The Diana Park is a very good value three star hotel. We would certainly stay there again if visiting the Costa del Sol.
The hotel has a nice feel to it, seemed clean throughout and the overall look is pretty and pleasant, with an abundance of orange trees in the hotel grounds. The reception and restaurant staff spoke fairly good English, and all staff were helpful and polite. Rooms are on two floors and arranged in rows around the swimming pool and reception/restaurant area. There is a seating area outside each room (first floor rooms have balconies). Although our row of rooms was adjacent to the busy main dual carriageway, traffic noise wasn’t a problem (an important issue for me) because our room faced away from the road. I’d imagine that traffic noise wouldn’t be a problem for most people, but ask for a quiet room when booking if you’re concerned.
Our room was clean and comfortable with a good en-suite bathroom (bath with shower). A free safe was provided. As expected, no tea or coffee making facilities, and TV channel selection was poor (one or two English-speaking channels), but these are minor criticisms.
If you’re fussy, you might find fault with the self-service food. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how good it was and enjoyed our mealtimes. Half board was great value compared with dining out every night, which we did the previous year when staying at a different hotel.
Breakfast comprised a decent continental selection (hot water available for tea, but bring your own tea bags). Eggs, beans, bacon (Spanish-style) and sausages (Spanish-style) are freshly cooked for you on request. Evening meal comprised a choice of different meat, fish and pasta dishes with vegetables, chips and salad. The chef was always happy to fry fresh chips on request. A small selection of tasty, cold desserts was provided (rice pudding, egg custard, ice-cream and fruit).
We would recommend half board, but there are restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel if you choose to go the bed and breakfast route. We had lunch twice at the nearby tapas restaurant, which was nice, but we didn’t try any of the other local eateries.
The pool was clean but cold without the mid-summer sun to warm it, but we still managed a swim. There seem to be ample sun loungers surrounding it. The car park is free and secure, which is a big bonus. There were many free spaces during our stay, but possibly not during peak season when the hotel is full. Nearby street parking is an alternative. We had a hire car so didn’t explore any local beaches by foot (assuming there are any within walking distance). If you want a hotel situated next to a beach, then maybe this one isn’t for you. There’s a regular bus service to Marbella and other nearby towns, but a hire car is probably your best bet if you decide to stay here.
Minus points: No easy access to a beach by foot; no evening entertainment on-site.
Plus points: Clean and comfortable; good food; polite and helpful staff; free parking available; excellent value for money.
- Diana Park Estepona
- Diana Park Hotel Estepona
