Hotel Royal Costa

Short train ride from the craziness...

This hotel is on the outskirts of Torremolinos, which for me was the best part, as the town itself is pretty hideous. It’s a 5 min walk away from the local train (cercania) that takes you to the airport, Malaga, or Torremolinos. You can also walk to the town center either on the beach, or on the sidewalk next to the beach, which shouldn’t take more than an hour even if you’re very slow. The beach is about 700m away from the hotel. If that’s an issue, check out the El Camino Real hotel that is in the same neighborhood, but right on the beach. If you’re looking to be in the middle of the rather crazy town, then this hotel is not for you. If you’re planning on sightseeing in the area, you’ll have no trouble parking, and the train will take you places for very little money. The breakfast and dinner buffet was very good value. Later in the season, the hotel is filled with senior citizens from all over Europe, but so is pretty much every other place.

Quiet and good as a base

We went here in October half-term and as such it was very quiet and the only other guests were spanish and german pensioners! - however, this did mean that a relax by the pool was lovely having it pretty much to ourselves! The hotel itself is in a residential neighbourhood next to the Los Alamos train stop and so a couple of stops away from ’Torry’ -- which is good as that place is a dump! There are very few little shops and cafe/bars within walking distance, but if you want to get out for the day or night it is best to get on the train or bus and head to the main towns. I recommend a bus to Benal Medina which is a lovely port and beach area and has great restaurants, shops and bars. Also Fuengiorela (sp?) at the end of the train line has a HUGE flea market where lots of bargains can be had. Back to the hotel, it was clean and food was great unless you are a vegetarian like me (one night there wasn’t a single non-meat option and even the peas had bacopn in with them!). For others though, plenty of choice and variety. Staff do not really speak much english and so enquiries become a little difficult but they are as helpful as they can be (beyond the odd grumpy barman doing his bit for spanish stereotyping!). All rooms have balconies and ask for a pool/sea view on the 4th or higher floors for the best rooms. Take a travel iron as they don’t have irons to use and you would have to pay for their laundry service.

DO NOT BOOK EASYJET FLIGHTS with Expedia for this holiday - book the flights yourself directly instead.... Expedia’s easyjet booking does not cover your luggage and you are not able to pre-book it online with Easyjet afterwards leaving you with the maximum £18 per bag, each way, to pay at the check-in desk!! Bit of a rip-off really so go elsewhere for flights!

Truly a Spanish Hotel

Spent a very relaxing week at the Costa Royal, the staff are very helpful and welcoming, food plentiful but the wine is expensive. Only problem no cushions on the sunbeds or patio chairs. However if you are looking for a really spanish hotel in this is the one. Transport links are great as the cosal train is just round the corner.

To get to the beach go to the station, from theother side of the subway there is a road to the beach.