Conil de la Frontera was the 4th stop on our 5 location holiday in Andalucia and the place we knew least about. Ditto the Hotel Fuerte Costa Luz, so we were just a little apprehensive before we arrived as to whether we had made a good decision. The answer became very clear, very quickly that we had not made a good decision we had made a fantastic one.

First, the hotel. Well, it was rated 4 star but it was certainly not as plush or luxurious as the ones we stayed at in Malaga or Marbella. However, what it lacked in plushness it more than made up for in charm, fantastic service, comfort and an indefinable extra something that sets some places apart from the rest. We were given a family room for the 2 of us which was very comfortable with good beds, a strong shower and a nice balcony overlooking the pool and hotel grounds with the beach and sea about 300 metres away. The hotel is beautifully laid out in very well maintained grounds overlooking the stunning beach of Conil. Breakfast served on the balcony overlooking the flower gardens with the herb and vegetable gardens in the distance (the hotel places great store on sustainability), made a perfect start to the day. There is a main swimming pool and 2 smaller pools for children and a very nice spa which we enjoyed. There are various eating possibilities but the one we enjoyed most was the outdoor Tapas bar - everywhere the service is friendly but also professional.

Second, the beach. This is reached by a winding well made footpath which is very easy to walk down (and up). The hotel has a dedicated area on the beach where sunbeds and shades can be hired for €7 per day. The beach itself stretches for miles - it is broad with yellow sand and a firm area for playing games when the tide is out and it is cleaned every night. My wife and I thought it was one of the nicest, most family friendly beaches that we have visited for years and wished we'd discovered it when our children were growing up. There are several restaurants around the access to the Playa de la Fontanilla and several Chiringuitos and bars at the back of the beach - all serving excellent fish, seafood and tapas (and super Spanish wines) at very reasonable prices.

The town of Conil is well worth visiting and it can be reached either by walking along the beach or by a clifftop road.

One last point - during the 3 days we spent at the hotel we did not come across another English guest; indeed the only native English we heard was during a walk around the town. We almost never go back to the same hotel but we may well make an exception in this case.

The best holiday expirience ever. Nice clean hotel with a wonderful restaurant.
Min: Sun beds must be bought 7 euro per one. Bit expensive for a family..

This hotel far exceeded our expectations, and we can only echo what other guests have said. We were offered Chapagne on arrival - a complimentary sherry with our evening meal and a free cocktail later on in the bar. Our 'sea view' bedroom was clean and spacious, and beds were reasonably comfortable (a personal thing though). The beach was two minutes walk away, and there were plenty of areas in which to sunbathe or read. We enjoyed all the amenities - especially the unexpected live performances in he bar, and there was a huge range of great food on offer at breakfast and dinner. There is a good activities programme, and the staff were all really helpful and courteous. For a large hotel they maintained a VERY personal service. We will definately return!

We have been to this hotel 4 times. The hotel is wonderful, pools fantastic. The childrens club is one of the best my child has been to. The restaurant serves wonderful food and for a buffet style restaurant is first class! The waiters are extremely friendly and absolutely love children.

Guests are mainly Spanish at the hotel but all the staff speak perfect English. The beach is two mins walk and is absolutely stunning, very long sandy beaches and the sea is great for surfing or body boards!!

There are a couple of good restaurants close to the hotel and the town of Conil is approx 10 mins walk.