Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Benalmadena, Costa del Sol

The Vincci Seleccion Aleysa Hotel Boutique & Spa is one of the sharpest upscale properties in Benalmadena, near plenty of restaurants and bars. Its 35 rooms are chic and sophisticated and all have views of the sea -- the welcome bottle of cava doesn't hurt either. Some have large balconies, while others offer direct access to the pool. The hotel's Mediterranean restaurant draws praise, and there are bars by the sleek pool and in the lobby. Lounge chairs are spaced so that there's plenty of privacy on the beach, and features include a spa, fitness center, and yoga and Pilates classes. Free bikes and courtesy cars are also available. There are plenty of less expensive hotels in this area, but none match the level of luxury and sophistication found here. 

There are 182 rooms at this three-and-a-half-pearl property set just a few minutes’ walk from the sandy beach. It’s a popular spot for tourists as there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and the beach within walking distance. The bright apartments have kitchenettes plus small dining and seating areas. Some have balconies and most have good mountain or sea views. On-site, there are plenty of amenities to keep guests busy, like a game room and cinema, plus a full entertainment program, a buffet restaurant, snack bar, and all-inclusive options. Those wanting to be right on the beachfront should check out the nearby Las Arenas Hotel as an alternative.

There are 272 rooms at this three-and-a-half pearl property set across the street from the Benalmadena Marina. It’s a popular spot with tourists, as there are a wide range of bars and restaurants in the area, plus the opportunity to take boat trips from the marina. Rooms are a mixed bag, with Marina Rooms being stylish and modern, while others look drab with dated decor and old tube TVs. They all feature air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. On-site, there are two pools, a buffet restaurant, and two bars. It's worth comparing with the nearby Hotel & Spa Benalmadena Palace, which also has a game room, cinema, spa, and fitness center.

The Sahara Sunset Club is a three-pearl hotel located a short walk from the beach as well as dining and shopping along Benalmadena's promenade. There are 54 apartments here, and all have full kitchens and furnished balconies. The look is homey and a bit dated, but has more charm than many of the budget crash pads in town. Although it's an apartment hotel, the Sahara offers many of the facilities typical to a traditional hotel, including outdoor games, multiple pools, a kids' club, a small spa, and fitness center. However, most facilities cost extra to use. While access the two outdoor pools is included, towels and many activities cost extra. It's worth comparing rates and facilities at the Pierre & Vacances Residence Benalmadena Principe, which might be more affordable.

The mid-range Pierre & Vacances Residence Benalmadena Principe is one of the more modern apartment-style hotels in the Benalmadena region. The beach is less than a 10-minute walk down the block, but it's a 10-minute drive to the bustling marina, which is home to the town's nightlife. All 105 simple units feature living rooms and large balconies that are nice to have for couples and families on longer stays. Full kitchens with dishwashers and washer/dryers in every apartment add practical amenities, and there's pool and kids' pool in the courtyard below. There are no other features on-site, and even housekeeping costs extra. Travelers may also want to consider the nearby Hotel Apartamentos Vistamar, which adds an on-site restaurant and bar along with live entertainment.

The THB Torrequebrada Hotel is a large three-pearl property right on a seafront promenade and less than a five-minute walk from the beach. All 350 rooms have private balconies facing the sea, though the style is an oddly dated blend of country and IKEA-esque styles. This isn't the right pick for those wanting to be near the buzz of Benalmadena's marina, but there's a lot to do on-site, including the attached Torrequebrada Casino. There's also an indoor pool and two outdoor pools on a sundeck overlooking the sea, plus a small spa and a sauna. Optional all-inclusive rates and crowds mean frequent lines for food and drinks. Check out the nearby Sunset Beach Club for cheaper rates and similar amenities.  

The 155-room Palia La Roca Hotel-Club is a two-and-a-half-pearl property situated a two-minute walk from the beach and close to restaurants, bars, and shops. Rooms are rather plain and some are worn, but they're clean and have air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Rates are all-inclusive and include meals, snacks, activities, and entertainment, but not Wi-Fi. The restaurant serves buffets for all meals, and guests can dine inside or out, though food gets mixed reviews and it can get busy. The pool is large, and there are scheduled activities to keep everyone occupied. During high season, children have their own club with activities. Travelers who would prefer more variety at meal times could check out the Sunset Beach Club, where there are more restaurants and rooms have full kitchens. 

The 553-room Sunset Beach Club is a mid-range resort located on the sea in Benalmadena's Torrequebrada area. Spacious apartments have full kitchens and furnished balconies, while some have exceptional sea views and rainfall showerheads. The look look is homey, and we did spot outdated features like tube-style TVs in some rooms. This resort is a no-need-to-leave destination, and offers live entertainment, a robust fitness center, several restaurants and bars, outdoor pools, a grocery store, and kid-friendly activities. However, Wi-Fi is only free in suites and public areas, and the fitness center and safes cost extra. Travelers should also consider the Hotel & Spa Benalmadena Palace, which has a spa, hot tub, and steam room.

The MS Alay Apartments is a two-and-a-half-pearl apartment hotel that caters to couples and families looking to be near all the dining and shopping action in Benalmadena. The hotel offers 58 pleasant Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments, all of which feature kitchenettes and balconies with either views of the sea or out over the outdoor pool and sunbathing lawn. It's a simple property near the busy marina with its 24-hour bars, and a three-minute walk from the nearest beach. However, other than its location and pools, there isn't much that makes this hotel stand out. For more conventional hotel services, compare rates at the nearby Hotel Ibersol Alay.

The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Ibersol Alay is a clean-cut and contemporary hotel with minimalist stylings and funky splashes of color. The hotel is ideally located for access to Benalmadena’s beach, shopping, and nightlife, as it's a two-minute walk (if that) from both the beach and a large mall. Bright and breezy, the 247 rooms are attractively outfitted in modern decor, and many offer sea views from furnished balconies. Guests enjoy the food served at the hotel’s restaurant, particularly its breakfast buffet, and the chill-out bar up on the roof. On the downside, however, there are no gym or spa, and the pool is on the small side. If this is a deal-breaker, the comparable Hotel & Spa Benalmadena Palace has two good-sized outdoor pools.

The two-and-a-half-pearl MedPlaya Hotel Balmoral is a family-friendly property just a few minutes' walk from the beach and near ample restaurants. Aesthetically, the hotel leaves something to be desired due to the dated and bland furnishings throughout. The 210 rooms lack contemporary decor and mini-fridges, but all have furnished balconies, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and daily housekeeping. In addition to the outdoor pool with separate kiddy pool, there are an entertainment team, mini-golf, and beauty salon. The buffet restaurant serves a variety of cuisine and receives majority positive reviews. This is a solid option for families, but couples should consider the adult-only and beachfront Angela Hotel in nearby Fuengirola. 

The 331-room Playabonita Hotel is a two-and-a-half-pearl property on the beach, about a 15-minute drive from the shops and restaurants of Benalmadena. There's not much near the hotel save for more hotels and some restaurants, but there are lots of activities and entertainment on-site, and all-inclusive rates are available. Rooms are dated, and while they include air-conditioning and most have mini-fridges, we spotted plenty of tube TVs. Some feature lovely sea views from balconies. The well-liked restaurant serves buffets for all meals, and there are bars plus kids' and teens' clubs. However, limited free Wi-Fi and the often crowded pool are underwhelming. Travelers who'd prefer being closer to Benalmadena's action could check out the MedPlaya Hotel Bali, though it's not right on the beach. 

There are 360 suites at this four-pearl property set within a large holiday complex. It’s a stylish, family-focused hotel with lots of facilities on-site, including a spa, playground, game room, and four restaurants. The suites are huge, with two bedrooms and a living area, plus a large bathroom and balcony. Many guests stay here for the excellent beach club, which has a water park and sports courts, and is just a five-minute walk from the hotel. It’s not ideally situated for access to sights and nightlife, though, as it’s a 20-minute drive from Benalmadena and Fuengirola. Those traveling without kids may prefer Holiday Hydros -- a more romantic property in the same complex.

The Holiday Polynesia is a beautiful, upscale all-inclusive resort located in a big complex near the ocean. Its family all-inclusive package gives access to a waterpark with waterslides, a wave pool, and a giant pirate ship. The hotel has an entertainment staff and a children’s club with organized activities. Other all-inclusive plans have various dining and drinking options including a buffet restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, and a Polynesian restaurant, as well as a piano bar. The hotel is popular with English guests, and its 328 rooms are spacious with separate living rooms and sea-view balconies. There are a handful of annoying extra fees at the hotel such as fees for Wi-Fi, and towel and inner tube rentals at the waterpark. Couples may want to check out Holiday Hydros in the same complex, an upscale hotel with a relaxing pool area with ocean views. 

This family-focused, three-pearl property has 436 rooms just a five-minute walk from Benalmadena's sandy beach. It’s a popular all-inclusive hotel, and there are a range of restaurants, bars, and shops right outside its grounds; the marina is also a 10-minute walk away. Decor and facilities are basic, but all rooms have air-conditioning, a balcony, and a spacious bathroom; apartments and suites with kitchenettes are also available. The hotel has four pools, including a separate children’s pool and splash pool with water features, playground, and gardens. The buffet restaurant, which gets decent reviews, serves all meals. Those wanting to be right on the beach should check out the nearby Las Arenas Hotel as an alternative.