Gran Hotel Elba Estepona Thalasso and Spa

Stayed at this hotel for one week with high hopes for a quiet end of season break in a 5* hotel. We booked a junior suite to give us a bit of extra space and a nice balcony/sea view - we were realistic and not expecting Dubai 5* standards. Unfortunately, we had an underwhelming experience all round. Nothing particularly bad, but mostly all very average except from a few members of staff who seemed to enjoy their work and wanted to provide guests with a helpful and friendly experience (Danny G and Toni in the bar areas and both of the fresh-cook chefs at breakfast and dinner). Food for the buffet breakfasts and dinners was generally fresh and nicely presented, but across the week did not vary much. We tried one of the bookable restaurants and the menu options and quality of food and service much better. Location - nice position by the coast/beach but its not in or near Estepona. We had not been to this area before and would have expected to be able to walk into town from the hotel. Its about 20 mins to walk to Estepona Marina where there are some nice bars and restaurants. Then a further 20 mins to walk on to Estepona Town. A taxi is about E10/E12 each way. There are golf clubs permanently on display at the hotel entrance and we soon discovered that quite a few golf groups (mostly men) use the hotel for golf breaks. Nothing wrong with that at all, but 8 - 12 blokes descending on the pool in the afternoon or in the buffet and bar in the evening does change things for other guests. Some of the smaller golf groups of 4-6 blended in fine. Overall, the hotel is generally quite dated and in need of a makeover and upgrading. However, for its rate/prices and for specific guest groups, think 4* and you might be able to see though its shortcomings. Unfortunately, not for us and not a hotel we will return to.

Set on a beach with sea view rooms that had incredible views out to sea. The rooms were spacious with enormous beds. We had standard and a junior suite. The standard was certainly big enough, the suite, incredibly spacious. Bathrooms were clean with shower and bath, and nice cupboard space. Not a huge amount of atmosphere but just a perfect place to stay and go out to dinner in Estepona, where there are amazing restaurants. The half board food was as I expected, a large selection of choices but nothing outstanding to a normal buffet selection. The staff were plentiful, attentive and polite. The outside pool was clean, attractive and just beside a gate to the beach. Though the beach was not a nice sandy beach. It was grey sand, shingles and large stones, the actual sea was nice to swim in. Value wise, for the standard of hotel, it certainly want cheap but I’d say worthwhile.