El Rodeo

we booked this hotel before looking on trip advisor, so when we did we was a bit shocked to read some of the reviews. we have just come back in oct 2007 and what a great time we had , the hotel was not on the main street had a little difficulty in finding it, but when we arrived there was no trouble checking in the reception staff were freindly which was a surprise because a few reviews said they were miserable. we went to the room it was lovley air con and a fridge nice bathroom and a bath and shower, they made the beds everyday and we had clean towels,we had booked just bed and breakfast the reviews said there wasnt much choice but if you have cereal fresh fruit , croissants, toast, cooked breakfast,with tea or coffee and fruit juice, the staff again were very helpful. we had a lovely time here and for the price we paid was excellent value for money. there was also a small swimming pool which i must add was cold and sun terrace on the roof of the hotel which was lovley to sunbath as tempreture was 30 degrees.

We booked the hotel last minute and read the reviews beforehand. It was OK. The room wasn't bad, the location is marvellous, 5 minutes walk to the beach and 4.50 euros for a sunbed. Around the corner are loads of shops and buses. 5 minutes walk to Orange Square where there are loads of shops and restaurants . The pool upstairs the hotel was OK, (6th floor) but out of season there is not anywhere open to buy a drink, however the bar on the 1st fooor was open. The reception staff were all nice, as were the maids, however the restaurant staff were very rude and unfriendly. We only had breakfast there which was alright but don't expect anything wonderful. If you go late, there is not much left and to ask for a bowl for the cereal - so rude!!! Anyway, if you want to stay somewhere central, cheap and clean, it is fine. PS One day the weather was bad so we went (by bus - 1.15 euros only), to a big shopping centre called "La Canyada". You can spend a day there - loads and loads of shops, restaurants etc.

After struggling to find a reasonably cheap hotel within the centre of Marbella, my friend and I booked El Rodeo as a bit of a last resort two weeks before we flew out. After booking we read many reviews online and with the comments made were extremely worried at what awaited us. Have to say we were pleasantly suprised! The location of this hotel could not have been better. It is smack bang in the middle of Marbella with the beach only a short walk away and surrounded with shops, restraurants and pubs - what more can you ask! Our twin room was spacious and clean (rooms were cleaned EVERY day) with the ensuite bathroom having a bath and shower (which was really powerful). There was also a TV (never used) and a fridge in the room and fantastic air-conditioning which we really appreciated after a hot day on the beach. Ok downside - CHIPS!!!!! lol seriously do we have to have chips with every meal - how about the odd potato! No seriously the meals were not actually THAT bad! Yeah sometime we did question what some of the dishes were (a description above each would have been good), but generally there was something you could eat. I think if I had been vegetarian I would have struggled with the buffet but general it was ok. Would I stay here again definately - For a 3* hotel it was actually quite good - I didnt really expect the Ritz but was pleasantly suprised.

I stayed in this hotel for one week in July 2007 and was pleasantly surprised for a three star hotel. The hotel itself is the old style, small lifts etc. no plush lobby, however the room was spacious and the bathroom shower was very powerfull. Its is located only a short walk from the beach and there are lots of bars and restaurants nearby. My stay was full board so I was concerned that the food might not be too great as I am a Coeliac and have to avoid all wheat products, the buffet had plenty of variety and the staff were always very helpfull and even offered an alternative meal on a few occasions when the buffet food was not Gluten Free! As I travelled on my own I was a bit concerned that I would have to dine out if the hotel food wasn't great, however I only dined out a few times and that was simply because I got a bit bored siting in the restaurant on my own every day. I didn't use the rooftop pool as the beach was so near, the pool is quite small but handy for small children.All the staff were really nice and courtious and I would certainly recommend this hotel as value for money.

Although this is a very reasonably priced hotel in an excellent situation, it is very 'tired' and musty, in need of an urgent makeover. The rooms are basic and shabby, the breakfast included in the rate awful - lowest quality cheapest food available. However, with many cafes close by having excellent coffee and crousants for 2/3 euros the hotel breakfast can be skipped! Good eating available within 5 mins at many Old Town restaurants - I would particularly recommend Cassanis - and for a quick pizza there is Pizzaria Marbella opposite to El Rodeo. If you want somewhere 'cheap and cheerful' for a couiple of nights this place would be ok!

Room was clean but dropping to bits.staff rude and unhelpfull.nothing to do at night but walk about.marbella is living on its past will not be going again. food in hotel not bad but no choice.best staff member franco inthe bar.well done.c & c & b &m.

The Hotel was Basic and clean but would not recommend it for a family with young children Would not go back to Marbella to stay as there is nowhere descent to go in the evenings but just walk around

I have just returned from a week at the Hotel El Rodeo and it was the worst holiday of my life.Marbella was ok, but the hotel ruined the holiday.The waiting staff were rude and the food was terrible,all the other brits we spoke to also hated the food,in fact there were two elderly ladies who only ate a tomato with chips every night.The rooms were kept very clean and the cleaning staff were very friendly,but two cigarrete ends lay on the stairs carpet for three days.If you can get the hotel cheap and only want a base,then it will be perfect as it is very central, but do not pay good money for half board as it is not worth it.

My mum and I stayed at Hotel El Rodeo in late July and were a little anxious that going for a cheaper 3 star option wouldn't ruin our stay. I must admit when we first arrived we thought the decor was a little shabby but the room was large, clean and had all the facilities of a more expensive hotel. The bathroom was large (although I did get trapped in at 1am when the handle broke but it's something to laugh about), there was a balcony with table and chairs, air conditioning and a fridge which we were delighted about as we could chill our wine! The first night I had a terrible sleep though as it was very noisy. The walls are thin and there was quite a bit of noise from the street outside but subsequent nights were a lot better. The location was great. Right between the beautiful old town of Marbella and the beach but as this is right in the centre of the town you've got to expect the noise. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The breakfast was lovely for a 3 starer. Fruit, bread, pastries, chorizo, ham, cheese, yogurt, eggs, juice etc and the restaurant is bright, clean and modern. Although we went in the high season it wasn't too busy either and so we enjoyed many a leisurely breakfast. The pool's not massive but great for a refreshing dip with many a sun lounger to relax on. Overall we had a great stay and cannot grumble considering the price we paid.

Spent a weekend in El Rodeo. The hotel is drab and the staff are quite miserable. The breakfast is AWFUL. No choice apart from cheese/ham/rolls and some cereal that tasted like cardboard. I felt really sorry for the half board guests. The place needs a good clean, the beds smelt musty and the decor is tired. Took a gamble with a three star - never again. The icing on the cake was our requested early morning call - it never happened and we nearly missed our flight, the receptionist said she had called us (she didn't). She then shrugged her shoulders and said maybe the phone was broke!. We asked her why she hadn't knocked on the door if that was the case, she looked shocked at such a request.