**Sun, Sea, & Stunning Views: Your Fuengirola Paradise Awaits!**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the sun-drenched, possibly slightly chaotic, world of Sun, Sea, & Stunning Views: Your Fuengirola Paradise Awaits! I’m not just going to give you a dry hotel review; I’m going to live it for you, spill the tea, and tell it like it is. Honestly? Let's see if this paradise is as promised…
First Impressions (and a little bit of a struggle…):
Right off the bat, the website screamed "luxury." Big promises, sleek photos. Let's see if it’s true! The location? Stunning. Fuengirola itself is a gem on the Costa del Sol. Accessibility? Well, that's where things get interesting. Wheelchair accessible is listed, so I was hopeful. Finding the entrance? A little less straightforward. The signs weren't as clear as they could be, and the drop-off zone…let's just say it could use a little more planning. But whatever. A quick phone call, a friendly porter, and boom! We were in.
Accessibility - The Good, The Okay, and The…Needs Improvement:
Okay, so the elevator was a lifesaver, and the lobby was spacious, which is always a plus. Inside, the facilities for disabled guests seemed decent, but I didn't get a chance to see the rooms. They should really showcase those more, and the ramp was a little bit steep, and was a little clunky.
The Essentials & the Extras (Stuff that Makes a Difference):
- Internet Access - Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it worked, consistently! Streaming my shows at night? Check.
- Rooms – The Real Deal? Ah, the Air conditioning in all rooms was a godsend. Crucial for those scorching summer days (and nights) that are typical for the coast. I loved the Blackout curtains. The Mini bar was tempting, but I'm on a budget haha! The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver. My room had a fantastic Sea view, just like the name implied. Definitely worth requesting, that view made it worth it. The non-smoking room was a plus as well.
- Cleanliness and Safety – Doing it Right? The Rooms sanitized between stays. They provided Hand sanitizer everywhere. Anti-viral cleaning products were used. They seemed to be taking things seriously. I even saw the staff using Professional-grade sanitizing services on the common areas. And the Staff trained in safety protocol seemed to take their jobs seriously. So far, so good!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious Food (and Maybe a Few Misses):
Restaurants: There were a couple of restaurants on-site. A Western cuisine in restaurant option, which sounded pretty standard, and an Asian cuisine in restaurant option. The buffet looked amazing, but I'm not a big fan of buffets in general. I opted for the a la carte option. The food was good, but not mind-blowing. I was looking forward to trying the soup in restaurant.
Bar: Oh, the Poolside bar! The true test of a hotel, if you ask me. Sipping a cocktail with that view? Perfection. The Happy hour prices were a nice touch. The Bottle of water they provided in the room was also wonderful.
Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was huge, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. The pastries were pretty average.
Overall: The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't what I'd call a culinary masterpiece.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Paradise Found (or Just Slightly Tiring?):
- Swimming Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was the star of the show! The Pool with view, overlooking the Mediterranean? Utterly breathtaking. I could have stayed there all day.
- Spa/Sauna: I'm not much of a spa person, but the Spa, Sauna and Steamroom were there and looked nice! Also a Gym/fitness room was available.
- Things to do outside: Lots of things to do on the beach and many water sports nearby.
- Body scrub and Body wrap were available. I am not a fan of this.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things that Matter:
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly. They booked a taxi for me and gave me some great recommendations for exploring the area.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless. Always a pleasure.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning were available.
- Luggage storage: Handy for early check-ins or late check-outs.
- Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange made life easy.
- Convenience store: For snacks and essentials, perfect.
- Car park [free of charge] - Always a win!
- Air conditioning in public area.
For the Kids – Sounds Like Fun (for them, at least!):
- Babysitting service (if needed!) and Family/child friendly environment.
- Kids facilities and Kids meal looked great.
Safety and Security – Feeling Secure?
- CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, along with 24-hour security.
- Fire extinguisher everywhere, and Smoke alarms.
- Front desk [24-hour].
Now for the Juicy Bits – The Story!
So, picture this: Day two. I'm sprawled out on a sun lounger, book in hand, staring at that stunning view. I decide to take a dip. As i jump into the pool, and I get this weird sense of tranquility. It's just… perfect. I swear, even the water tasted better! This is what I came for. This is Fuengirola. Just that moment made the whole trip worth it.
But later that evening, I was trying to enjoy dinner, when I realized the restaurant was really, really busy. Finding a table was a bit of a mission. Then I noticed (and this is a minor quibble, but hey, I’m being honest!) that they didn't really handle the people's requests very well. There was a bit of a wait, and I could hear some grumbling. The food was fine, but the service? It was not stellar.
The Verdict – Paradise? Kinda, Sorta.
Sun, Sea, & Stunning Views: Your Fuengirola Paradise Awaits! is a solid choice. The location is genuinely breathtaking, the pool is a dream, and there's plenty to do. The rooms are comfortable, the internet works (finally!), and they seem to be taking safety seriously. However, the service at times can be a little off, and the overall experience isn't quite the luxury promised on the website.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5 Stars. I would go back.
My Honest Recommendation:
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with fantastic views and a great pool, and accessibility isn't a major issue, book it. Pack your sunscreen, your favorite book, and just… chill. Embrace the sunshine, the sea, and let those stunning views wash over you. Be prepared for the occasional hiccup, but overall, it's a pretty damn good way to spend a vacation.
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Middlekerke's BEST Apartment: Stunning Hinterland Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… ME in Fuengirola, Spain, courtesy of Belvilla by OYO and their promised 2-bedroom apartment. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? God, I need this vacation.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tapas Debacle (or, "Where's the Damn Garlic?")
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Malaga Airport. Ugh. Airports. The soul-sucking vacuum of humanity. Thankfully, the Belvilla apartment rental promised easy access. We'll take a cab, hopefully avoiding the usual tourist-trap price gouging. (Fingers crossed.)
- 1:00 PM: Check-in. Praying the apartment is ACTUALLY what the website promised. "Modern kitchen"? Does modern mean "doesn't have a cockroach infestation"? I'm a simple woman with simple needs: clean sheets and a working shower.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack and… collapse. Jet lag is a beast. Seriously, how do people do this travel thing constantly? At least I've got a balcony. Sun, sea breeze, and a cold beer. Sold.
- 4:00 PM: "Tapas Tour!" My optimistic (and possibly delusional) pre-trip plan. First stop: a recommended tapas bar. I'm picturing romantic sunset, a cool drink, and a dozen plates of deliciousness.
- 5:00 PM: Uh-oh. First Tapas Bar. A tad underwhelming. Patatas bravas that taste like sadness. The garlic aioli? Non-existent. Sacré bleu! A slight cultural barrier, perhaps? The waiter, bless his heart, just shrugged when I asked for MORE garlic. Clearly, I'm an American in Spain, and my palate is far from refined.
- 6:00 PM: Wandering along the beach boardwalk, I started to feel less like a tourist and more like I fit in. This is the perfect place to take a stroll and stare at the sea.
- 7:00 PM: Second tapas bar, redemption? Nope. More blandness. Starting to think my taste buds are broken. Or maybe, the locals are secretly judging my tapas ordering skills. I give up, and order a bottle of Rioja to self-soothe.
- 8:00 PM: The sun sets. Fuengirola glows in a golden light, and I'm starting to feel the magic. This is what I came for. Even the bland food can't ruin this.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and the Seagull Assault (or, "They're Just Hungry, Right?")
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! Praise the heavens! I feel… less like a zombie. Coffee on the balcony. The air is crisp, and the sea is sparkling. It's like a real movie.
- 10:00 AM: Beach time! Slather on the sunscreen (three times), grab a towel, and head down to the sand. The Mediterranean is calling my name. The water is a beautiful, inviting blue. This is why I came, for some bliss from the everyday.
- 11:00 AM: Sunbathing. Bliss. Except… the seagulls. They're circling. They're squawking. They have their beady little eyes locked on my sandwich. I'm not even exaggerating.
- 11:30 AM: Seagull Assault. They went for the sandwich. A full-on kamikaze attack. I lost to a bird. Humiliating. I retreat, defeated, into the relative safety of my beach chair, vowing revenge. (On the seagulls, mostly).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in the apartment. I have a grocery store nearby (thank you, Belvilla by OYO!). I whip up a simple salad. The kitchen is functional! Score.
- 2:00 PM: Rest. Or… attempt to. The apartment is, shall we say, “lively” during the midday. Construction noise, street vendors, and the relentless calls of “Hola!” from the balcony. Fuengirola is alive.
- 4:00 PM: Finally, a peaceful moment. I stroll along the boardwalk again. This time, I admire the local shops. The scent of the ocean, mingled with the delicious smell of baking bread. It's the little things, right?
- 6:00 PM: Sunset, part two. This time, I head to a chiringuito (beach bar) and order… something. The Spanish words evade me. This time, I order something that looks delicious. It better be.
- 7:00 PM: The local drink, a sangria. It's fruity, fizzy, and exactly what I need.
Day 3: Day Trip Disaster and the Museum Musing (or, "Maybe I Should Have Researched More")
- 8:00 AM: Wake up! Today, a day trip to a nearby town. I'd heard about Mijas. Planning a visit to the local museum. It's going to be a day of culture!
- 9:00 AM: The train. Pretty standard. I'm still not quite used to the Spanish timetable, and the train is already running a bit behind schedule.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Mijas. It’s Beautiful! The white-washed buildings clinging to the hillside are picturesque. I did not account for the hills. My calves are already screaming.
- 11:00 AM: The Picasso Museum. I read up on it. It wasn't quite what I expected, it was a small collection. I prefer a more comprehensive museum.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. The restaurant is charming, the food is delicious, a bit of a tourist trap, but I can't complain. I am a tourist.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the apartment for a nap. Jet lag and the Spanish sun are a dangerous combination.
- 5:00 PM: I spend the evening on the balcony, sipping wine and watching the sunset. It's a simple pleasure, but it's enough. I'm starting to feel truly relaxed.
Day 4: Market Mayhem and the Unexpected Gem (or, "Shopping Saves The Day")
- 9:00 AM: Market day! Fuengirola has a huge street market. The stalls are overflowing with clothes, trinkets, and… olives. Okay, mostly olives.
- 10:00 AM: The crowds are insane. I'm jostled, shoved, and nearly trampled by a herd of determined shoppers. I buy a scarf that I'm already regretting.
- 11:00 AM: I find a small corner shop. I'm glad I did. I found a few lovely souvenirs. I found the perfect present for my friends back home.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a small restaurant, off the beaten path. Finally, some real tapas! Garlic! Olives! The food is amazing, the wine flows. This is the real Spain!
- 3:00 PM: Discovering the castle. Right on the beach. It's cool, not exactly the most amazing castle, but the views are incredible.
- 6:00 PM: A long walk along the beach, and I find myself thinking. This trip is already worth it.
Day 5: The Farewell Feast (or "I'm Never Leaving")
- 9:00 AM: One last, glorious sunrise. The balcony becomes my sanctuary. Coffee, a book, and the sounds of the city waking up.
- 10:00 AM: Pack up. Ugh. This whole vacation thing is over? It's the hardest part of every trip.
- 11:00 AM: Farewell lunch. I find another tapas bar. My palate has developed – almost. I discover “gambas al ajillo” (garlic shrimp). It’s perfection.
- 1:00 PM: Last stroll along the beach. I breathe in the salty air, and I want to cry. I don't want to leave.
- 2:00 PM: Final moments on the beach. The seagulls, as always, are doing their thing. I smile. Maybe I'll miss them.
- 3:00 PM: Head to the airport. The Belvilla by OYO apartment was perfect. It gave me the freedom and space I crave. I'll be back. Spain, you've stolen my heart (and my appetite for garlic). Fuengirola, you will be missed.
- 5:00 PM: Board the flight home. Already planning the next trip. This time, I'm bringing more garlic. And an air horn for those damn seagulls.
Sun, Sea, & Stunning Views: Your Fuengirola Paradise Awaits! (Or Does It...?) - FAQ... ish
Okay, so... Fuengirola? What's the absolute *vibe* supposed to be? Is it all sunshine and rainbows?
Alright, let's be real. Fuengirola *definitely* has its moments. Picture this: you, sprawled on a beach, the Mediterranean lapping at your toes... absolute bliss. The promenade? Buzzing! The smell of paella wafting from every other restaurant? Heavenly. But hold on a second... it's not all perfect. Last time I was there, I tripped getting off the bus (graceful, as always), completely soaking my favorite floral dress. And the "stunning views"? Well, sometimes they're stunning, sometimes they're blocked by a gargantuan hotel that's probably paying more attention to its own views from the inside. The vibe is, let's say, "eclectic." A beautiful, busy, sun-drenched, occasionally chaotic, and often utterly charming mix.
Beach life! Spill the tea. Best beaches? Best time to go for some actual chill time?
Oh, the beaches! Man, that was the *reason* I booked it there in the first place. Honestly, they're pretty good. But finding the *perfect* beach spot? Now that's a quest. Some are packed like sardines (especially in August – avoid at all costs unless you *love* people), others are a bit quieter, but maybe a little further from the action. I liked ... ah, I *think* it was called Los Boliches. Less chaotic, nicer sand. But the best time? Early mornings. Before the sun gets *seriously* cranky. Evenings are beautiful too, when the sun dips. But you have to contend with the dinner-rush, which... well, more on that later.
Important tip -- **Never** underestimate the strength of that Spanish sun. I got burnt to a crisp on my first trip. Totally wrecked the holiday for the first few days. Lessons learned, people, lessons learned. Sunscreen. Seriously. And a hat.
Food, glorious food! Any recommendations? Tourist traps to avoid?
Oh, the food! This, my friends, is a mixed bag. The paella? Delicious, if you find the *right* place. Some places are tourist traps, serving up bland, pre-cooked nonsense. My advice? Wander away from the main promenade just a *little* bit. Look for places where locals are eating. Always a good sign. And if you see a restaurant with photos of the food plastered all over the menu, well, just keep on walking. That's my rule. And for the love of all things holy, try the pescaíto frito (fried fish). It's a must. Just... *be mindful* of the olive oil. Sometimes, you get the good stuff, sometimes you get the "I've-been-frying-for-a-week" type.
And... tapas. You simply *must* tapas. Little plates of deliciousness, the perfect way to spend the afternoon. I remember one place I went, and the waiter… ah, he was a legend! He looked like he’d walked off a movie set, and the Tapas were to die for; he kept bringing us new plates, even though we insisted we were full, and the wine, oh, the wine! It was one of the best afternoons I’ve ever had. (And I still can’t remember the name of the place!)
Nightlife? Party scene? Or more of a relaxing vibe?
The nightlife? Okay, this is where it gets...interesting. It's definitely there. Lots of bars with live music, karaoke (if you're brave, or have had a few), and clubs that go on until the early hours. It's lively, but not necessarily *crazy* wild, unless you *want* it to be. There are plenty of quieter cocktail bars too, perfect for watching the sunset. I generally prefer the more relaxed vibe, personally. Nothing beats a glass of wine and a good conversation. But watch out for the "Irish pubs." Now, I love an Irish pub, I do, but sometimes, when you're in Spain, you *want* Spain, you know? Some of those pubs are just...well, you'd never know you weren't in Dublin.
Transportation! Getting around? Do I need a car?
Nah, a car isn't absolutely essential. The town itself is pretty walkable, especially along the beachfront. There's a good train service (the Cercanías) that connects Fuengirola to other towns along the coast (Málaga, Torremolinos, etc.). It's cheap, easy, and a great way to explore. Buses are also available, but I find the train much easier. Besides, picture this: you're in a car, desperately trying to find parking, and you're missing the beautiful views. I'd rather hop on a train, drink in the scenery, and not have to deal with the parking chaos. That, or, you could stroll around the marina, take in the boat trip, and see how the other half live. Or, you can visit the small, charming Fuengirola-Mijas (the white village) to marvel at the views of the Costa del Sol.
Shopping? Any good finds? Any tourist traps?
Shopping... it's there. Plenty of souvenir shops, offering the usual trinkets and tat. There are also some boutiques with decent clothes and accessories, if you're willing to hunt. The markets are good for picking up local products, but be prepared to haggle. Tourist traps? Well, they're everywhere. If something seems too good to be true... you know the drill. I remember buying a "genuine" leather bag once. It disintegrated within a week. Lessons learned, again! Stick to the more established shops, and don't be afraid to explore the side streets. You might find a hidden gem. Like that ridiculously overpriced, but utterly gorgeous, pair of sandals I *had* to have. (And definitely don’t look at how much I paid for them. The memory still stings a little.)
Anything I *absolutely* must see or do? The 'must-do' list!
Okay, the 'must-do' list... hmm. Definitely wander the promenade at sunset – breathtaking, honestly. A day trip to Mijas Pueblo (the “white village”) is a must – stunning views, adorable donkeys. Eat paella, but find a good place (see food section). Take a train to Málaga to see the Alcazaba, or to Benalmádena for a cable car ride. And, this might sound silly, but...get lost. Wander down a little street. See where it leads. That’s how you have the *real* experiences. I once stumbled upon a tiny bar, where they had this amazing little tapas, made with local ingredients fresh from the sea. That was the absolute best experienceHospitality Trails
