This was our second stay at the Cerro Mar Colina. We had the same accommodation last year so knew what to expect. The Cerro Mar complex consists (I think) of three main blocks. The Gardens containing the Main Reception, The Colina and the Atalanic. All within a hundred yards or so of each other.

I'll start with the downside. The entire complex is situated at the top of a VERY steep hill at the back of the Old Town. Although only about ten minutes walk downhill directly into the Old Square it's more than a slog back up. We learned our lesson last year and always took a taxi back from the Town to the apartments (Costs between 3.30 and 3.90 Euros) The Cerro Mar does run a free Mini-Bus service during the day from the main reception into and back from the Town, but only about five trips a day every hour.

The upside is the apartments are very good. Very large and very well equipped. All the facilities of the Cerro Mar are available to residents including the Gym, and Fitness Club etc. The one bedroom setup we had consisted of Bedroom Bathroom, Kitchen and Living/Dining room. The balcony in this instance was also very large spreading entirely across all three parts of the apartment. The Kitchen is more than well equipped for the stay we had including dishwasher and washer) along with six sets of everything for eating. Rooms were cleaned every day and public areas kept immaculately clean.

On our first stay last year, we were a bit disappointed that we were allocated an apartment on the side of the building with no view whatsoever, so this year we were a bit cheeky and emailed (well) beforehand pointing this out and asking if, on our return we could get a better location (obviously this cannot be guaranteed as they pointed out in a very swift response) On arrival though and checking in, the reception seemed to know ait wasn't our first visit and we were delighted to find we had an apartment with both an excellent pool view and view over the Town.

We only came across one problem while we were there when we thought we had a problem with the cooking hob. Within thirty minute of reporting this to reception, the Maintenance people turn up to check it out (it turned out to be operator error !!!)

All in all we would certainly return and recommend these to anyone else (after pointing out the hillside location)

Stayed at the Cerro Marr for two weeks and would definitely go back.

Rooms fantastic with a wonderful view.

Pool excellent as was the facilities.

Rooms cleaned most days and very comfortable accommodation.

Cerro Mar Monterio

The apartments are large, light and spacious. Lovely balcony with view of old town and sea. Even equipped with dish-washer. Fridge with a small freeze compartment that was even functioning, toaster, coffeemaker and water boiler. No micro-wave, though. Small TV with a couple of German and Portuguese channels + Eurosport, CNN and BBC World. No internet, not even in reception.

From what I had read earlier, I had expected the stairs and hill to be much more ardourous than they were - only about 5 min walk to center of Old Town. Dogs yapping night and day was a flaw in an otherwise very nice environment, also sound-proofing between floors not very good, as we discovered when guests arrived on the floor above.

The keycard we received when we arrived was nearly broken- when leaving, they tried to charge us for it...

The Choro Mar is the friendliest place I have been. The staff have time for everybody the apartments are large and very clean.

The swimming pool is cleaned and tested every morning.

The children are encouraged to take part in the entertainment at night.

Food served in the bar is value for money.

The strip is within walking distance but far enough away so you don't get disturbed by the noise.

Overall the Choro Mar is first class I for one will be going back with my family in fact talking about it I think I