This is the 4th time we have spent christmas & new year at Don Pablo and we found the Gala meals very poor christmas we were served with crab soup it was revolting and turkey stuffed with prunes and chestnuts which we had that last year and it was no nicer this time, at new year the soup was oily and the lobster was under cooked the fillet steak was raw not just rare. On our table there was 12 of us and no one enjoyed our Gala meals much prefered the everyday meals when we could have what we liked, be interested to know what other people thought of christmas & new year the general feeling among people we spoke to was that the food standard was not as good as it has been

My husband and I booked a last minute getaway over the New Year. At this time of year there were very few people in town . The hotel is ideally located , literally acroos the street from the beach. The main shopping area is a 10 min walk away. You can either walk up some rather steep stairs or take the public lift up (50 cents per trip). The climb should not be a problem for most with moderate fitness.
Even numbered rooms at Don Pablo don't catch the sun at all. There are a lot of loungers in the hotel ground for that so we didn't mind as the view from these rooms are better. If you want to soak up the sun sitting in your own balcony ask for an odd numbered room.
Breakfast can get crowded, before 8.30 is best for a more relaxed feel in the restuarant
We took a conducted day trip to Nerja and Frigiliana.Donot miss the incredible underground caves at Nerja. There are several steps into and out of the cave,so bear that in mind. The caves do close for a couple of hrs at 14.30 so time your trips to account for this. The restuarant there has some great views over the bay marred however by the incredibly poor and slow service!
You can take day trips to Granada, Seville , Gibraltar and other surrounding areas. The day trips aren't available for a couple of days over new year. There is a booking office for these trips just opposite the tourist information office on the beach. The lady at the desk was most helpful. There may be others in town as well. We didn't come across any others though.
A lot of the restuarants were closed for the holidays.Lovely fish dishes. Deep fries white bait (boquerones) very nice. Local speciality of Arroz Negro, sort of a creamy seafood risotto coloured with squid ink ... to die for. We had it at the restuarant "La Paella" on the beach at the suggestion of the head waiter and almost licked the platter clean! Don't let the thought of squid ink put you off. You just must taste this dish.
Our friends said the place would be loud and crass. Perhaps it is in summer.Don't know. But when we went over New year's , it was very laid back. Sunny skies, turquoise seas and great seafood. Would we go back... yes!

Good hotel, welcoming staff bedrooms and facilities ideal for our short stay. Used the indoor swimming pool which was spacious and warm on an unusually wet and cold day in November.

We only had a short break , but what a hotel , great service , good food , nice rooms, and happy hour for 2 hours!!! Defo come again ps the weather was fab aswell . Regards Lisa and Andy .