- Costa del Sol Holidays
- Benalmadena
- MedPlaya Hotel Alba Beach

This pleasant hotel is situated just a stone's throw from Benalmádena's Torrequebrada Beach on the Costa del Sol. It features 2 outdoor pools, 2 bars and a restaurant. Numerous boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants are found in the neighbourhood. The Torrequebrada Golf Course is next to the hotel, the Benalmádena Casino can be reached within a short walk. Málaga International Airport is only a short drive away.
Due to the surrounding area and the number of steps around the hotel, it may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
The location of this hotel could not be better. Literally a minutes walk from the hotel and you are on the front with direct access to the beaches. There are plenty of supermarkets and bars/restaurants and public transport is nearby for travel to both Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The hotel is a short journey from Malaga airport also and has good public transport links to visit Mijas and Benalmadena Pueblo (old town) We travelled after the British summer holidays had ended and whilst the Spanish holidays were still ongoing so the hotel was very busy with Spaniards and their children. This did create a less than hospitable/welcoming atmosphere for us Brits. The room was very clean and spacious We were in room 423. Cleaned daily and fresh towels deposited. There was also complimentary hand wash and soaps/shampoos. Our room had a kettle with teas/coffees etc and a small fridge and safe to hire for 30 euros for a week. This 30 euros includes a 10 euro deposit which is returned to you on departure. Our room also had a fantastic view over the pool and views of the sea. The air con was also a God send! The hotel was excellent value for money due to location, cleanliness of of the hotel in general and particularly the rooms, comfort of the beds and friendly reception staff/room cleaners and entertainment, which concluded at 11pm sharp to allow guests to sleep. Despite being close to the front and a busy main road there was no excessive noise within the bedrooms. I have only two negative points to make - the first is regarding the outside bar staff. This comprised of a rather dismissive and unpleasant older man and two younger women. They all appeared to have no time for the British holidaymakers whilst laughing and joking and interacting with the Spanish guests. Don't think we got a smile out of any of them during our weeks stay. The second point was the temperature of the food, both dinner and breakfast. We were staying half board so we were having both. There is plenty on offer for both breakfast and at dinner however all the food was lukewarm. We were even first through the door at 7:30am on the day of departure and the "hot" breakfast was not even lukewarm it was out right cold which was mystifying as it had just been cooked and put out.
Great hotel! It’s 3 star not 5! So expect a 3 star!! This hotel is so clean! Comfy beds, new comfy sun beds! We had a great time!! Foods average but so Cheap To eat out!
just back from 2 week stay. No issues with cleanliness or staff which was second to none apart from one minor incident with restaurant manager (language problem) however the food at breakfast was ok. The hot buffet for the evening menu wasn't great. Meat half raw on one evening. On the last few days I had enough and ate out.
Like other reviewers I would like to comment on the drinks, for example copious amount of drinks at breakfast, juices, water and coffee even champaign breakfast on Sundays for free and after that for the lunches and dinners you have to pay out for water surely water with your main meals should be included in the price.
Although the area at night is very busy with traffic the sleep quality in the hotel is very good once settled.
Overall apart from the food issue we had a pleasant stay and if we were to return to the Medplaya Alba Beach it would be for bed and breakfast only
Just returned from a weeks stay and after reading the reviews I was sceptical. Upon arrival you are hit with this gorgeous clean aroma of reception, we were 3 hours delayed but the check in was smooth and the reception man had our keys all ready so it was all very quick. Room was fine, great storage, fridge, tv and balcony. We really enjoyed breakfast, great selection and the fresh pancakes tho it does get busy as expected but constantly replenished. Lunch and dinner were fine, good selections, however not much for children, a wee selection for them would be good like nuggets burgers etc, saying that my daughter managed a few things every day so never stuck. There was entertainment every day by the pool from darts, aqua gym, polo etc. we were disappointed that we didn’t see the water carpet, the schedule for this changed but something for everyone, I think the team could do with a bigger budget as some of the games quite basic. There is a massive bar redemption area could be used for quizzes etc feels that area is going to waste a bit. The sunbeds were changed while we were there thankfully as the coloured ones very old. The pool steps could do with fixing it, few broken tiles etc but clean. Location was a big hit for us, across from beach, bus stops outside and of course McDonald’s! Staff work extremely hard and everyone we came across so pleasant. I would recommend a shower facility for late flights, our flight was 2330 and had to shower by pool as no option to keep room on as full. Overall great week and I think with a few things fixed up this hotel - everyone trying so hard to make a great experience.
We chose this hotel because of its fantastic beachfront location, and in that respect it did not disappoint. Being just a short walk from the sea was perfect for anyone who loves swimming, and it was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay. The room service was excellent, and the evening entertainment was enjoyable every night. The animation team deserves special recognition—they were absolutely wonderful with the children, keeping them engaged with enthusiasm and genuine care. The cocktails, while not of the highest quality, were still reasonably priced compared with what we would pay in the UK. Unfortunately, what should have been a relaxing holiday was overshadowed by the way we were treated on our very first evening. After a long flight, we went straight to dinner. Exhausted and thirsty, I simply asked for a glass of water. I was told that water was not available unless I bought a bottle. I explained that we had only just arrived and asked if the cost could be added to our room so we could pay later. The answer was an uncompromising "no." I then spoke to the supervisor and again with the waitress , switching to Spanish to ensure there was no misunderstanding. Instead of showing empathy, I was met with the dismissive question: "¿Quieres el agua sí o no?" ("Do you want the water or not?"). Meanwhile, my husband had to leave the restaurant, go upstairs to our room, collect money, and return just so we could buy drinking water. The following day, the manager dismissed the incident as a "language barrier." It wasn't. I spoke Spanish clearly, and the issue was never communication—it was the complete lack of compassion and customer service. Even more disappointing was discovering that complimentary drinking water was only available at breakfast. At lunch and dinner, guests were expected to purchase bottled water or try to catch the attention of busy staff and hope they would provide a glass of tap water. There were no self-service water dispensers or jugs anywhere in the restaurant. To make matters worse, the "premium" bottled water being sold is simply filtered tap water, as shown on the label in the attached photo. Charging guests for drinking water while they are eating is one thing; refusing a tired family a simple glass of water on arrival is another. Water is a basic human necessity, not a luxury product to maximise profits. It's a real shame because this hotel has so much going for it: an excellent location, hardworking staff in many departments, great entertainment, and fantastic children's activities. However, first impressions matter, and ours was one of unnecessary rigidity and poor hospitality. I sincerely hope MedPlaya reviews this policy. A hotel should be remembered for making guests feel welcome—not for making them fight for a glass of water after a long journey.
