Enjoyable but disappointing 2 week stay in large 2 roomed apartment, although kitchenette part locked up, probably due to us being half board. Huge balcony with nice sea view, sun canopy, table 2 chairs and 2 sun loungers, but they were badly torn and needed re covering. Air conditioning was dripping all the time it was on,leaving puddles of water on the floor of the lounge for the full 2 weeks, even though we reported it to different members of staff every day. Shower curtain badly in need of replacing as it had mildew half way up. Advertised as having a swimming pool but not big or deep enough to swim in, only a plunge pool to cool off in, and only two parasols on sun terrace round pool. No satellite T V ,only Spanish channels.Internet access is payable per minute. Continental style breakfast supposed to be up to 10.30am but if you are not in before 10am there is not much left. The waiter service evening meal was a choice of soup or salad starter, with one fish or one meat (usually pork) dish, with either ice cream, or in various disguises,creme caramel for pudding, although the menu for outside diners was much more varied. If there is a party in the function room, service is very slow,as this will take priority. The beach is described as being approx a 15mins walk, but that is down a steep slope, which on the way back up will take about 30mins with no shelter from the sun, so beware!! Quite crowded at the weekends with the locals, who go there by car. Also described as having solarium, fitness room/gym and seasonal -varying entertainment, but no signs of any of those. Although there are lots of things to do and places to go in the day time, unless you have a car, there is nothing to do in the evenings as the bus service stops quite early and taxis are not that cheap.

Stayed with wife & 2 kids - Got the a 2 room apartment for 85 eu per night
Good points - Nice view from a big balcony. Staff pleasant and helpful. Breakfast fine. Quick drive to Burriana beach in Nerja, Pool shallow and small but that made if perfect for small children
Bad points - room a little run down, Air conditioning not working, Room was not ready when we arrived at 4 and when we got in the cleaning job seemed a little rushed.
Overall we found it an OK base for a few days at the beach.

We stayed at this hotel for a week at the end of August, early September, and we chose Maro to stay away from the busy resort towns. Maro is a lovely small village just a 5-minute drive from Nerja and is worth staying there.

The Playamaro Hotel is an average place to stay, with the bets thing being the location in Maro. The hotel can be very noisy, as you can hear doors slamming at night. The rooms are also quite small.

We arrived to find out that our booking through Holiday Hypermarket was charged but they failed to inform the hotel. Luckily, they had a cancellation and we managed to get a room in the annex across the road. The annex was just ok and you could hear people using the toilets, showering at 10pm to leave for dinner and returning at 6am, making lots of noise.

The breakfast is basic but ok, although the main menu in the same restaurant for lunch and dinner is really good and it is worth dining there.

The beach in Maro is not worth it: small and crowded. It is worth having a car and drive a bit out of town to other resorts like Herradura or other secluded beaches such as Playa de Cantarrijan, but beware that most beaches in this areas are pebbly and not sandy. It is also worth it driving up into the nice, traditional towns on the mountains, such as Frigiliana.

The nearest town is Nerja, which is nice enough to visit and go for dinner. A word of advice: if you have a car, don’t bother trying to park in the centre of town. It’s a nightmare. Use the main underground car park instead, which is virtually on the sea front where the main area of restaurants and shops are.

Word of advice for gay travellers: this area of Spain is not exactly gay-friendly or tolerant. Gay couples are stared at as the resorts in this area are mainly aimed at families.

My wife and I had 5 nights in the Playamaro and while on the whole enjoyed the experience the hotel lets itself down in several ways.

We were in the main building, top floor. 2 rooms plus bathroom. Kitchenette locked away. Very pleased with first impression. But after a long, overpriced and disappointing meal in the restaurant on returning to our room we met the problem.

On the outside wall of our room is the hotel's neon sign. Unfortunately, one of the words is not working but its starter is. This results in a very loud vibration and hum being transmitted through the wall. Earplugs did not work as the bed itself was humming. By the third night I plucked up corage to complain and was told that it would be switched off at 11. Each night thereafter I had to go to reception to ask for it to be switched off. No problem but it needed doing.

Breakfast boring, especially for late breakfasters. I never want to see peach jam again. It was all they had.

Parking difficult. Air con very old and ineffective.

Good points were reception when the right person was on, the village, beach, bathroom, TV channels, cleanliness and a very comfortable bed.