Found this myself when we were on a last minute package hotel holiday staying in a hotel the far end of Benalmadena in October 2005 - loved the resort - picturesque with a mountain backdrop - lovely paved beach-side walks for miles - regular buses to other nearby towns - plenty of tavernas from one end of the price spectrum to the other - no rowdiness ever - friendly welcoming locals who will willingly be fluent in and speak either English or Spanish - warm sunny days in October and balmy nights never down below the early twenties - and preferring the freedom of apartment holidays, started keeping my eyes open on our exploratory walks!. (Originally found the Aleysa Playa apartments opposite - also owned by the same people - much more upmarket and presently- closed whilst being refurbished and extended for the past three years and re-opening again in 2011). We were asked if we would like to be shown to one of the Don Gustavo apartments - ideal for family holidays and more reasonably priced and after looking around, booked a 3 bedroomed apartment for the following March- 2006 taking our daughter along with us. The three bedroomed apartments are more expensive, being larger, but have two double bedrooms and room with two separate beds,, a separate toilet and washroom as well as a bathroom with shower. The two bedroomed apartments have just the bathroom with shower... but all have fully fitted kitchens.

These apartments are mainly residential but some are let out on the first/third/seventh floors, I believe. All are all fully fitted and with everything you would need - washing machine/microwave/ironing facilities - have balconies overlooking the panoramic bay and views of the well-tended gardens down below and the swimming pool and paddling pool.. The pool is never ever crowded - most of the Spanish residents swim or sit for maybe only an hour or two outside. Down a few steps from the pool and gardens there are umbrellas and sun loungers available on a terrace area, for use of both residents and visitors.

Since 2005 we have returned yearly and in the last few years, usually twice yearly in May and again early October - I think this last holiday was possibly our 9th visit...we originally would go for one week at a time but for the past few years changed it for a fortnight on each occasion. We look forward to going back to see 'our friends at Don Gustavo' and always get a wonderful welcome from Raquel the General Manager for leasing and Petra, who I believe to be Antonio Gonzales, the owner's assistant. All of the staff are helpful and friendly - any maintenance problems are sorted immediately.

We have taken both our daughter, and our son, daughter-in-law and two young grandson's on holidays there with us in the past and all really enjoyed it.

It is easily accessible as only a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the airport at Malaga, costing approximately 23 - 25 euros.

The marina, which is only 15 minutes walk is very picturesque with many shopping outlets and good varied restaurants and bars. The towns of Torremolinos, Fuengirola and the mountain villages of Arroyo Miele and Mijas are a short bus ride away. At Fuengirola you can then take a bus or a train on to go further afield: to the towns of Marbella, Porto Banus. and Estapona.

We have been to many places in the Mediterranean over the last 15 years or so, but now wonder, having found Don Gustavo, if anywhere else would quite meet up to our expectations anymore. Unless of course, you are looking for lots of busy noisy nightlife, we think that this resort and apartments just about have all you will need for a comfortable, relaxing enjoyable holiday in a lovely resurt.

I noted on the website you have classed 'Don Gustavo' as a hotel - but it is definitely residential and rental apartments.