Hotel Alay

The Hotel Ibersol Alay is a clean-cut and contemporary place decorated with a minimalist drama that comes from lots of bright whites and funky splashes of color. Guests traverse a bridge into the lobby, which is a cavernous space with a low ceiling held up by columns, and banks of floor-to-ceiling windows letting ample natural light into the room and providing views over the gap that the bridge crosses. The restaurant is decorated similarly, with rows of gleaming white tables and chairs, set around a granite-topped buffet. The sports bar, by contrast, is less sophisticated, with a warm wooden floor and seats in a flowery fuchsia fabric. Outside, guests will either be by the small pool, or up on the roof where there's another bar and various seating. Unfortunately, travelers with difficulties climbing stairs should note that the latter's terrace is only accessible by stairs. The property attracts tourists, both couples and families with kids in tow, looking for a modern place in an excellent beachfront location.

The Hotel Ibersol Alay is ideally located for access to Benalmadena’s beach, which is barely a two-minute walk away, as well as the area's nightlife and shopping. Puerto Marina Shopping, a large mall, is over the road from the hotel, as is Sea Life Benalmadena aquarium. The hotel’s location, both downtown and by the beach, puts it within a five-minute walk of plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants. Farther afield, the golf course at Torrequebrada is a 15-minute drive away, while Malaga is 25 minutes. Expect transfers to Malaga Costa del Sol Airport to take 20 minutes by car.

Much like the shared areas downstairs, the hotel’s 247 rooms are bright and decorated in a cool, minimalist style consisting of white walls, blond-wood floors, grayish-brown painted wood furniture, and splashes of color in artwork and floral- or geometric-print bed runners and throw pillows. Double rooms are a decent size, and have either a double bed or two singles, as well as a desk, armchair, and wall-mounted flat-screen TV. They have furnished terraces that either overlook the sea or the pool. Family Rooms are set up to provide a good degree of privacy for adults and kids alike, with a double bed, and a pullout sofa around a sharp corner so it is difficult to see one from the other. They also have a dining table with four chairs, and a terrace. All suites overlook the ocean, and have separate bedrooms and living rooms with a couch and two armchairs, plus a larger terrace. Bathrooms are a bit of a letdown with old-fashioned brown tiles, a shower/tub combo, and a bidet, but they're well-maintained. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, AC, safe, toiletries, hairdryer, minibar, and free Wi-Fi.

The Hotel Iberostar Alay offers a decent list of amenities, though don't expect a gym or spa here. Guests generally enjoy the food served at the all-day buffet restaurant, particularly singling out the breakfast for praise. In addition, there are two bars that serve drinks and snacks throughout the day and into the evening: a casual-feeling sports bar showing soccer games, and a chill-out bar on a roof terrace with fake grass and Balinese beds. The small pool is set in a terrace behind the hotel, meaning it can sometimes be in the shade. But, there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas for when its sunny. The kids’ area has arcade games, lounge space, and pool and air-hockey tables, although they do not organize any activities. Secure underground parking is available for a very steep price. Wi-Fi, however, is free throughout the hotel.