Servigroup Marina Playa

Like most of the Servigroup chain hotels, the Marina Playa caters mostly to Spanish families. Though there are occasional problems with noise and crowds at mealtimes, this property has a larger pool area and lobby than competing hotels, like Servigroup Marina Mar. Indoors, the lobby consists of green and white marble floors and walls. Purple floor-to-ceiling columns add a little drama, but mustard-colored leather sofas and chairs look worn. Outside, the pool deck is landscaped with clusters of palm trees and a wooden structure for shade.

The Marina Playa is located across the street from a public sandy beach on the Almerían coast. The surrounding neighborhood is mostly residential and features other similar hotels, but there's not much in the way of shops or restaurants. Guests can walk to Club Marina Mojácar golf course, but expect an hour's drive southwest to the center of Almería and the airport. There's also a daily charge for parking at the hotel.

There are 334 guest rooms at the Marina Playa, generally decorated in tones of blue and sand. Floors are tiled and furniture is made of light wood. Blue floral bed coverlets top double beds pushed together. The highlight of the rooms are spacious balconies (book one overlooking the Mediterranean or prepare for parking lot views) furnished with a plastic table and chairs plus a drying rack. Flat-screen TVs and empty mini-fridges are welcome interior perks. Bathrooms consist of single sinks and shower/tub combos. Toiletries are provided, and there are wall-mounted makeup mirrors and hairdryers along with semi-private water closets.

The outdoor features at Marina Playa are great for families and sun lovers. There are four freeform swimming pools (one pool is covered in the winter) surrounded by sun loungers and thatch umbrellas. Beginner diving courses are conducted here for a fee and the hotel can arrange diving excursions. The beach across the street is public, but the Marina Playa has a private area with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. There's also a seasonal restaurant and bar on the sand which becomes a hot spot at night. An Irish pub is a fun addition to the hotel. The Marina Playa’s restaurant serves buffet meals, including made-to-order items.

For a fee, guests can access the property’s wellness center, which has a gym, hot tubs, sauna, and Turkish baths. Massages and salon services can be arranged as well. The hotel also has four paddleball tennis courts, again for a fee. A gift shop sells beach gear while the kids' club provides supervised activities for little ones, with evening entertainment in the summer.