast meats. In the bar and lounge there is a dance floor and nightly entertainment, including live music, magic shows, flamenco, and more. During the summer months, there is plenty of programmed entertainment for children.