Hotel Balmoral

The MedPlaya Hotel Balmoral is a low-key, family-friendly hotel near the beach and with dated decor throughout. The lobby area is adorned in multiple shades of peach, gray sofas, and pink-and-blue tiling that are undoubtedly in need of a refurbishment, as are the lounge bar's peace and navy-blue couches alongside baby-blue accents. Fortunately, the buffet restaurant has a more attractive color scheme of black, white, and red, plus spaces throughout the property are clean and well-maintained. The outdoor pool is easily the most attractive area, thanks to renovations after our visit, and green lawns and straw umbrellas enhance the tropical vibe. The entertainment team and amenities such as mini-golf make this hotel particularly attractive to families, though it also sees lots of retired Spanish couples. Generally, the atmosphere is relaxed. 

Just a 20-minute drive from Malaga Airport, MedPlaya Hotel Balmoral offers guests an easy to reach, central, and convenient location. Beaches are close by: Playa de Bil Bil is a three-minute walk from the hotel, while Playa de Santa Ana is a 12-minute walk. There are also countless bar and restaurant options nearby. Guests are a short drive away from other popular towns in Costa del Sol, including Torremolinos (17-minute drive) and Fuengirola (22-minute drive). Entertainment options, such as marine park, Selwo Marina Delfinarium (12-minute walk), Parque De La Paloma (12-minute walk), and Tivoli World amusement park (25-minute walk) are all within a reasonable walking distance.

Like other areas of the hotel, the guest rooms at MedPlaya Hotel Balmoral are outdated. Tired blue-patterned bedding, blue upholstery, and simple wood furniture combine to create a somewhat drab appearance, though nautical artwork and terra-cotta tiling are appreciated. Also on the plus side, rooms are tidy thanks to daily housekeeping and they're comfortably sized -- due in part to the minimal amount of furniture. All rooms have two bedside tables, a lounge chair, a small desk, and a large closet with plenty of storage space. Standard amenities include air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs, but no mini-fridges. A noteworthy feature is the furnished balcony in each, and some have views of the water. In-room safes require a fee. Bathrooms have blue-marble flooring, shower/tub combo, bidet, and a small amount of free bath products. There are no hairdryers provided, so if this is a necessity be sure to bring one from home. 

MedPlaya Hotel Balmoral offers a decent amount of on-site features to keep guests entertained -- most of which are outside. The outdoor swimming pool has a separate kids' pool and new colorful sunbeds. The pool deck also houses a ping-pong table and a slide for kids. Though there is no fitness center on-site, guests can get a workout in on the tennis court, or take it easy and play mini-golf. A small salon offers hair and beauty treatments. The entertainment team organizes outdoor and indoor activities for adults and kids. The restaurant serves buffet-style fare for all meals, and half-board options are available. The majority of guests find the food is varied and of good quality.