Hotel Cortijo Blanco

good for the money

I would describe the hotel as a typical Andalucian style hotel offering good value for money and friendly service in an area that can be very over priced. The all inclusive option makes far more sense than paying 17 euros for 1 drink in the harbour. The room was cleaned daily and of a reasonable size, accomodating 4 beds for our 2 adults and 2 child guests. Although our balcony faced the main bar area we were suprised by the lack of disturbance due to noise. The level of noise you will experience will vary depending on other guests, the location of your room and your expectations. We live in a village in rural Spain and experience far more noise on a daily basis than we did during our break. A range of activities were available for adults and children alike. The range of food was fair though I feel if you were to stay over a longer length of time you would become a little bored with the menu. The mix during our stay seemed an equal mix of Spanish and British guests. You can walk to a local beach in 15 minutes through a residential area and Banus is roughly 20 mins walk away. The beaches are not fantastic being mainly shingle and having strong waves are not ideal for children or less confident swimmers. If you want isolated silence and over priced flash decor go somewhere else.If you want typical Andalucian charm warts and all, good value and a relaxing break in the sun this could be your place.

Traveller's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Watch the sun. It may seem a stupid comment to make but the sun in Andalucia is very very strong. Make sure you and your children are safe in the sun. Fill water bottles in the snack bar to get you through the hot nights.

Go elsewhere if you can afford it.

In summary: cheap and clean but very basic, busy and noisy. This is a budget hotel which, although only adequately maintained is clean and functional. We stayed at the end of September. It was very cheap but there was VERY loud music until midnight from around the pool and from local bars. After midnight, the music stopped, leaving the rowdy drinkers by the pool to (eventually) empty their glasses. The noisy local bars lasted rather longer, unfortunately. It was cheap but in the rooms, there were, for example, loose floor tiles and peeling paint in the bath (yes, really). It was all rather shabby. No room phones or any other frills but did I mention that it is cheap? Personally, I’d rather pay a little more for something a little quieter and in better condition.

Traveller's tip on dining

Don’t eat down by the port at Puerto Banus. It’s VERY expensive and there’a only one or two restaurants (out of about 50) that are worth the money.

okay

Too noisey!