Medplaya Hotel Pez Espada

Writing I’ve been visiting this hotel for around 10 years, usually more than once a year, and I’ve always stayed in a superior pool view room, which has consistently been first class. This time, I decided to upgrade to a junior suite — and unfortunately, I regret that decision. Room 611 is essentially just a larger room, but it feels quite empty due to very sparse furnishings and definitely doesn’t justify the extra cost. The room itself is spotless, and the ensuite is a good size (though it doesn’t include a bath). However, the air conditioning wasn’t working, leaving the room extremely stuffy. When I raised this with reception, I was told the air conditioning isn’t turned on because the weather isn’t considered warm enough — which was disappointing. Another major downside is the lack of a proper terrace. There’s barely any space to sit and enjoy a coffee or drink in the morning or evening, which was something I was really looking forward to. I was also told there are different types of junior suites and that I had booked the “wrong” one — something I wasn’t aware of, as the booking site simply lists “junior suite” without further clarification. That said, the hotel remains impeccably clean, the breakfast is top quality, and the location is excellent. It’s just a shame about this particular experience. I would have rated it 5 stars otherwise — but my advice would be to double-check exactly which room type you’re booking.

From the moment we found our Junior Suite, we felt right at home here. The room was quite spacious for a family, with a jacuzzi bath and our own outdoor space. We found the hotel relaxing and quite quiet, despite being right on the beachfront promenade. There was an amazing variety of food available at breakfast and dinner and the dishes changed every evening, so there was always something new to try. Excellent ice cream was available from Dino's just outside the back gates. The pool would be a little chilly for some but had the advantage of never being crowded so there was plenty of space to swim for those of us used to sea-type temperatures! The gym had a lovely pool/sea view so will be a great space following the planned upgrade of equipment. We found the staff cheerful and friendly and would definitely come back to this hotel if returning to the Costa del Sol.

We should start by saying that we have visited this hotel many times over the last …. Probably 10 years, and where I could mention the lovely location right on the paseo with a palm tree grove immediately opposite, the sounds of the waves all day & night, the constant sounds of many birds with parakeets chattering away, the nicely in the background of the sun beds on the new terraced grass outside area looking over the sea; I will mention the two highlights for us: Firstly the food - we think that the food is the very good , and much better than several more expensive hotels we stay at, with great quality freshly grilled meats & fish every evening is really is some thing to look forward And secondly- the staff are so kind and helpful. We have come to know several of them over the years and it’s always nice to have familiar smiling faces even when your just checking-in. I think I should end with a ‘top tip’. For a small extra cost book a room with a ‘pool view’. The lovely evening vistas over to Benalmadena on your balcony with a cold beer make a smashing end to the day. Please be aware that some UK tour operators only offer a ‘side view’ with incorrect images of a room, which is a little naughty I think. And remember- Frank (as in ‘my way’) used to stay there - albeit a number of years ago.

We booked a classic room with Jet2 but upgraded to a Junior Suite Celebrities room 707. Wow the room was stunning with a massive bath in the main room along with a huge walk in shower.! The

I told the waitresses that there was not a lot of vegetarian or vegan foods available and the labelling was poor. The head waitress spoke to the chef and he has been preparing me vegan meals and has even given me soy yoghurt for dessert. Thank you so much to the chef for catering to all dietary needs and for preparing very yummy vegan foods. Excellent service!!!!!

I've been to this hotel 6 times. Perfect location, great staff, very clean, and good quality food normally, however very disappointed with the food at evening meal this time. It would appear that they have switched to poor quality ingredients now and the evening meal offerings are very poor compared to what they used to be. Cheap cuts smothered in sauces. I had meat cannelloni one evening and I can guarantee there was no meat in it at all. Other cheap dishes, were chicken wings, oxtail and cheeks in their own juice whatever they are. The choice of desserts has declined too with a lot of them smothered in cheap aerosol cream. There is still a grill station where you can have chicken, fish and beef etc but that's the only good part. We visited in December and the food then was good, so in the space of 3 months it has taken a downward turn. Breakfast is great and cannot fault it. Will perhaps return later this year because it's a great hotel, however will only book bed and breakfast. Shame really but I will not be giving them money for poor food when I can eat out at the abundance of restuarants in the area.