Occidental Hotel

Overcrowded, Noisy, and Disappointing
Fuengirola, as a destination, already left much to be desired — lacking the charm and class of nearby towns like Marbella or Málaga. Unfortunately, this hotel didn’t do much to improve the impression.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this is a high-traffic, mass-market hotel — busy pool, crowded common areas, and a general feeling of chaos. The staff were, at best, indifferent. At worst, rude and inattentive. Any request felt like an inconvenience, and the service fell well short of even basic expectations.

The rooms were passable — clean enough and reasonably sized — but the walls were paper-thin. Every hallway conversation, toilet flush, and suitcase roll echoed through the night. The lifts were another frustration: old, painfully slow, and often overcrowded, adding to the general sense of wear and tear.

And then, there was the breakfast buffet. Calling it a buffet feels generous — it was more like a zoo. Whether it was the hotel’s clientele, poor planning, or simply lack of control, the experience was a chaotic free-for-all. Long queues, no available tables, food running out without replenishment — not exactly the relaxing start to the day one hopes for on holiday.

In short, I wouldn’t stay here again. If you're looking for a peaceful, pleasant experience on the Costa del Sol, this hotel — and Fuengirola in general — is best avoided