We've just come back from Benalmadena - stayed in the Bali - Thomson Holidays - only 2-3 mins from promenade - but up a slight incline. Central position - about 15 mins from marina and wonderful park.
Lovely sea view from room and very good food with large choice.
Hope this helps.

We stayed last March at the Bali (see my review). We had a fantastic time and plan to visit again in the near future. My mother in law visited the Sirocco last March she liked it but she wasn`t over impressed with the food but the reviews I`ve read are very good.The Bali and Sirocco are not far from oneanother.

Resort wise most things were open and the resort had a nice feeling to it, it wasn`t busy but not dead. We had a fantastic busy holiday with some fantastic weather.

The age group of people in Benalmadena was mixed and in the Bali was mainly over 40s with the odd family as it was easter but easter falls later next year. There was quite a few bars around with things going on.

If you do opt for the Bali send them an email 2 weeks before asking for a marina view, we did and it was lovely,we even managed to sit out late at night having a night cap.

Christine W

thank you both for your help. The Bali hotel looks pretty good too so I'll just have to make up my mind and book.

Take a look at the benal-life website where all the hotels are listed with interactive maps so you can locate them. Remember to visit Arroyo de la Miel while you there, it is the busiest part in the winter months.
http://www.benal-life.com/hotels.htm