Arcosur Principe Spa Hotel

My wife and I spent 3 weeks in the Arcosur from December 18 2008 until January 08 2009, to celebrate our Anniversary, Christmas, and the New Year. We (childless) have been going away for the past 19 years, and have now spent those three weeks in Vancouver; Toronto/Montreal/Quebec City; Ireland; London; Paris; Portugal; Spain; Austria; and Cyprus. Because of our 3-week stay we need a one-bedroom suite, and without any doubt, the Arcosur is one of the finest apartment-hotels we have stayed in (Vancouver's Century Plaza runs neck and neck with it). We completely agree with all of the positive comments, and also understand the concerns that some visitors may have. We found the Reception staff to be courteous and helpful, to the extent that when I asked the front desk on our first night how to get the English channels on the two TVs, their maintenance man was up within 30 minutes and tuned in both sets. One small gripe is that there are only 6 English-language channels- mostly news and sports-with a couple of dozen European -language channels. The explanation is that the satellite dish they have does not pick up the 200 channels that all the bars and restaurants seem to have. The suites have been furnished to the highest standards, with particular attention paid to the kitchen appliances, crockery, glassware, and cutlery. Be forewarned, however; the lack of an oven means you have to be quite selective if you are buying food for dining in - the pots, frying pans, and microwave will have to do. Our suite was on the west side of the building, and from our balcony we could look down into the pool; south to the Mediterranean; and west to the hills where the sunsets were indescribably beautiful at 6 pm (it was January). The Supermarket at the bottom of the street (SuperSol) is not very big and can be expensive. A far better choice is the SuperMercadona in the opposite direction (turn right coming out of the hotel, stroll up to the traffic lights, and turn left - it's just before the tennis courts), where it's 3 time the size and much cheaper, with a more extensive selection, including many microwaveable products. A visit to the Parque La Paloma - east of the hotel along the main road - is a must. It is extremely child-friendly, with cocks and hens wandering among the visitors, begging to be fed with crumbs. The car-boot sale on Sundays is a gold-mine - the REAL genuine leather handbags for 6 euros are a steal. (Do NOT buy the handbags or the DVDs from the guys on the beach - you will regret it! Over the 3 weeks we took the bus into Malaga on a couple of days; we actually walked the promenade into Torremolinos and back quite a few times; we bussed it into Fuengirola; and we took the express bus from the main road outside the hotel into Marbella on a couple of occasions. All fares were quite reasonable. All in all, it was a wonderful experience for us - it was a joy to come "home" to a well furnished suite every night, put your feet up and relax. You'd really have to be overly critical to find faults to complain about. Having said that, the connecting door between our suite and the suite next door was a bit of a surprise - don't know if all suites are paired off like that, and forgot to ask, but you could always ask beforehand. You can hear conversations and the TV if you strain your ears, but next door was only occupied for one weekend. A great hotel in a beautiful resort, away from the main road, and everything you need. The cafe/bar downstairs does have a comprehensive menu with very reasonable prices, and again we found the staff to be very courteous with a good command of English. What more could you ask for. We can hardly wait to go back, and our recommendation is "Enjoy". BeeJay. Glasgow.

We stayed at the Arcosur for New Year and we were very impressed with the hotel from the first entry into reception. We were very early and it was no problem, we were given our rooms immediately. Everything has been said about the location and cleanliness. The kitchens were particularly well stocked with nice glasses and china, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine with dryer and very large fridge freezer - perfect for a long stay. At this time of year we parked on the road outside where there was plenty of room. Just a little disappointed that the Spa - the reason we had booked this hotel - charge was 15E for 1 1/2 hours and that there was not a pool as it looks on the web page but it is a whirlpool apparently. In spite of this a lovely stay and would recommend a pool view room. Fabulous restaurants in easy walking distance - we tried both of the Chinese where we had lovely food.

Most of what I have to say has been said already but I may be able to add one or two things including a bit of constructive criticism. Firstly, we stayed over Christmas and had a great holiday. Took the train from Malaga airport to Benalmadena, which was simple. Booked in to the complex with a nice young lady called "Eria" at reception - she could'nt have been more helpful or efficient. Apartment was great with excellent facilities and lovely balcony. Location could'nt have been better. Quiet and perfectly situated within walking distance of everything required. Even had a swim in the sea! Small problem with bath plug release mechanism in our apartment, which resulted in having to empty the bath with a bowl on the first night. Part of the release mechanism was missing and I reported this to the man on reception that evening. Despite his assurance, it did not get fixed during my stay and I "modified" the system by tying a bit of string to the plug. Very minor problem, but it should have been fixed as promised. The reason it was'nt fixed was that of the three receptionists, working different shifts, only one seemed interested. The other two looked as though they could'nt be bothered being there. The place was very quiet and they were not hard pushed, but they couldnt even be bothered lifting their head to acknowledge residents passing their desk either leaving or entering the premises. A very small problem that could be rectified with a bit of attitude adjustment or a few lessons in people skills! As I previously mentioned, the foregoing was a minor thing that should be easily rectified. It will not detract from what was a lovely holiday in a lovely complex, perfectly located. I would not hesitate in returning and I would recommend it to anybody.

I have spent 4 weeks at the Principe Arcosur Hotel and I found it really pleasant. The service was OK, the rooms spacious and modernly furnished, there was free acces to the pool and free wi-fi.The hotel is close to the beach, it has underground parking.It is perfect for both young people and families with children. The hotel staff are really helpful and the tourism agency of the hotel offer a great choice of trips.However there is no restaurant at the hotel just a bar where you can find lovely cakes.Another diasadvantage is that the pool closes at 8 o'clock in the evening. I also had sume problems with the water system. There were a couple of days when the was no running water, but the hotel staff did their best and solved the problem and appologised in a courtesous manner offering us a bottle of champagne.I would definitly recommend it for anyone willing to spend their holidays in Benalmadena.

Stayed in the Arcosur for 10 nights. There was myself, my husband and our 11 month old son. Also our friends were with us in another apartment. The Hotel looks fantastic from the outside, very modern. Reception also very nice. We had a pool view room and it was lovely. Room was really big and had plenty of room for us, however i wouldnt have wanted to be in there with more than 1 child. Kitchen had everything you would really need (who goes away to cook anyway!!) It was a little limited i thought on utensils but we made do with what we had. Safe was free to use which is a really good thing. Towels and clean bedding was once every 4 days which we felt was plenty!! washing machine was a godsend once we worked out how to use it!! All the instructions were in spanish! Oh and the microwave is easy to use once you know how, i was grilling my babies milk to begin with!! Apartments are really close to the beach and quite a few shops. The marina is about a 30 minute walk but its very pleasent along the sea front as plenty of bars to stop for a drink or shops to look in. As we stayed for 10 nights we got 1 free go in the spa which was really nice, heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. However you do have to purchase flip flops for 2 euros and a swimming cap for 1 euro. We felt stupid in these but they are for health and safety. The only downsides were that the staff in the cafe attached to the arcosur were very rude and never cleared up the mess until the end of the night. Also the swimming pool was closed on our 2nd to last day with a sign saying due to the winter however when asking the reception they said it was because they had had an inspection and they needed a life guard, so we didnt really know what was happening. All in all we really enjoyed ur stay at the Arcosur and dint want to leave!!

This is a great place to stay. The standard of the rooms was excellent, well presented, clean, and the apartments are more than adaquate for a family of four to stay in. The living room/lounge has a bed settee. There is a table and chairs for use at meal times. There is a small cupboard off the living room which has an iron & board,mop bucket and brush. A large balcony runs the width of the apartment is just ouside the sliding doors, (if you don't like heights beware the glass front on the balcony!) The bedroom has two large single beds and large storage behind the sliding wardrobes. There is a free to use safe in here. The bedroom is also served by the balcony. The bathroom has quite a small bath, so don't get any ideas of languishing in there for hours on end, in fact if you are of ample build (like myself) it's a wee bit of a squeeze. There is a shower over the bath and this had great dermal exfoliation qualities, the power was terrific and we were on the 10th floor. There are massage outlets on the wall of the shower again with good power, but be careful with the bottom one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The kitchen has a large fridge/freezer, four ring hob, microwave oven, and enough cutlery, pots, pans, etc. to cook a good meal. There is also a washing machine/tumble dryer. If you like the morning sun, get an apartment with a view over Benalmadena, the sunrises are spectacular. If you prefer to sit in the evening sun, try and get an apartment with a pool view. One minor complaint, only one English channel on the T.V. but then who goes on holiday to watch T.V.

we have just returned from a weeks holiday at the arcosur and have to say what a fabulous place this is. I do have a couple of niggles but nothing major. We arrived late at night on a sunday and all the local shops and supermarkets close about 9 so we were unable to get any shopping for supplies as we were self catering so maybe a complimentary tea/coffee making supplies would be a good idea. My only other gripe being the maid service which only clean the room every 4th day so on a weeks stay its only cleaned once and i found this a little disappointing. Apart from this the hotel was fantastic it could not be faulted. the rooms are wonderful with every appliance you could think of. I have never stayed in a holiday apartment/hotel which has a dishwasher and full size cooker and fridge/freezer..... brilliant. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone considering a holiday in benalmadena its great.

Irish Tourists. Just back from a week's holiday staying at the Arcosur Principe. The apartments are well laid out, comfortable and contain everything that you would require for self-catering. Spotless and a great kitchen that hosts a washing machine/drier & dishwasher which was invaluable and saves on bringing lots of clothes in bulging suitcases. Hotel location is excellent, a short walk to the beach, resort bars & restaurants. Balconies are excellent but some merge at the angle of the building thus providing poor privacy. Reception staff were very corteous and helpful during our stay. Room service is once during a seven night stay and the only problem we found was the disposal of rubbish. The hotel should operate an 'internal refuse' service where guests could leave their refuse at a nominated collection point on a specified day every week. This would be very helpful. All in all a very enjoyable stay at the Arcosur and I would highly reccommend it to any couples or family. You will not be disappointed.

stayed at the arcosur for 4 nights foe a girly break.the place was brilliant.it is only 12 month old.The 1 bedroom apartment was really modern.It had a large fridge,microwave,dishwasher and a washing machine.the staff are really nice and the cafe/bar sold great snacks and drinks and very sensibly priced.arcosur is only 2 minutes from the beach and around a 20 minute walk to the marina.The pool was lovely and warm. would certainly reccomend a stay here.if you are going ask for room 808 you wont believe how large the balcony is also a great view of the sea.

This is a very new apartment block and it shows compared to other semi residential blocks in the area, which look run down and in need of a lick of paint. The reception area is very large and airy, there are 11 floors, all accessed by 2 lifts or stairs.And FREE wi-fi in all the rooms. The corridors are very wide and well lit, at night time they have dim lights near the floor, and as you walk towards the rooms lights come on, over the doors, so cool ! The rooms are fitted out with the latest furniture and facilities, we thought they had been shopping in Ikea. Both the lounge and bedroom have electric security shutters, the switches are behind the curtains along with the balcony lights. The lounge has a double bed settee, a flat screen digital tv with freeview and analoge tv, also a socket on the wall to plug in an mp3 player, that can be heard at different volumes in each room.also a double door leading onto a balcony. The kitchen has a microwave grill, dishwasher, washer/dryer ,4 slice toaster and a large fridge freezer, a halogen hob and extractor fan that needs to be pulled out to get it to work ( took us 3 days to figure it out ) and a kettle that once boiled keeps the water at the same temprature all day, we unplugged it, lol. 6 large/small cups, large wine glasses and also small tumblers, a wooden block with very large sharp knives and scissors. If you need one, there wasn`t a vegetable peeler . Above the fridge in a cupboard is a hot water tank, so constant hot water is not a problem The bedroom has 2 beds, bit bigger than singles, a large double mirrored wardrobe, inside which has a keypad safe thats free to use, "press reset then the 4 digit code twice" , selection of hangers and spare blankets, we asked the maid for extra pillows and got them.Also a tv and double doors leading to the balcony, The bathroom has a large bath with shower above, the shower is a multipoint so can point at head or chest or other bits, and a bedet, also a large sink, mirror and set of towels. The Spa offers a massage service from facial to full body, we did not try so can not comment, full body was 50Euros. The Pool is very clean with a lifeguard on duty all day, the pool is surrounded by astro turf for the kids to play on, there is also a kids pool, there are lots of sunloungers, but the sun does not get to the main area for sunbathing until about 10:30 onwards, Hotel bar serves food and drink till late, we only used this once at night time, the service was slow, but during the day is busy serving food and drink. We have not done Europe for 10 years, we have been to the Dom Rep and USA so were very sceptical as our last visits to Magaluf and Portugal were not that enjoyable, we were very surprised by the Arcosur and Benalmadna in general and will definately visit again. A brochure,floorplan and photo's can be downloaded from the official webpage: http://www.arcosurpromociones.com/promociones_presentacion.asp?idpromo=3