Sol Marbella Atalaya Park Hotel

The positives: really good selection of food for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Lovely staff, lovely views. Great large pool that the kids absolutely loved. A good gym. Large rooms. The negatives, on the surface things look clean but a slightly more discerning look reveals dirty stairwells, really dirty patio doors etc. Basic amenities in the rooms with old furniture, location a bit isolated, you’ll need a car. Parking 16 euros a day. All in all I actually enjoyed the stay and my kids loved it. It’s not a 4 star though if truth is told hence the 3 star review.

Pros Food is excellent, varied and delicious Great gluten free section at Breakfast (although forgotten about at other meals) Staff are lovely One calm quiet pool Gorgeous grounds all very photogenic Cons Maintenace is poor Location is poor Beach is unuseable (so misleading claim) One VERY noisy pool Cringe worthy 'entertainment' This hotel is over a mile away from main road. The road has no pavement or shade. Cost E4.40 in a taxi to get to main road. No coach tours will come here only airport ones. Tip if you are walking to the bus stop go early in the morning before 8am or you will bake. Everyone drives/taxis as the road is unbareably hot. The rooms are immaculate in terms of hygiene. The beds very comfortable. Shower is excellent. There is a fridge and free safe. A balcany with 2 chairs and a table, along with a washing line. The first room (144) had excellent air con, but the electric lamp above my head was hanging off, hand wash pump came away from the wall in the bathroom and the toilet roll holder collapsed into pieces. The 2nd room (112) the bedside lamp did the same. The air con would not work and the lock broke and my friend got stuck in the bathroom - I had to call maintenance to free her! As they could not fix the air con I asked for fans and they brought us an ironing board instead? It was very hot. Also lots of mosquitos in 2nd room, tip bring repelant and use it. The fridge leaked water. One morning the corridor was covered in blood, concerned for safety of whoever and hygiene I got met with a rude response from reception that housekeeping will come - but that was a one off, most staff are very helpful. Also one morning there was a massive dead red cockroach in the corridor. Yuk! There are 2 pools, a round one which is quiet and peaceful not far from the breakfast room. Open 10am - 6pm (they put fences around the pools when closed). There is another one round the corner that is L shaped and moronic. Music blasting out all day, open 11am - 7pm. If you want a post day out swim, take the headache tablets. This is the pool they host fitness type activities on. Also lots of people getting drunk and generally being noisy. I suppose its good that they cater for those wanting a relaxing swim and chavs who want to 'hang out'? Breakfast was great, loads of delicious succulant fruit. A small but well stocked gluten free section. Salad, breads, cereals, choice of milks, cakes/pastries, meat/cheese, chocolate con churros, tortilla, typical English style breakfast, egg station, omlettes of varying quality (depends who is on duty), garlic beans,porridge, fruit juices, coffee machines and complementary cava. Dinner varies every evening, some nights it was prawns, another sushi, loads of salads and different vinegars/dressings. Obviously meat/fish/vegetarian and grill. Nothing gluten free though, you have to keep asking. Also at dinner EVERY drink is chargable - even water. Soft drinks are E3.50 and wine starts at E20. I enjoye