Ocean House Costa del Sol Affiliated by Melia

Location: Great location, right next to the beach promenade, on the border between Benalmádena and Torremolinos; a 10-minute walk to the marina and a 20-minute drive from the airport. The staff is very friendly; we’d especially like to mention Salomé, who is the nicest of the bunch. We’re repeat guests at this hotel, and we’re always happy to see her. The food is delicious and flavorful; while the selection isn’t always varied, there’s enough variety to choose from. The pools are okay, though unfortunately you’re not allowed to play ball in them. The hotel used to be part of the Melia franchise, but we haven’t noticed many changes this year now that it’s part of Grupotel.

Amazing family experience from start to finish. We were premium guests so checked in via their premium service with Daniel who looked after us for our whole stay. The premium lounge offers snacks, soft and alcoholic drinks water amd is available from 10-6pm. We stayed on the top floor (9th) with stunning views over the pool and Benalmedna marina. Buffet breakfast was included but the premium service also included a sit down waiter service in the Play Bar. Far less hectic and chaotic. The Playbar has daily entertainment from 4pm and then an act again at 10pm. This is good if you want to go out for dinner then have a drink at the hotel before going up to your room. The hotel has a gate which leads direct to the beach where beds are free as a premium guest, just give your room number. The room was manageable for a family of 4 but did feel tight ar times. Free safe and again courtesy of the premium service, a mini bar which was stocked daily with water, soft drinks and beers. The hair dryer was the best I've had in a hotel and there was an iron and ironing board also. The pool was big enough to cater for the masses and they would have activities such as water slide, water carpet, floating yoga and exercise bikes in the pool. There is a separate adults only (over 16) mezzanine with private pool and bar for premium guests also. This was harder to access with 2 younger children but I did manage a couple of visits. There are lots of lovely bars and restaurants along the beach front and in the Marina, but we actually found the best meal we had was the fish and chips from the shop just outside the front of the hotel. The Rose and Crown outside the front also did a 'proper' english breakfast which was lovely. I also tried the Thai massage a little further down which was worth it. We visited Malaga for the day (a must for a change of scenery) and Torremolinos town. Also we went to the Sea Life Centre (€67 for a family of 4).

Again, special thanks to Daniel. He is an asset to the Grupotel team and I would come back just for that service alone!

Location excellent , right on the beach and a 5 minute walk into the marina

Pool area kept well, there are 3 pools and a small toddler pool also. Beds are not allowed to be reserved before breakfast which is good, no crazy dash at 8am to reserve them. If you put a towel down then go for food your towel is removed. There is water aerobics , water spin cycle and they bring out inflatable slide for the children.

Breakfast is good, a huge variety and plenty tables inside and out. The only one issue I had was a member of staff (Emma) be rude to me when I picked up some fruit after she put it on her tray but she cleared it away 10 mins early and I didn’t see an issue with taking some from the tray that was going to be binned anyway. Can’t comment on dinner as we used the Marina restaurants

Entertainment is good down at the Play bar, from 4pm there’s always some singers / dj on. There isn’t entertainment after 6/7pm tho and no mini disco for children

Rooms are spacious with a separate area where the children would sleep. Beds comfortable but pillows a little lumpy! We have been coming for 15 years now and I do feel the rooms could do with a little update now as they are slightly feeling a bit tired

Overall we love the hotel and its location is spot on!