Iberostar Costa Del Sol

The Iberostar Costa del Sol was renovated in 2016, leading to a mix of authentically Spanish and modern decor -- think terra-cotta tiling, painted tile work, and white wooden furniture. The hotel’s double-height atrium has a terra-cotta tile floor, a grand staircase with stone balustrades, a water feature with the Iberostar logo in one corner, and a white wrought-iron chandelier. The two restaurants showcase the different designs -- the main buffet is a traditional space with simple wood dining sets on checkered marble tile in rust and white, while the sea-themed restaurant has light-wood tables, periwinkle plastic chairs, clear vases in shades of blue and green, and fish nets with pearl-like spheres. Outside is an attractive pool terrace edged with palm trees, as well as a mini-golf course, ping-pong tables and a giant outdoor chess set. The hotel attracts lots of multi-generational family groups with young kids in tow. 

The Iberostar Costa del Sol is ideally located for a beach holiday: It’s one of the only hotels on the sandy El Saladillo beach. Other than that, the Costalita district is a rmostly esidential area, with only a handful of amenities. For shops, bars, and restaurants in any great number, guests will have to drive the 15 minutes Puerto Banus, a playground for the very wealthy where luxurious yachts dock and supercars cruise the streets. It's also 20 minutes to either the center of Marbella or Estepona -- these towns are less glamorous, offering shopping and eating that's far more affordable and down to earth. Expect a 55-minute transfer to Malaga Airport by car.

The hotel’s 265 rooms are all large and well-appointed, with even the smallest having room for couches and coffee tables. Like the rest of the hotel, decor is a mix of traditional and contemporary 00 think terra-cotta tile floors, white wooden furniture, and colorful tiles that act as headboards. Beds are topped with cobalt throws, while blue velour ottomans sit at their foot and match the couches. Family Rooms are available. Bathrooms are attractively decorated and well-equipped, featuring large round bathtubs and separate shower stalls. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, AC, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, but guests have to pay to use the safes. Furnished balconies come standard, some with side sea views.

There’s plenty to keep guests of all ages occupied at the Iberostar Costa del Sol, not least the family-oriented entertainment put on nightly during high season by the animation team. In addition to direct beach access, guests have access to a large pool set in an attractive terrace, with waterslides spiraling down a craggy rock feature. A separate shallow pool is available for kids and there are ample lounge chairs under umbrellas. For a quieter atmosphere, a spa offers hydrotherapy pools and treatment rooms, as well as a small gym. Outside is a mini-golf course, ping-pong tables, giant outdoor chess set, and playground, plus there's an indoor game room with billiards and arcade games. 

There are two restaurants at the hotel, one serving three buffet meals a day -- guests note that there is a particularly excellent variety at breakfast -- and the other serving a la carte seafood-themed meals by the beach. As well as this, there are two bars: One is set up more like a pub, and the other like a cafe serving snacks and drinks with live flamenco music in the evenings. The hotel offers generous all-inclusive packages that include wine, beer, and branded spirits. The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout.