Sahara Sunset Club by Diamond Resorts

Resembling typical Andalusian residential houses, the Sahara Sunset Club is a serviced apartment chain by Diamond Resorts & Hotels offering the same services and amenities as a traditional hotel, but most cost extra. Moorish decorative elements and tiled walkways through manicured lawns, give the grounds the look of a more expensive property and the atmosphere is lively, with couples and families from around the world (particularly the U.K.). The lobby has a marble-tiled front desk in a modestly sized hall, partitioned by a few white plaster octagonal columns. In the back, there's a dimly lit lounge with ornate floor tiles and cushioned bench seating, with pretty Moorish tables and lamps. Most of the activity here takes place outside, and the hotel has lots of activities and pools to keep everyone busy and entertained. With that in mind, it remains a popular and well-liked pick, and with managed expectations regarding style, it can be a pleasant place to relax in Benalmadena's sunshine.

The Sahara Sunset Club is just down the street from the promenade that lines one of Benalmadena's beaches, a three-minute walk from the hotel. There's a cluster of restaurants and bars within walking distance, ranging from independent places serving local cuisine to chains like McDonald's. The Selwo Marina Delfinarium sea life center is a six-minute walk from the hotel, and the Parque De La Paloma sprawls out next to it, with ponds, fountains, picnic areas, and wildlife. Torrequebrada Casino is an eight-minute drive down the busy Avenue del Sol, and the popular Torrequebrada golf course is about a 13-minute drive away. While most guests here don't mind the distance from the town's bustling marina, it's worth noting that it's a five- to 10-minute drive away. Malaga International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.     

The 54 Studio, One-, and Two-Bedroom Apartments feature lovely marble floors, but the rest of the decor is a dated mix of faux-patina wicker, budget lamps, and garish fabrics. Frilly curtains with colorful floral patterns drape the living rooms and match throw cushions on the sofas. It's a homey look that, despite looking less-than-fresh, is generally nicer than we've seen at other mid-range hotels in Benalmadena. Balconies (or terraces) have attractive tile and plaster work and are furnished with glass-topped tables and multiple chairs. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, a microwave, a stove, and an oven along with small appliances including coffeemakers, toasters, and kettles. One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments add sofa beds, and some also come with dishwashers and washer/dryers. Flat-screen TVs and iPod docks come standard, but there's a fee for Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have bidets and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos.

There are many facilities here, but most of them -- from the indoor pool and hot tub, to the spa, sauna, hammam, and fitness center -- all cost extra to use, except for members of the Diamond Resorts timeshare. Family-friendly outdoor games include petanque, squash, giant chess, and mini-golf, most of which charge per-person or hourly fees. An open-air game room has a pair of pool tables, air hockey, and a ping-pong table. There's also a kids' club with an outdoor playground and supervised activities. The two outdoor pools are free to access (although there's a fee for pool towel rentals). Both have sun decks with lounge chairs and umbrellas, and the larger of the two has a kids' pool. 

The hotel has one restaurant and bar with an indoor dining room and seating on a terrace that spills into the main pool area. It serves a full breakfast (not included), pizza, and wide-ranging Mediterranean cuisine plus lots of fast-food items including chicken wings and cheeseburgers. There's also an independently operated laundry and supermarket on-site. Other features include a lounge with books and games that guests can borrow free of charge and there's a small business center with a pair of computers and a printer (fees apply) next to a couple of coin-operated massage chairs.