Hotel Bali, Benalmadena, Spain
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £59
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Bali Hotel is situated 250 metres from the beach and located near Benalmadena´s shopping centre. The Bali Hotel comprises 374 rooms (distributed between two interconnected buildings, forming a modern and homely complex), all with terrace, telephone, fully equipped bathroom, safe and central heating. loading...
Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Rating: 7 / 10
Minerva Jupiter Apartments
Benalmadena, Costa Del Sol, Spain
Distance: 0.2 km / 0.1 mi
Hotel Bali Reviews
" Delighted with hotel. Breakfast and... "
Submitted By: Mrs E Mackay
Delighted with hotel. Breakfast and evening meal very good - plenty to choose from.
Room was cleaned every day and fresh towels given. Bedding changed on the Wednesday.
Hotel entertainment staff very good - entertained adults and kids, then came to the poolside for everybody's amusement. Shows at night very good.
Poolside very clean with lifeguard on duty from 10am to 6pm.
Would certainly go back again to stay at the Bali.
Lots of pubs just a minutes walk from the hotel.
Room was cleaned every day and fresh towels given. Bedding changed on the Wednesday.
Hotel entertainment staff very good - entertained adults and kids, then came to the poolside for everybody's amusement. Shows at night very good.
Poolside very clean with lifeguard on duty from 10am to 6pm.
Would certainly go back again to stay at the Bali.
Lots of pubs just a minutes walk from the hotel.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" read the reports before i went, and... "
Submitted By: xxlolaxx
read the reports before i went, and have to agree with most of them.
food very varied and tasty, restaurant staff so attentive and efficient they were so friendly with every1.
cleanliness better than me at home. even shampoo and shower gels were provided in bali 1. i want a spanish cleaner!!
we didnt do much at the hotel though, we only saw 1 show an watched the kidiies dancing with the animacion team. drinks are cheaper off the hotel we drank outside at PICKWICK BAR!! well done brian for your bingo and games.
thomson rep available at most times, but i feel those bloomin trips are too expensive you are better off booking with the local tours.
horrible hill haha, i am so unfit i collapsed everynight but that was my problem.
benalmadena is lovely, and if you get a bus for 1.25 euro please go to mijas its gorgeous.
i would so reccommend this holiday to anyone.. and thanks thomson, you knocked olympic holidays and reps into a cocked hat (read the review of kathys studios in rhodes)
food very varied and tasty, restaurant staff so attentive and efficient they were so friendly with every1.
cleanliness better than me at home. even shampoo and shower gels were provided in bali 1. i want a spanish cleaner!!
we didnt do much at the hotel though, we only saw 1 show an watched the kidiies dancing with the animacion team. drinks are cheaper off the hotel we drank outside at PICKWICK BAR!! well done brian for your bingo and games.
thomson rep available at most times, but i feel those bloomin trips are too expensive you are better off booking with the local tours.
horrible hill haha, i am so unfit i collapsed everynight but that was my problem.
benalmadena is lovely, and if you get a bus for 1.25 euro please go to mijas its gorgeous.
i would so reccommend this holiday to anyone.. and thanks thomson, you knocked olympic holidays and reps into a cocked hat (read the review of kathys studios in rhodes)
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Not long back from a 2 week stay at... "
Submitted By: Miss L Milligan
Not long back from a 2 week stay at the Bali Hotel and missing it already! Me, my boyfriend and my 3 year old daughter had a fantastic time. The hotel is excellent, first hotel I have ever stayed at where the maids change the towels every day. Although the hotel is situated at the top of "cardiac hill" it is nowhere near as bad as people say it is. If my 3 year old can walk up it every day for 2 wks, anyone can.
The food was ok, swimming pools clean but sometimes a bit crowded and we could always get a sunbed. Staff very nice and helpful and the evening entertainment is good.
Would recommend the Bali to all.
The food was ok, swimming pools clean but sometimes a bit crowded and we could always get a sunbed. Staff very nice and helpful and the evening entertainment is good.
Would recommend the Bali to all.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Just got back from benalmadena and... "
Submitted By: Mrs J PATTISON
Just got back from benalmadena and needed to tell people you have to go there. Its a beautiful place one of the best holidays we've ever had. The Bali is a basic hotel its very clean,the cleaners are in every day with fresh towels.Plenty of entertainment for children and adults.The food is very nice plenty to choose from but if you are like us and fancy a change and want good english food visit Poppies bar which is just up the road in Ibensa square.Phil & Linda will give you a warm welcome and great meals and drinks reasonably priced. If you get the chance book the trip to gibraltar and see the barbary apes its fantastic day out.We definitely going to go back loved every minute of the holiday so much to see and do.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Beginners guide to Hotel Bali... "
Submitted By: Mr MJ Combe
Beginners guide to Hotel Bali Benalmadena
Just returned from two weeks in Hotel Bali, firstly I’ll let you know about the hotel, than about the resort itself.
The hotel is split into 3 parts, Bali I, Bali II and Bali III, this is the confusing bit – reception is actually on floor 2, we were in room 2110 which was on the first floor. It does take you a while to find your way around and the maps aren’t very clear. However, once you get your bearings you will see that everything is pretty well laid out and easily accessible.
There are two pool area’s – the first being beside the main lounge which has a main poll with a smaller kids pool attached. Sunbeds were easily available from 8/9 am onwards. There is a bar area which serves food such as the usual toasties, burgers, pizza’s and chips – reasonably priced and tasty too!
The ‘second’ pool is located on floor -1 which is at the back of the hotel. We didn’t use this pool, but it does have a completely separate kids pool area which is somewhat tucked away round the corner.
Our room was okay albeit a bit small, I think the self catering rooms were larger (as we were half board). There were two beds joined together – we requested extra pillows which was no problem. The main issue with the room was the third sleeping area – a wooden box joined onto the wall with a hard sofa type cushion stuck on. Our 4 year old daughter refused to sleep on it as it was simply too hard, so we had to cope with her in our bed for the fortnight which wasn’t very comfortable.
Plasma TV mounted on the wall and a safe in the room for your convenience.
The rooms were cleaned daily, towels and sheets changed daily and the maid would always leave the air-con on which was nice to come back to at the end of the day.
As half board we got breakfast and evening meal. At breakfast there was everything you could ask for – fried eggs, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, toast, cereal, baguettes, ham, cheese, yoghurt – no problems there.
Dinner was ‘okay’ – after a week you tend to get a bit fed up of similar choice, but saying that there was a good selection to choose from. Just a idea of what you can expect on different nights – curries, turkey, chicken, veal, beef, pork, fish, paella, burgers, sausages, potatoes, salads, chips, soup and loads of desserts. We decided to ‘eat out’ on a couple of nights elsewhere just to get a break, but overall the food was probably 8/10 in my opinion.
The restaurant staff were very nice and helpful, always smiling and making a fuss of the kids which was nice.
Trips worth going on – we only went to the crocodile park (10 euros’ in taxi) which was great fun and a day trip through Thomson’s to Gibraltar – this was fantastic, but you need to go to make your own mind up!
Entertainment was good throughout the day with the Thomson Kids Club for those who want it and the ‘in-house’ animation team who organised poolside games throughout the day if you wanted to take part – but beware they are very persuasive! We were disappointed with the early evening entertainment for our little one – having been to Majorca last year our 4 year old was looking forward to seeing ‘Thomson’ the dog again, but he wasn’t there – the early evening entertainment consisted of a painful hour of Agadoo type songs and silly kids games (in Spanish) – our daughter was really hoping for a mini-disco where there would actually be pop songs to dance to. The ‘main show’ each night started around 10pm which was run by the in-house animation team who I must say were very good, especially the head entertainer, Victor!
All in all we enjoyed our stay and apart from the sleeping arrangements would probably return.
By the way - this isn't a Thomson exclusive hotel - there were many many Spaniards, Italian's and German's also staying there.
Just returned from two weeks in Hotel Bali, firstly I’ll let you know about the hotel, than about the resort itself.
The hotel is split into 3 parts, Bali I, Bali II and Bali III, this is the confusing bit – reception is actually on floor 2, we were in room 2110 which was on the first floor. It does take you a while to find your way around and the maps aren’t very clear. However, once you get your bearings you will see that everything is pretty well laid out and easily accessible.
There are two pool area’s – the first being beside the main lounge which has a main poll with a smaller kids pool attached. Sunbeds were easily available from 8/9 am onwards. There is a bar area which serves food such as the usual toasties, burgers, pizza’s and chips – reasonably priced and tasty too!
The ‘second’ pool is located on floor -1 which is at the back of the hotel. We didn’t use this pool, but it does have a completely separate kids pool area which is somewhat tucked away round the corner.
Our room was okay albeit a bit small, I think the self catering rooms were larger (as we were half board). There were two beds joined together – we requested extra pillows which was no problem. The main issue with the room was the third sleeping area – a wooden box joined onto the wall with a hard sofa type cushion stuck on. Our 4 year old daughter refused to sleep on it as it was simply too hard, so we had to cope with her in our bed for the fortnight which wasn’t very comfortable.
Plasma TV mounted on the wall and a safe in the room for your convenience.
The rooms were cleaned daily, towels and sheets changed daily and the maid would always leave the air-con on which was nice to come back to at the end of the day.
As half board we got breakfast and evening meal. At breakfast there was everything you could ask for – fried eggs, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, toast, cereal, baguettes, ham, cheese, yoghurt – no problems there.
Dinner was ‘okay’ – after a week you tend to get a bit fed up of similar choice, but saying that there was a good selection to choose from. Just a idea of what you can expect on different nights – curries, turkey, chicken, veal, beef, pork, fish, paella, burgers, sausages, potatoes, salads, chips, soup and loads of desserts. We decided to ‘eat out’ on a couple of nights elsewhere just to get a break, but overall the food was probably 8/10 in my opinion.
The restaurant staff were very nice and helpful, always smiling and making a fuss of the kids which was nice.
Trips worth going on – we only went to the crocodile park (10 euros’ in taxi) which was great fun and a day trip through Thomson’s to Gibraltar – this was fantastic, but you need to go to make your own mind up!
Entertainment was good throughout the day with the Thomson Kids Club for those who want it and the ‘in-house’ animation team who organised poolside games throughout the day if you wanted to take part – but beware they are very persuasive! We were disappointed with the early evening entertainment for our little one – having been to Majorca last year our 4 year old was looking forward to seeing ‘Thomson’ the dog again, but he wasn’t there – the early evening entertainment consisted of a painful hour of Agadoo type songs and silly kids games (in Spanish) – our daughter was really hoping for a mini-disco where there would actually be pop songs to dance to. The ‘main show’ each night started around 10pm which was run by the in-house animation team who I must say were very good, especially the head entertainer, Victor!
All in all we enjoyed our stay and apart from the sleeping arrangements would probably return.
By the way - this isn't a Thomson exclusive hotel - there were many many Spaniards, Italian's and German's also staying there.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Well. . . . Lets get to the point..... "
Submitted By: mr & mrs bali
Well. . . . Lets get to the point.. we just got back and booked again!
Speaks for itself!
2608 was great!! Request it.! EXCEPT THE SHOWER HEAD FELL OFF BEFORE WE GOT THERE!
Maid Was well Nice and i paid her 10 euro and bought her some champagne cava at the end of our stay!! Respect!!
MOving on... Bruva Thomas in restaurant was wicked he always made an effort. Bestest Waiter in Bali! BIG UP YASELF!!
I LOVED THE CURLY BACON EVERY MORNING
IT WAS LUSH!!
I MADE FRIENDS WITH THE PIDGEONS, THEY WERE CALLED PEDRO AND PACO.
THEY LOVE DIGESTIVE BISCUITS!! SO PLEASE KEEP UP THE TRADITION!
MED PLAYA ANIMACION TEAM WERE GREAT!! shooooting Competitioonnnn! LOved It!
The Massager was great! Although she did say i had gravy granuals in my back! WOT EVA!!!
i had the bestest holiday ever! cant wait to go bk!!!
Cya Soon Bali! x
Speaks for itself!
2608 was great!! Request it.! EXCEPT THE SHOWER HEAD FELL OFF BEFORE WE GOT THERE!
Maid Was well Nice and i paid her 10 euro and bought her some champagne cava at the end of our stay!! Respect!!
MOving on... Bruva Thomas in restaurant was wicked he always made an effort. Bestest Waiter in Bali! BIG UP YASELF!!
I LOVED THE CURLY BACON EVERY MORNING
IT WAS LUSH!!
I MADE FRIENDS WITH THE PIDGEONS, THEY WERE CALLED PEDRO AND PACO.
THEY LOVE DIGESTIVE BISCUITS!! SO PLEASE KEEP UP THE TRADITION!
MED PLAYA ANIMACION TEAM WERE GREAT!! shooooting Competitioonnnn! LOved It!
The Massager was great! Although she did say i had gravy granuals in my back! WOT EVA!!!
i had the bestest holiday ever! cant wait to go bk!!!
Cya Soon Bali! x
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Hi, Just got back from a weeks stay... "
Submitted By: Mrs Parnham
Hi, Just got back from a weeks stay at the Bali Hotel, Benalmadena with my mum and 3 daughters, aged 11, 5 and 1. The rooms we had were very dated and in urgent need of renovation!! The wardrobe doors had come off the rails and were literally hanging and were difficult to open and close, the shower bracket on the wall was broken and bits of the furniture were literally falling to bits! Fortunately, it was a last minute holiday and we got a bargain but had we have paid full price I would definately wanted to move rooms.
After all of that though, everything else was o.k. The air-con in the rooms was fab and rooms were cleaned and beds made every day. We stayed on the 4th floor which was a pain with a buggy, it meant we had to use the lifts which were very small and sometimes took ages to come!
The food was the best part of the holiday - it was fantastic - worth more than 84% on the hotel ratings - plenty of choice for everyone !!!!
We used the 'top' pool which was very clean but had to get sunbeds early and more importantly a brolly!! (for the kids)
I dont think I would go back to this hotel, not entirely suitable for young children although the Thomson Kids Club, as usual, was fab!
After all of that though, everything else was o.k. The air-con in the rooms was fab and rooms were cleaned and beds made every day. We stayed on the 4th floor which was a pain with a buggy, it meant we had to use the lifts which were very small and sometimes took ages to come!
The food was the best part of the holiday - it was fantastic - worth more than 84% on the hotel ratings - plenty of choice for everyone !!!!
We used the 'top' pool which was very clean but had to get sunbeds early and more importantly a brolly!! (for the kids)
I dont think I would go back to this hotel, not entirely suitable for young children although the Thomson Kids Club, as usual, was fab!
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Just back from hoiliday were we stay... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Moore
Just back from hoiliday were we stay at the bali hotel costa del sol hotel good have been going there for 6years but what we found this year is that the food at the hotel was poor very repeated and nothing for children breakfast was ok but NOT dinner. The rest of our stay was good shows were good at night dont think we would go back because of food
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" will keep it simple and quick:
... "
will keep it simple and quick:
Accomodation - what we expected for the price but most importantly clean and tidy, maids came every day with fresh bedding and towels.
Food - Better than a recent 4 star's hotel we stayed at.
Pools/Parks - 2 large pools 1 baby pool - kids loved them and kept spotlessly clean by staff.Park was ok but our kids were more interested in the pool.
Entertainment - mini disco everynight with kids entertainers which mine loved and then a music act or play after and then disco in main hall till 1am, enjoyed ourselves every night.
Other - Cardiac hill - had heard this phrase and was worried but couldnt belive it when we saw it this hill is nothing we have bigger hills on our estate home here.
The Hotel is within walking distance of Beach, british bars, restaurants, shops etc.
Was very hot when we were out there hitting 40 Deg one day.
We visited the sea life centre - walking distance 10 -15mins, the selwo dolphin park again 10-15 min walk from hotel all good entertainment and there is a land train which costs 4 euros which you can ride all day getting on and off when you like.
Accomodation - what we expected for the price but most importantly clean and tidy, maids came every day with fresh bedding and towels.
Food - Better than a recent 4 star's hotel we stayed at.
Pools/Parks - 2 large pools 1 baby pool - kids loved them and kept spotlessly clean by staff.Park was ok but our kids were more interested in the pool.
Entertainment - mini disco everynight with kids entertainers which mine loved and then a music act or play after and then disco in main hall till 1am, enjoyed ourselves every night.
Other - Cardiac hill - had heard this phrase and was worried but couldnt belive it when we saw it this hill is nothing we have bigger hills on our estate home here.
The Hotel is within walking distance of Beach, british bars, restaurants, shops etc.
Was very hot when we were out there hitting 40 Deg one day.
We visited the sea life centre - walking distance 10 -15mins, the selwo dolphin park again 10-15 min walk from hotel all good entertainment and there is a land train which costs 4 euros which you can ride all day getting on and off when you like.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Hello everybody.
Now what can i... "
Hello everybody.
Now what can i say about this hotel well it was alright.
Before you book you know its on a little hill but its not that bad,
after a couple days being there it wont even bother you.
Hotel is very clean and cleaned inside out every morning so you
wont have to worry about that.
Lifts to the floors are quick and you wont have to wait ages for one.
The rooms where i stayed half board are ok clean and tidy,you have a phone
and a tv in your room and a welcome pack which is handy,all the half
boards rooms face the sea so try and get floor five to floor eight for
the best views.I must say quiet the rooms are.
The food is great i have been in many hotels and could not fault this food.
The staff at this hotel are very friendly and helpfull.
After your dinner you have the kids entertainment which is ok
they just run around enjoying themselves with the birdie song and all that.
Well our entertainment is alright, you are on holiday so its up to you
if you want to sit there or join in,few drinks and a bit of music who really cares.
The pools are clean and have a life guard for eight hours of the day.
Yes and you can get a sun bed so dont worry about getting up three in the morning,
oh i didnt see one german just loads of Americans.
Right what else did you want to know,the beech is very clean, the sun
beds are eight euros for two and a sunshade as well cant be bad.
You can make sand castles on the sand, i did.
There are sixty seven steps going down to the beech,i didnt count them my kids did
im not that sad.
The boat yard as i call it is the 7th best in the world we went on the pirate
ship which was great fun.
Plenty of shops and eating places i will let you find them for your selves.
Thanks for reading and enjoy your holiday if you book this one as i did.
Kind Regards Kevin....
Now what can i say about this hotel well it was alright.
Before you book you know its on a little hill but its not that bad,
after a couple days being there it wont even bother you.
Hotel is very clean and cleaned inside out every morning so you
wont have to worry about that.
Lifts to the floors are quick and you wont have to wait ages for one.
The rooms where i stayed half board are ok clean and tidy,you have a phone
and a tv in your room and a welcome pack which is handy,all the half
boards rooms face the sea so try and get floor five to floor eight for
the best views.I must say quiet the rooms are.
The food is great i have been in many hotels and could not fault this food.
The staff at this hotel are very friendly and helpfull.
After your dinner you have the kids entertainment which is ok
they just run around enjoying themselves with the birdie song and all that.
Well our entertainment is alright, you are on holiday so its up to you
if you want to sit there or join in,few drinks and a bit of music who really cares.
The pools are clean and have a life guard for eight hours of the day.
Yes and you can get a sun bed so dont worry about getting up three in the morning,
oh i didnt see one german just loads of Americans.
Right what else did you want to know,the beech is very clean, the sun
beds are eight euros for two and a sunshade as well cant be bad.
You can make sand castles on the sand, i did.
There are sixty seven steps going down to the beech,i didnt count them my kids did
im not that sad.
The boat yard as i call it is the 7th best in the world we went on the pirate
ship which was great fun.
Plenty of shops and eating places i will let you find them for your selves.
Thanks for reading and enjoy your holiday if you book this one as i did.
Kind Regards Kevin....
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Me and my boyfriend have just come... "
Submitted By: Miss K Owen
Me and my boyfriend have just come back from 4 nights self catering at the bali hotel and we LOVED IT! We were made to feel very welcome by the hotel staff and even the locals. Our studio apartment was spotless and very big. The air conditioning was a life saver! We had a buffet on the first night in the restaurant but we werent that keen on it and prefered to eat out at local restaurants where the waiters were brilliant, especially at pizza hut and metro. The local marina is amazing. Lots of shops and bars. The town in general is very clean and certainly not tacky or a typical tourist place. The thompson reps were so helpful and there when we needed them. We will deffinatly be going back here soon as it feels like home even though we only went for 4 days! Very upset to leave. Thankyou hotel Bali!! Oh and a quick note on the big hill you have to walk up - not that bad! didnt borther us! If you are thinking of going - GO! xxx
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I have just returned from a 14 night... "
Submitted By: Mr M Wileman
I have just returned from a 14 night stay at the Bali with my wife and four year old daughter.
Though the Holiday was good value for money, the Bali has bad, as well as good points.
The Hotel is situated near the top of a rather steep hill, though i have known worse , it`s not really too bad.
The first negative is the room, the smallest i have ever known.sharing one room with twin beds and a sofa bed which wasn`t particularly child friendly .Though on a plus side the room was cleaned every day without fail.
The food was excellent, with plenty of choice and there was never any bother finding a table.
The pool area was a great bonus,with a choice of two , we chose the "lower deck" for a more private children's pool,again no trouble finding a good pitch.
The "entertainment" at the Bali was the biggest let down, though our daughter loved it , for us,the time we spent at the Hotel in the evening became rather a chore. The Animacion team worked hard , but sadly there attempts at song and dance were truly awful .
Another negative were the food and drink prices at the Hotel,little wonder many guests sneaked in there own,or judging by the number of guests there , stayed away altogether.
As for the resort itself , a dolphin trip is a must , as is a trip to Mijas , but give Tivoli World a miss ! not worth it at all
All in all, the Bali provided fare value for money.But would i stay there again , or recommend to others ? i doubt it .
Though the Holiday was good value for money, the Bali has bad, as well as good points.
The Hotel is situated near the top of a rather steep hill, though i have known worse , it`s not really too bad.
The first negative is the room, the smallest i have ever known.sharing one room with twin beds and a sofa bed which wasn`t particularly child friendly .Though on a plus side the room was cleaned every day without fail.
The food was excellent, with plenty of choice and there was never any bother finding a table.
The pool area was a great bonus,with a choice of two , we chose the "lower deck" for a more private children's pool,again no trouble finding a good pitch.
The "entertainment" at the Bali was the biggest let down, though our daughter loved it , for us,the time we spent at the Hotel in the evening became rather a chore. The Animacion team worked hard , but sadly there attempts at song and dance were truly awful .
Another negative were the food and drink prices at the Hotel,little wonder many guests sneaked in there own,or judging by the number of guests there , stayed away altogether.
As for the resort itself , a dolphin trip is a must , as is a trip to Mijas , but give Tivoli World a miss ! not worth it at all
All in all, the Bali provided fare value for money.But would i stay there again , or recommend to others ? i doubt it .
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Stayed at the Bali in May on HB... "
Submitted By: Mr P McDonald
Stayed at the Bali in May on HB basis. Rooms basic but clean, daily maid service. Food was OK, but not great if you are like me, vegetarian. Luckily I eat fish, otherwise I would have had to live off salad and vegetables on a couple of occasions. There is a kids club on site, which is always handy. The kids didn't get their T-shirts as promised because the new stock hadn't arrived and the reps had been 'forbidden' from handing out last season's design. We met some nice people at the hotel, including several Spanish guests, but inevitably there were the usual football shirt wearing, inappropriately tattooed ambassadors to the UK, waddling around all over the place. The first time we drank in the bar late evening we entertained by an altercation between a middle aged man and a young woman, I was reminded of the TV show 'Benidorm'. Thankfully, that was the only such incident we witnessed. Outside the hotel, the Marina is beautifully designed and thankfully devoid of the type of people I have just referred to. Nice cafe bars and restaurants, continental crowd. Great place to enjoy a long drink and people watch. There are some OK bars nearer the hotel, I recommend 'Kings' for their freshly made food and friendly service. Delicious home made chips! A ride in the cable car from Arroyo is worth the money, fantastic views. There is also an immaculate park with hens, peacocks wandering around freely. From Benelmadena is it easy to walk to Torremolinos or Fuengirola, both clean modern resorts. They also have better, and in my opinion cleaner beaches than Benalmadena. Further afield there are lots of of places to visit, including Granada, Seville, Gibraltar. All in all, a good place for a family holiday, but next time we visit the area we will try a different resort.
-
- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Have just returned from a week... "
Submitted By: Miss C McCrory
Have just returned from a week half-board at the Bali hotel and found it great value for money. My boyfriend and I booked this hol on Wednesday and travelled on Sunday so got a good deal on the brochure price, and everything (more or less) ran smoothly. Apart from the airport bus taking us all to wrong terminal at Malaga and subsequent hour long wait for luggage, after being up from 3am and some frazzled tempers! On arrival at hotel, we checked in quickly and the reception staff were very pleasant. Reception is bright and airy, large sofas and they also sell postcards, small souvenirs and snacks.
Half-board residents are in Bali 1, the block joined directly to the hotel, selfcatering guests were in Bali 2 and 3, accessed down a covered corridor. The room wasn't huge but it was clean, towels changed and maid service everyday. The bathroom was a good size with really powerful shower over bath (makes a nice change from usual trickle). We had room on 4th floor, all rooms have balcony and we overlooked the beach, whichwas lovely. We never had any trouble with noise from outside when the balcony door was closed. The air conditioning in the room was good and adjustable for cooler evenings. there was a safe in the wardrobe, 2euro per day and refundable 3 euro deposit on departure.
The hotel reps were lovely and the Animacion team worked really hard, though their shows were probably a bit predictable and geared at the kids. LOTS of kids around, toddlers up to after midnight in the bar while parents got drunk!! The bar was reasonably priced and the staff were helpful and spoke English. They are V strict about people bringing their own drinks into the bar, but this is understandable.
The resaurant serves breakfast from 8-1030am and dinner from 630-9pm. We made breakfast 3 times before trips so it was a bit rushed but they appear to have everything!Different cereals, cold meats and cheese, breads, fruit juice, toaster, yogurts and cooked selection (bacon, sausages, beans, eggs etc) and fruit. Dinner had a good enough selection but being a vegetarian who doesn't eat fish, i found it very limited for me. There was a cold salad bar with breads, 2 different soups and cold meats/cheese. The hot food section always had 3 or 4 different meats, fish, rice, potatoes and vegetables. Usually the chefs were cooking the meat on a hotplate and people could choose which bits they wanted. The food wasn't always the warmest but there was always plenty to go round and guests could heat their food in the microwave. Finally, dessert!!! There was always some kind of cake/gateau and mousse and cream. 4 different ice-cream flavours to self-scoop so guests could take as much as they liked and sauces and toppings for icecream. Then there was always fresh fruit for you healthy people!
The hotel is located on "cardiac hill", so-called because it is very steep and not for the faint hearted! I have no idea how people pushed wheelchairs and prams up this! The hotel is located approx 150yards up the hill and otherwise is in a good location. There are 2 supermarkets on the hill, and quite a few bars/resaurants. If you go up the hill past the hotel to "Bonanza Square" there is a taxi rank and a few resaurants. There is a Chinese restaurant "Panda" that does 3 course lunch for 4.50euro, well worth a visit!
The beach is close to the hotel but down 80 steps (then obv 80 back up!!). We didn't actually go on the beach but it appeared quite clean. The marina is approx 15-20 min walk along the promenade from hotel and is lovely to wander round. Restaurants tend to be more expensive here, but there are lots of nice places to try. We usually walked down and got taxi back (4.50euro).
Ps the Selwo triple pack is a great deal if u are offered it. Price iss 33euro for adults, 23 for kids and included 3 days out. The Selwo marina, a kind of marine animal park with exotic birds, penguins, seals etc. There is adolphin show but they were recuperating in Madrid?! apparently so that was disappointing. In exchange we got free passes for sightseeing bus (worth 12euro each I think). Not much consolation for kids though. The 2nd trip was the cable car, which goes up to top of Arroyo de la Miel area and is quite scary! fantastic views though. There is a birds of prey sanctuary at the top and a brilliant show. Finally the Selwo Aventura nature park. This trip includes transport, approx 1hr 15min away. Really good day out, coach drops you at door and picks you up again after 5 or 6 hours in the park.
Sorry this is so long-winded, hopefully somebody finds it useful!
Half-board residents are in Bali 1, the block joined directly to the hotel, selfcatering guests were in Bali 2 and 3, accessed down a covered corridor. The room wasn't huge but it was clean, towels changed and maid service everyday. The bathroom was a good size with really powerful shower over bath (makes a nice change from usual trickle). We had room on 4th floor, all rooms have balcony and we overlooked the beach, whichwas lovely. We never had any trouble with noise from outside when the balcony door was closed. The air conditioning in the room was good and adjustable for cooler evenings. there was a safe in the wardrobe, 2euro per day and refundable 3 euro deposit on departure.
The hotel reps were lovely and the Animacion team worked really hard, though their shows were probably a bit predictable and geared at the kids. LOTS of kids around, toddlers up to after midnight in the bar while parents got drunk!! The bar was reasonably priced and the staff were helpful and spoke English. They are V strict about people bringing their own drinks into the bar, but this is understandable.
The resaurant serves breakfast from 8-1030am and dinner from 630-9pm. We made breakfast 3 times before trips so it was a bit rushed but they appear to have everything!Different cereals, cold meats and cheese, breads, fruit juice, toaster, yogurts and cooked selection (bacon, sausages, beans, eggs etc) and fruit. Dinner had a good enough selection but being a vegetarian who doesn't eat fish, i found it very limited for me. There was a cold salad bar with breads, 2 different soups and cold meats/cheese. The hot food section always had 3 or 4 different meats, fish, rice, potatoes and vegetables. Usually the chefs were cooking the meat on a hotplate and people could choose which bits they wanted. The food wasn't always the warmest but there was always plenty to go round and guests could heat their food in the microwave. Finally, dessert!!! There was always some kind of cake/gateau and mousse and cream. 4 different ice-cream flavours to self-scoop so guests could take as much as they liked and sauces and toppings for icecream. Then there was always fresh fruit for you healthy people!
The hotel is located on "cardiac hill", so-called because it is very steep and not for the faint hearted! I have no idea how people pushed wheelchairs and prams up this! The hotel is located approx 150yards up the hill and otherwise is in a good location. There are 2 supermarkets on the hill, and quite a few bars/resaurants. If you go up the hill past the hotel to "Bonanza Square" there is a taxi rank and a few resaurants. There is a Chinese restaurant "Panda" that does 3 course lunch for 4.50euro, well worth a visit!
The beach is close to the hotel but down 80 steps (then obv 80 back up!!). We didn't actually go on the beach but it appeared quite clean. The marina is approx 15-20 min walk along the promenade from hotel and is lovely to wander round. Restaurants tend to be more expensive here, but there are lots of nice places to try. We usually walked down and got taxi back (4.50euro).
Ps the Selwo triple pack is a great deal if u are offered it. Price iss 33euro for adults, 23 for kids and included 3 days out. The Selwo marina, a kind of marine animal park with exotic birds, penguins, seals etc. There is adolphin show but they were recuperating in Madrid?! apparently so that was disappointing. In exchange we got free passes for sightseeing bus (worth 12euro each I think). Not much consolation for kids though. The 2nd trip was the cable car, which goes up to top of Arroyo de la Miel area and is quite scary! fantastic views though. There is a birds of prey sanctuary at the top and a brilliant show. Finally the Selwo Aventura nature park. This trip includes transport, approx 1hr 15min away. Really good day out, coach drops you at door and picks you up again after 5 or 6 hours in the park.
Sorry this is so long-winded, hopefully somebody finds it useful!
-
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
loading...
BUY A SAFE AND USE IT- SEE BELOW -
Food Fantastic- you could stay in every night!!
Entertainment Fantastic - Hotel entertainment team are brilliant with the kids.
rooms very basic - no kettle - fridges scarce and dear to hire, some lower floors were modernised. We were given the room next to the lift on the 2nd floor entrance area , this is the top pool level- not suitable for us as we had kids, and this was a very noisy meeting point - maids cleaned early!! every day. DON'T GO IN LAST TWO WEEKS OF AUGUST - unless you want to be shuved and made to feel unwelcome like you shouldnt be in spain - by the horrible obnoxious spanish on their public holiday...
ROOM GOT ROBBED BY SOMEONE WITH A KEY TO MY ROOM-
Make of that what you will - Neighbor seen a man with an holdall coming out of the room and lock it behind him.
GOT PICK POCKETED IN SECOND WEEK - NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD -
Millions of people on the beach mainly spanish who will move your towel to fit anywhere..
thousands of lucky lucky men - get ready to sit in a pub for one hour and see them lining up outside
hundreds of pickpockets in various age groups - be prepared to be suprised
lots of bad instrument playing scroungers - again you'll see at least 10 in one night.
Needless to say id leave mainland spain alone in the future too many spaniards and Ronny Biggs wish they were's here for me...