Vincci Seleccion Aleysa Hotel Boutique and Spa

Each night we had little gifts for us and the children as well as welcome gifts in the room. We had the gran duplex with two bedrooms and it was perfect for our family of five, plenty of areas to relax and have time as a family. The shower could have been more powerful but that is a minor and easily forgivable when everything else is perfect. The hotel itself is small but beautifully designed and very tranquil. Perfectly adequate spa area and gym, option to use the bigger gym across the road if needed. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea is something we looked forward to each morning, the ice creams we were fabulous. The private beach is nicely laid out, super comfortable beds and well attended although we felt it was better suited to adults relaxing so didn’t spend too much time there with the children and baby, the sun shades could have been bigger. Also the jellyfish flags were flying most days so we preferred to be by the pool. The pool is also a delight, the water feels soft rather than chlorinated and it’s plenty big enough. There is a second pool and garden area also. We didn’t care much for the port, I had read about how beautiful it was but we found it too touristy and tacky - I was relieved to get back to the haven of our hotel. If you are not eating in the hotel it’s much better to head left along the promenade for a quick lunch or even nicer was the Old Town, €10 and ten minutes in a taxi (or take the courtesy car) , traditional feel and excellent food. Colomares castle - actually a monument, not a castle - is 10 minutes walk down the hill from the old town and, back up the hill, there is beautiful church and stunning views nestled within the beautiful white buildings. Back to the hotel, we were welcomed and impressed by all the staff, from the beach to the cleaners, restaurant staff, front desk, pool, drivers - all without exception. Everyone works so hard and nothing is too much trouble - it’s also a very personalised, attentive service - the staff remember who you are, what you like to drink and ask about your day. We have not had this level of quality stay for some time and were delighted with every element, I only wish we could have stayed longer but we will certainly return.

Dinner is of very high quality so it is the breakfast. Loved the views, the food and the service.

Gym is ok for some daily maintenance during holidays and I also tried the free pilates class and the instructor was very friendly and experienced.

Finally, the general environment of the hotel, the kindness and politeness of all the staff that’s what should make us return.

A bit beyond the hotel: Benalmadena is not the nicest location I have ever seen, to put it like this. The beach, the coastline, the restaurants around the hotel, the marina…it would need a huge revamp to be at the level of the hotel.

By the way, the beach service of the hotel is perfect and it is nice to be there. But outside that specific area of the hotel the sand is not so clean, people put “tents” right in front of the sunbeds of the hotel and you lose sight of the sea.

Anyway, this should not prevent anyone to enjoy the lovely experience that is to stay at this hotel, but I hope it helps to manage expectations.