Competa is one of the most beautiful; villages in the south of Spain. And Balcon de Competa offers old-world ambiance and a lovely location at the top of Competa. Prices are reasonable, breakfast service on the patio is terrific and the rooms are large and well outfitted.

We stayed in the Balcon de Competa for one week organised through Sheila's Spanish Walking Holidays. The hotel staff were very welcoming and obliging. Maria and David answered my e-mails promptly and were very helpful. They provided soya milk without any fuss for my breakfast, (thank you David). Most mornings we had breakfast on the balcony before our walk with Sheila which was very relaxing.
After our days walking, through the National Park, different villages and the many tracks (Sheila was very flexible), we always looked forward to returning to the hotel for a swim to cool down. The weather was sunny also and having a coffee on the balcony after our swim was bliss. We told Elizabeth that we reckoned the hotel had the best coffee in Competa and always served with a smile.
Competa is a great location with lots of things to do. One day as part of our holiday with Sheila we went to Granada and visited the Alhambra Palace which was facinating.
We enjoyed eating in many of the restaurants in Competa especially Cortijo Paco (turn left leaving the hotel up the hill, 3 mins walk) run by a lovely couple, the food was devine. The Pilon was also very good and worth a visit, it's one of the few restaurants open on Mondays in Competa so booking is recommended.
Our 2nd floor bedroom was spotless and we had a beautiful view across the countryside and down to the sea. The entire holiday exceeded our expectations and we enjoyed every minute.

We find ourseves at this hotel several times each year. We´ve stayed whilst attending a wedding and this year for other special occasions, including Valentine´s and a local festival.

The hotel is not luxurious, a little raggety around the edges in fact, but the rooms are comfortable, clean and warm with terraces and wonderful mountain views down to the sea.

Despite being full to capacity on most occasions, the service is smiley and friendly at all times. For Valentine´s this year (2011) the room, a four course dinner with entertainment and buffet breakfast, cost €100 for two. We didn´t attempt the outdoor pool in February but just around the corner there´s a 25 metre public pool, open-air in summer, which is covered and heated in winter.

We were back again in July (2011) for a charity festival held at the hotel. This time we had our favourite room, no 202, which is slightly larger than the others with a very spacious bathroom.

Always a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

This was a second visit to this great hotel and town.

As ever, the service was friendly and relaxed, and everyone was most helpful. The room appeared recently decorated and was clean and smart. Much better than you would get elsewhere for the price.

Only a couple of minor gripes though - the poolside bar opened only erratically, and wasn't doing lunch - probably because it was off season. Also, breakfasts weren't up to scratch - nowhere near the standard of last year. But don't let this put you off.