The room we had was perfectly functional ; 2 single beds , wardrobe space, fridge freezer, hob, toaster kettle cups cutlery, pots and pans. Bathroom had a shower (no bath) and no toiletries or hair dryer. Large settee that could convert to a sofa bed if pulled out. TV in the room, but could only get BBC worldwide/CNN/Bloomberg etc.. There is an elevator if you needed it. Surprised to hear comments about "the hill" leading to the hotel from the front - unless you really having trouble getting around, it should be no problem whatsoever. You can pay extra for clean sheets or to get your room cleaned, but to be honest for a week, you can manage if you are responsible and keep the place tidy. In the basement there is a smallish pool area, didn't use, can't comment, and a reasonable sized bar. Reception were friendly, although their English was limited. All in all very good. At nights the bar turns into a function room with Karaoke or a singer and the sound does tend to echo around the place. If in doubt ask for a room on the higher floors. We were on first and although I could hear it, it didn't bother me. Tips : If you go, don't pay for airport transfers. The new train service that runs from Malaga airport (straight out of arrivals signposted "tren"), goes all the way to Fuengirola. Taxi is about 30€, but for €1.40 each you can go to Arroya de la miel on the train, kind of like Benal "high town". Taxi from there is about 6€. You can walk down to the hotel if you' re reasonably fit, but recommend a taxi back to Arroya to get the train back to the airport. Apartments are about 50 yds from the main coast road, which is about the same from the beach. The road is busyish, but go down the the bottom and turn left and about 100yds is the supermarket "Supersol" where you can get your coffee, loo roll, soap, washing up liquid etc. Just before the supermarket is the bus stop where you can go to Fuengirola, although it wasn't my thing. Torremolineos is in the opposite direction, and can be walked (about 1.5 miles) either on the road or along the beach. Buses are really cheap , drivers spoke English and gave change.Would recommend trips to Mijas, and Benal. Pueblo. These are quieter, more original Spanish places and are both beautiful. Also recommend the trip to Gibraltar, but pay the extra € and do the rock tour. This is not just the shopping , but takes you up to Upper Rock in a minibus to see the monkeys (they're not apes), the caves and the great views of Africa. Back to Doramar :Didn't eat in the hotel but there are hundreds upon hundreds of bars and restaurants mainly with Sky sport and English TV. Best of the bunch : Mad A5s ( 2 doors down, good for big breakfasts, friendly landlord), Tony's Bar, (turn right out of apartments, immediate right, down hill, and on the right, quietish, good for snacks, cheap beer and friendly advice from the 2 ladies who appear to run it. Bar Ole, down to the coast road, cross over and go left, look for right turn to Plaza Ole, quiet classy bar, 2 ex pats who are really trying to make a go of it and offer relaxed atmosphere and good conversation away from the TV and Pie and Chips brigade. Best restaurant without a doubt we found was "Chameleons". Out of apartments, turn right up the hill, past the tartan bar, keep going and its on the right before you get to "Bonanza Square" (which is all little English bars). Menu del Dia was 10€ (in Nov) for 3 good courses in a lovely setting. Got our trip for £300 for the two of us inc flights from Bham off Teletext.com Absolute Bargain. Go and enjoy it. PS Weather in Nov was 15-23 deg C during the day, 1 light shower all week.
- Apartamentos Doramar Benalmadena
