Overall, our stay at the holiday village was very good. It had everything it needed and was clean and spacious inside.

The food was excellent. Breakfast was generally the same everyday, but there was plenty of choice. However the juice wasn't cold, but there was the option of hot drinks. Lunch was ok. The quality was excellent, but the choice wasn't so great, however less people ate in the restaurent at lunch time. The evening meals were superb. There was generally different things every night, including a vast selection of puddings. The italien was very good. The service was of good speed and the food of good quality, and there was plenty of it. The Mexican was also good. The second time we used it though, the service wasn't very fast and we were given cold food, but we brought this down to the fact that there had been filming taking place in the restaurant just before our sitting.

The rooms were exceptionally clean and airy, whilst quite spacious. There was a large bathroom with 2 showers and basins (1 over the bath and the other with a screen) and enough towls of various sizes were always provided. 5 bottles of drink were provided in the fridge each day ( 2 cokes, 1 water, 1 fanta lemon and 1 fanta orange) however, we took any unused bottles out of the fridge each morning, to ensure we were topped up on the full 5 each day. Also, there was a very large balcony with chairs and a large table, and still lots of room.

Our view looked over the railway line, but the trains didn't really bother us as they were only very small trains on a single line. There was also a donkey in the village behind the hotel which made quite a bit of noise.

The room was always clean very well, and the cleaners always polite. However on the last day we were asked many times what time we were going to be out of the room, even though we could stay until 12pm.

We never really took full advantage of the hotel entertainment, but it was always there. There were clubs for up to 15 year olds, and plenty of other activities throughout the day, both at the hotel and beach club. the evening entertainment in the evening started quite late and didn't really seem that amazing, but was no worse than anywhere else we have been.

Having access to the beach club was brilliant - we only used the hotel pool once. It was quiet over there too - as many of the all inclusive guests stayed at the hotel for the drinks ans snacks (which the all inclusive guests had to pay for at the beach club) there were a few adult only pools, and some childrens pools, as well as the fountain pools. Access was over a foot bridge but there was a zebra crossing being painted while we were there, but the bridge always seemed the safest option.

The beach was about a ten minute walk from the hotel and access was down some steep steps, but that was fine for us as there weren't too many of them. The beach was very quiet and quite clean.

We didn't think that the location was that bad. It was about a 15 minute walk into the edge of Fuengerola. There were plenty of trips to go on, booked through both First Choice nad the hotel reception which were really good.

The inside of the hotel was large and spacious. there were more then 6 lifts in each blocks - you never seemed to be far from one! They were glass, and those that went up the outside the building gave you great views of the sea and beach club.

We returned from the HV on 5/9/04. First impressions are clean bright and modern. However, the apartments are in no way suitable for 5.

If you are happy to stay on site and have children under 13 then you will have a great time.

The maids and cleaners fight a losing battle with cleaning due to the mess left in most areas by the guests, definately something for us Brits to be ashamed of.

We have 3 boys 18/16 and 10, the 10 year old took part in the soccer school which I would give a 5 star rating. Unfortunately there is nothing at all for the over 13's as the pool tables are in the arcade which is full of the younger ones. Our boys met up with other bored teenagers, most of who ended up having agood time. There are the odd few out to aggravate others, our own experience was not pleasant. The hotel staff and reps were excellent but lessons need to be learnt.

The beach club is wonderful (the security guards were friendly and helpful) it could be improved if there were out of water activities ideally a pool table in a shaded area. The main hotel pool is extremely busy (Brighton Beach on a Bank Holiday.) The reps do organise some daytime games but these are limited and repetitive.

We went off site most evenings and were at the mercy of buses which are straight forward but not often on time, you need to be at the stop around 10 mins before the timetable says the bus will come. If you do stay on site you can book the Le Perla Restaurant but have to take pot luck on the Mexican and Italian, we tried twice and could not get a table, we ended up with takeaway pizza. We all preferred Benalmadena which has a Marina, we found Fuengerola very busy and quite dirty.

You can also travel by trains which do run on time but the station is approx 15 mins away. We used the train for Torremelinos and Plaza Mayor (NIKE outlet and a few other stores and restaurants, definately worth the effort). In the last few days we discovered that trips can be booked in Benalmadena for much less than First Choice offer on sight.

The HV shop has to be the most expensive holiday supermarket we have ever encountered this is definately a hotel more suitable for AI. The evening entertainment is also hit and miss and what suits one will not suit another. The biggest shame is that not more is made of the Irish Bar, this opens at around 11pm if your kids are awake they do let them in, they also let them in for the England game last Sat, this bar could make the world of difference to a lot of holidays. After all I've said we did have a good holiday but it could have been better and we would not consider returning.

My friend and I booked a late deal to Costa del Sol and expected to be shown to some dive in the middle of nowhere we nearly collapsed when we saw the Holiday Village as it is one of the most modern and impressive complex's I have ever been to.

The hotel was very clean and the maids were in every day to clean even if it meant us getting out of bed with a hangover!!! There was always fresh towels and with two girls who use as many as us that is quite an achievement!!!

The apartments were very well equipped with a toaster and a microwave and plenty of glasses and cutlery, the air conditioning was a god send with the heat of August.

The location of the hotel was a bit remote but I liked the fact that it was in the middle if Benalmadena and Fuengarola because it meant you had the best of both worlds.

There is a bus stop right outside for either resort and it only costs 1 Euro, the buses are all air conditioned and very regular.

The beach club was great and we always managed to get a sunbed no matter what time we dragged ourselves out of bed!!!

The pool bar food was really nice and reasonable as was the price of drink in the hotel bars, the only negative thing I would say was the prices in the supermarket in the hotel it was very very expensive we just got bus into Benalmadena and went to the supermarkets there.

The staff in the hotel were very helpful and pleasant. We didn't go to the entertainment in the hotel as we were more interesting in clubbing but they seemed to have various things on and plenty of kids clubs for children I can't wait to return next year!!!

We arrived back from the Holiday Village 4/09/04 following a 2 week stay.

As with all the other reports on the hotel, it is beautiful. Can't blame the maids for state of the public toilets as this down to the kids being allowed on their own and making a mess!!!

Food excellent for an All Inclusive hotel, there is a wide choice for everyone, even the fussiest of eaters.

The Holiday Soccer school and the swim kids are excellent ideas, my two boys benefited greatly from both. The younger being 8 years old was unable to swim before the holiday and after just 5 half hour sessions costing just 40Euros, he can now swim unaided!!! Stagecoach (Singing and Drams lessons) are also offering their services, and they do a short piece as a group during the evening entertainment, though my kids did not opt for this.

As for people saying the older kids are bored, I don't know why as my eldest who is 12 attended the Wavelengh sessions for 12-15 year olds, they had Playstations Gamecubes etc which they loved playing on, they did nights out for them to Tivoli World (amusement park), daytime activities including a day at the Waterpark, Crazygolf and all sorts. He had a fab time and met loads of boys his age. There were also daily activities in and around the pool area, and over at the Beach Club, including Water Polo and numerous water based games. They even had adult games including water volleyball/basketball, football at the Beach Club and Killer Pool/Darts. There is literaly something for everyone, so if you are willing to join in with all the fun (which is why you go to an all action lively holiday venue with is aimed at families!!) then there is no reason why anyone should be bored.

The pool did get crowded and the beds with sunshades were taken up at around 8.00am, however this was not a problem as we spent most of our time at the Beach Club during the day (so much more peaceful with plenty of space and sunbeds for everyone As we were All Inclusive we got bottles of water from the Oasis bar at the evening, would then freeze them overnight and take them with us to the Beach Club, as they were frozen they would slowly melt throughout the day and remained cold. We would also get sandwiches/salads & biscuits from the snack bar and take them with us too.

Selwo Marina in Benalmadena is excellent, the kids will love it. Its like a very small Seaworld with Sealions and Dolphin shows etc.

Tivoli World is also an excellent night out, especially if you have kids are young at heart!!!! Its relatively cheap too, though we didn't go with the First Choice reps, we went independantly.

Benalmadena Marina is stunning, a beautiful Marina undescribable, you have to see it to appreciate it. However there are numerous people offering boat trips stating a visit to the Dolphins, this is not guaranteed. I would recommend going into Gibralter if you want a guarantee to see the Dolphins and its cheaper!

If you like Markets then head for Feungirola on a Tuesday morning, this Market is massive and remember to Barter!!!

Even though we were All Inclusive we still had to go out for a Chinese!! So if like us you fancy a taste of the Orient then head for the Water Margin, which is located down the hill by Barclays Bank - Centro Commercial near the hotel Triton.

I will definately return to the Holiday Village again, a good time was enjoyed by all, and we all wish we were still there now.

Hope you have a fantastic holiday

We arrived back from the HV from All Inclusive on the 27th August and we had a FAB time. We went with our 14 yr old son who was without his siblings for the first time.

If you are confused by the varied reviews then you have to look at what people want and expect from a holiday. The lack of shops within realistic walking distance never bothered us because we don

Returned yesterday 9th September from a 2 week holiday in the Holiday Village. This was our 1st sun holiday as a family and we booked the location all-inclusive after a lot of research. We were not disapointed.

After our smooth coach transfer from the airport at Malaga to the Holiday Village, we had a very smooth check-in at reception we had didn't have to wait for our room (even though we arrived at 1100). The receptionist was very efficient. She helped us with hiring of beach towels, parasol, tv remote control and room safe.

Our apartment, which was to the rear of one of the blocks, was excellent. Well furnished living room (with sofa bed.) Large bedroom with 2 beds, huge bathroom with double wash-hand basin, bath/shower a seperate shower. Large balcony with table and 5 chairs. The kitchen was small but had most things - we didn't use it at all as we were all-inclusive. I think if I had been self catering I would have been disappointed as we had no toaster, kettle or teatowel or cloth and the cupboards and crockery had not been cleaned from previous occupants. We also needed to defrost the fridge.

The cleaners came in very day and did a good job. The day before we left I couldn't believe how clean the room was and they had left a teatowel for 1st time (I can only assume this was all done with a tip in mind).

Breakfast lunch & dinner were available in La Perla restaurant which was huge (and always really clean) All meals were buffet style. Most tastes in food were catered for (beef, chicken, pork and fish as well as vegetarian dishes). A bit disappointed that breakfast juices came from a dispenser. Waiting staff were very efficient sometimes too efficient in that, any unattended plates were removed almost immediately. We were so impressed with Le Perla that we never availed of our 2 nights in the Mexican & 2 nights in the Italian. We, and our son enjoyed the food so much in Le Perla.

Bar staff too are efficient although sometimes it is a little difficult to order something out of the ordinary, language barrier I suppose.

Facilities in general are very good. 2 pools in the Village complex as well as 2 small bars. One major irritation is the lack of adequate toilet facilities. They are badly located and too few to cater for the number of guests.

The kids club was an excellent facility for our 3 year old son. There seemed to be loads of activities to keep the children occupied during each session. Each day we asked him did he want to go to kids club or to the pool 90% of time he choose the kids club. He also did swim kids with Jossie which he loved.

First Choice certainly work their employees really hard. The staff that they emply as both entertainers and kids reps do a really good job. They are on the go from really early in the morning till midnight (always with a smile) with very few days off.

Most of the speciality acts were very entertaining. The outside stage is a great idea. The indoor venue (which they used for 2 nights during our stay for some reason) does really work though.

The Irish Bar was a big disapointment, Irish in name only, needs a bit of improvment in the Irish theme. Also large venue and any time we were there, there would have been 20 people there max..

Cleaners did an adequate job in difficult conditions. The majority of the guests seemed to have left their standards of hygiene at home ie. not cleaning up after their snacks from outside snack bar, toilet paper all over the public toilets, littering the lifts etc.

A small critisism is that some of the locals are allowed to use the facilites of the Beach Club through some arrangement with the management. The beach Club is a fantastic facility which never gets crowded.

We never really left the complex as we had everything there that we needed. All in all we had a very enjoyable holiday met some fantastic people who we will definatly keep in contact with. We will recommend this facility to anyone (especially with children) but would recommend to go all-inclusive. We shall return.

Just arrived back 10/9/04 after 2 weeks holiday here with 4 yr old son and 21m son.

Hotel first impressions are fantastic, very spacious with a full size boat in the hallway, numerous lifts (although they regularly broke down) and great views.

Bedrooms spacious for our party with sons in cot and sofa bed. Would not recommend sleeping 5 though. 2 large single beds in main room, with very large bathroom with 2 sinks, 2 showers, and bidet. Small kitchen but well equiped - don't forget to empty your fridge of any drinks as they replace used drinks daily for all inclusive custs. Large balcony overlooking pool area. Air con great, but minimal English channels on TV - strange as there are only English in the hotel!

Cleanliness not good for new hotel and although I agree with other reports that we cause the mess in the first place they never moved the sunbeds at night to clean around the pool area and consequently the pool was often dirty with full ashtrays around. One day a 7 year old "solied" in the pool which although was reported quickly to the lifeguards remained there for 2 hours before it was finally removed - again his parents should have done something too.

Beach club not as good as expected, very cold water with only 1 small slide. Being expanded next year to have more facilities.

Entertainment fantastic with great mini disco for kids, bingo, caberet and then main show at 10pm. Shows could have been better suited to the adult audience. First choice reps great especially Jason - watch out boys!!

Kids club brilliant with at least 3 free sessions daily and sometimes a pyjama party at 9-11pm watching videos and having sweets. Would recommend swim kids to anyone with young children - we no longer need armbands - hooray - thanks to Josie.

Food very good, best all inclusive we have had in terms of variety and quality. Drinks excellent choice in bars with minimal wait to be served by freindly staff - if you are friendly to them they are back.

Overall we had a great holdiay but would probably not be returning due to the cleanliness and the location - no shops/bars within 20 min walk. Being an all English hotel we only have ourslevs to blame for the cleanliness and arrogance. I would be interested to see the state of the hotel in say 3 years as already tiles were coming off in the pool, shower door was rusty, door knob fell off, lifts breaking down - but only time will tell.

If they sorted out the cleanliness then I would fully recommend this to anyone whether single, couple or family and will keep watching this website to hear the good news to sway us to return.

We arrived back last night after 2 weeks at the the HV, we all had a fantastic time, the main plus's being the fantastic, hardworking reps, entertainers and kids reps, they were all really friendly and encouraged everyone to participate, even my usually reticent other half!

The shows they did were very well rehearsed and the reps put their heart and souls into them, Our two kids aged 4 and 8 loved the kids club, mini disco and bingo and the hotel is so well secured you didn't worry over them wandering.

The food in all the restaurants was amazing, I put on 6 pounds! Lots of choice, themed nights and huge portions. Waiters and staff very attentive, polite and friendly always made a fuss of the kids.

Have to mention Stewart, Becca, Jodie and Jenni (hope you enjoy the book) and the rest of the ents staff, we've been to AIs before and never been so well entertained!

Our room was at the back near the train lines but didn't bother us as we live near a railway at home, also the braying donkey helped you to feel you were in Spain, which you sometimes forgot being surrounded by so many British.

My only grumble is with some of the other guests, areas were dirty and unkempt because of their slack attitude in cleaning up after themselves, there are plenty of bins around but some people had difficulty using them, it could also get a little rowdy at night in the corridors. One night we were kept awake til 3am by what I can only describe as a youth club happening outside our door. However when we spoke to reception they told us to call security should it happen again and they would send someone.

Guests in the room above thought nothing of flicking their cigarette ends down onto our terrace, narrowly missing my son, again reception sorted that one out.

I would say this is definately a four star hotel, just a shame that some of the guests are not.

When we arrived at our hotel my DD's family room was ready but ours wasn't. We therefore had a preview of her room first where we placed all our bags so that we could go out for a look around and get some lunch. The room looked lovely although a bit of a disappointment to find that we overlooked the railway. A couple of hours later our room was ready and we were just a few doors further down. Still overlooking the railway but we did at least have a sea view and also overlooked the kids club.

To be quite honest after reading the reviews on here we did almost cancel our holiday as we had booked this holiday on the basis of being close to the beach. Anyway, we went ahead with it and went on a positive view, I had shown my 7 year old the photo of the beach that I had found on this site and he was rather disappointed but then I went on to show him photos of the pools and he was happy. So we went.

We had a great time and I only left the complex one day to go to the market. In a way when you go on holiday it is nice to walk round shops and everything but being away from it all does ensure that you switch off from the outside world much better. The kids club and representatives were excellent and my 7 year old son fell in love with Carla and has her photo sitting by his bed and wants his next holiday with Carla there. My DD and her family went off to Fuergenrola and Beneladema a couple of times but as I say we tended to stay on the Village. My son just loved the pool although it was a bit concerning for him as he came out with cut toes on almost every visit.

The food was really good, particularly as I am vegan for allergy reasons and still managed to make sure that I got full up. We didn't think much of the Mexican restaurant but we did visit the Italian twice and enjoyed our second visit more as we knew what to expect.

One thing that I would say is that they seemed to have rations on the toilet rolls and spent most of our time trying to get them to give us them when cleaning the room. I know this is a new hotel but could they really be short on these.

Another thing to take into account if you have young children is the sideboard type piece of furniture in the room is quite dangerous. My 2 year old grandson opened the draw and the next thing the whole piece of furniture has come down on his leg which necessitated him to have his foot in plaster for the next few days so couldn't go swimming or get his foot wet. It is fine with older children but if you have a young one then please be careful. My daughter had the item removed from their room.

The beds are really big and I felt not too uncomfortable and my son slept on the pull out bed in the lounge and slept quite soundly. Balconys are big and have a pation table and chairs and really nice.

The entertainment is good if you have children as the kids just love it and my 7 year old son joined in every bit of the party dances whether they were late at night or in the swimming pool, he just loved it.

Yes we would go there again but not next year but definitely we would go back again.

I am so glad that we went ahead with our holiday as we so nearly cancelled it.

Eldatom

We stayed in the Holiday Palace, the second hotel in the holiday village.

At first glance the resort looks excellent. The pool areas look superb. The rooms were very spacious and clean. The resort is very secure. Unfortunately, staying at this new resort is not so good.

The location is very poor. There are no amenities within walking distance. When you book a holiday on the Costa del Sol then you are probably looking for more access to local amenities. There isn't a beach within walking distance.

The Holiday Palace is located up a hill. There is a shuttle bus that runs up and down the hill, but there is a charge of 3 euro per person (including children) for the 60 second journey. If you read good reviews about this hotel then look at the ratings people have given the hotel for location and anything more than a 1 should give you an idea of how critical they are.

The pool area was very secure with lifeguards on duty. Unfortunately you are constantly reprimanded for any fun type behaviour, splashing about or having a laugh. You can't even swim with your plastic sunglasses on! No fun at all when you are on holiday with your children.

The food and drink were VERY expensive and you don't have much option.

There was a lot of effort put in to try make the entertainment good, however it was outdoor with no atmosphere at all and not much for the kids.

When the resort is fully developed and the golf course is built it may be worth a visit on an all-inclusive deal.

However I will definitely not recommend a visit until then and I will definitely advise friends and family not to go.