Playacalida Hotel

I've given a 4 purely because of location - the hotel is a 5 for me it's stunning. I booked before reading the previous reviews and I was a bit alarmed when I did! There was no need to worry though as I found the staff and the predominantly Spanish guests to be really friendly towards a solo English older female tourist. The room (and I only had the standard room) was immaculate with balcony, views over the hillside dotted with villas and a side view of the beach. It had 2 very large king-size beds, a bath, a walk in shower, large wardrobe and a fridge with complimentary bottles of water. There are several pools - one that is tastefully designed like a river (with slides, jacuzzis etc) an indoor pool and a large fresh water infinity pool overlooking the sea. There is also a gym and a spa (which you pay extra for). There are several restaurants and bars and the food I found to be really good - it's all made freshly (omelettes, eggs, meat and fish cooked in front of you and plenty of fresh local produce) and there's lots of variety - you won't get the typical English "fry up" and "chips with everything! but there's plenty to suit all tastes. Also nice touches to cater for those with allergies etc. There's tapas, snacks and cakes and meals served at different venues throughout the day so you won't go hungry! If you tend to stay in resort you will find lots to keep you occupied (all ages), there's also a kids club and a theatre hosting shows every evening. I like to tour around and see places, but without a car it is hard work here. There is local bus service into Almunecar and you can get busses to other places from there, but it's not easy to tie them in with the local bus service. Also I'm quite fit, but the hotel might not suit those less mobile that want to get out and about as everything outside (including the beach) is either up or down a steep hill. There are no local tour companies offering trips to other places. If you like touring around this hotel isn't ideal but if you want an all encompassing resort holiday it is lovely (and friendly). I would like to give special mentions to Pablo (at the infinity pool bar) who helped me to decipher the busses (where I could and couldn't get to) and also to Gloria and Anna who work so hard but always have a smile for everyone. Top tip: learn a few words of Spanish as a please and thank you go a long way here.

I wish I had delved deeper into the reviews before booking this hotel. The hotel itself is beautiful with the infinity pool and hot tubs but apart from that I don’t have many positive things to say. The first day we went to the pool my son had a small ball, he was told no balls allowed, this is the main reason a child stays entertained on holiday a basic ball. The rules are also dont jump in and don’t swim under water? So basically kids - no fun aloud. The lazy river pool and water slides are in the middle of the hotel amongst trees and bushes so these pools are constantly freezing in the shade. The buffet area is dirty i picked up various cutlery that had stale food stuck to it and for some bizarre reason not everything has a sign above it to tell you what it is very risky for someone who has any food allergies, the staff can’t keep on top of keeping the buffet topped up you have a chef trying to make fried eggs in one pan, omelettes in another then warming up some pancakes. I wouldn’t touch the meat it’s all pink. The all inclusive is different rules depend on which part of the hotel you go to, the infinity pool bar includes everything, if you go to the indoor cafe you have to pay for the same thing even though we booked all inclusive. In the indoor cafe I asked if my son could have a straw for his drink and she said no straws are for cocktails only - how pathetic. The beach nearby isn’t a beach it’s all stones no sand but there are some nice places to eat, we had to go out and pay to eat as we couldn’t face the buffet 3 times a day. I visited in April so dread to think what state the hotel is in when it comes to summer.

Paola was an absolute dream she was so incredibly lovely! Had some problems at check in and she was so helpful and understanding. Great property and food.

Will definately come back again Excellent customer service Good food Good quality hotel beds. Children loved playing football by the beach There is a tennis cot, golf , swimming pools ( closed due to season) Spa facility with free gym access, however you pay for indoor swimming, jacuzzi and sauna (€40 per two adults ) A shop nearby for snacks if u need any otherwise plenty at the hotel . Reception staff - special mention to Eva who provided us with excellent service from the day we arrived Will definitely come nack

We had a wonder holiday at Playacalida! The hotel has everything from amazing views to a small onsite shop. The infinity pool was breathtaking and the lazy river and slides kept us all busy for hours. The food has lots of choice however as a vegetarian it was limited but they are very happy to cook specific vegetarian food upon request. The bar has lots of choice of drinks however the cocktails aren’t included with all inclusive so you have to pay a small supplement if you want one. There is a bus stop 5mins away that costs £1 to get into town which was great! Lots of daytime and evening activities and the kids club was good. We will definitely be returning.

Negatives: -Booked a family room which essentially was 2 double beds pushed together and a cot! The room was tiny!!!! -Hotel very dated, paint peeling at away all over -Looks like a prison -Lazy river is a good idea but the slides on it have no water pressure so people cant even slide down them. Lazy river is also freezing -Food very repetitive -Staff are rude, barely speak a word of English and don't event try to help English tourists -Not enough staff, big queues at pool side bar Positives: - Infinity pool is nice