MedPlaya Hotel Bali

This large, family-friendly hotel is typical for the Benalmadena coast -- the look is straightforward and a bit bland, catering to summer tourists on holiday from the U.K. and across Spain. The large lobby of the MedPlaya Hotel Bali has a gray tiled floor and orange pillars. There are a number of basic amenities for guests in the reception area including vending machines, computer stations, a pay phone, and tourist information leaflets. Potted plants and a number of striped orange sofas, which look fairly dated and worn, round out the look. The wide wooden reception desk has a small library where guests can exchange books, and a selection of candy for sale. Guests can choose their board package at this mid-range property, from self-catering to all-inclusive. During the school holidays it is busy with families and young children, but attracts an older crowd outside of those times -- during peak times the restaurants and bars can be hectic and crowded.

Set in the heart of touristy Benalmadena, the hotel is just a five-minute walk from the sandy, family-friendly Malapesqueras Beach. The walk back can be hard going, though, as it’s up a very steep hill. Just outside the hotel are a number of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, so there are plenty of things to do right on the hotel's doorstep. Also nearby are the beautiful La Paloma park and the famous Puerto Marina, which are 10-minute and 15-minute walks away, respectively. Tivoli World amusement park is a 20-minute walk or eight-minute drive from the hotel. It’s easy to get around in the area, as the Benalmadena train station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, for connections across Spain. Malaga Airport takes 30 minutes to reach by car.

Accommodation at the property is a mix of hotel rooms, studios, and apartments, set across three separate buildings. The look across all rooms is basic and somewhat dated. Studios and Family Rooms can sleep four people, and some of the Twin Rooms can accommodate up to four people as well. Several rooms have partial sea views, and all features balconies and air-conditioning. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Most rooms are decorated in warm orange and red tones that feel lifted from an earlier decade, and the furniture is simple light wood veneer and looks dorm appropriate. Superior Rooms and Suites also have a kitchenette and a large living area with a sofa. The kitchenettes have a sink, stove, kettle, fridge, and crockery and cutlery. TVs in the rooms have satellite channels. Some are flat-screen while others are old tube-style sets. Bathrooms are spacious and have a shower/tub combo, toiletries, and a hairdryer. While there is relatively pleasing blue and white tiling in some, others have bold orange tiling that's not the easiest on the eyes.

There are four outdoor pools at the hotel, including a separate children’s pool and a splash pool with playground equipment and water features, all surrounded by lawns and gardens. These areas and the spacious sun terraces have plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for sunbathing. Other facilities for children include a playground and kids' club during summer holidays. There is also a game room with pool, table tennis, and darts. The entertainment staff run a daily program, which includes activities like dance classes. In the evenings, they put on flamenco performances and live music. There’s an indoor lounge and TV room for use during bad weather. Meals are served in the hotel’s buffet restaurant which prepares international cuisine, and also puts on regular theme nights such as Italian and Andalucian. Snacks are available too at the hotel’s bars -- the main one offers sandwiches and burgers, while the poolside bar has fresh platters and filled baguettes. Reviews are decent, and the bars can get crowded in high season. All-inclusive options are available, though half-board and self-catering options are also on offer.