Ecuador Park Apartments

Take a step back in time to the 80s as that was the last time these apartments were updated! I seen pictures of lovely looking rooms..just didn't see them in real life! Very quick check in, paid 4euro a day for safe (got 5e back when handed back key). Only floor with a lift is the block eith access to the 5 floor..we were on 4th and had to walk up 42 steps in 35c heat! Not ideal but carrying cases up is torture! Witnessed poor parents carrying prams up as well. We paid extra for a superior room - (god knows what we would have got otherwise!) Superior = damp on the roof in 2 areas, dirty sheets not changed until last day, balcony 2ft wide over looking next doors parking garage! And decor/kitchen/bathroom like its 1985! ill attach some pics to show what i mean. The location is ok - beach a few minutes stroll away - beautiful beach and promenade, a few shops round about but a lot of closed/vacant shops/bars. It's a 10 min walk to marina and the same the other way to the start of main torremolinos. The apartments are in an area thats more residential than holiday - actually felt it was January with the lack of holiday feel and everything closed - some bars were open Fri, Sat, & Sun though but an awful lot closed down which wss sad to see. Apartments themselves are clean but lack any atmosphere - could really benefit from music round the pool, even maybe a pool/table tennis table..anything is better than total silence, the only positive with that is at night its totally silent so no issues sleeping..this place could be amazing with money plunged into it and also into the surrounding area. The pool is a nice size with plenty of sun beds - our last day it was only us at the pool - bonus, private pool! No childrens pool - starts at 1.20m to 1.60m, warm water though and looked very clean as also were the outdoor toilets - showering facilities for last day but no towels. Maids came every 2nd day, I accidentally dropped coke on sheets minutes after arriving..the maid kindly made my bed with the dirty sheet and only changed it the day before we left?! My main concern here is no fire escape? God forbid a fire breaks out blocking stairs as you have no other escape route - only out onto the 2ft x 6ft balcony (this worried me while there). Kitchen is basic with basic facilities, but it does the job, tv in livingroom but only dining chairs to sit on? No English channels but didn't bother us. Sofa in bedroom but no tv in bedroom. Beds were very comfortable, can lie and look at the mould patches on the roof! Bathroom = 1985! Over the bath shower but good pressure. No hairdryers in the rooms! AC was fantastic in the heat! If you decide to go to this hotel then request a ground floor - these rooms look much better and no stairs to climb. Really hope they do add some life to the place, I think even a small bar would make this place great - most folk sit outside playing cards..small bar and some music would be great!
Personally we wouldn't return due to the lack of atmosphere and the very dated building and the residential feel to the area. We didn't get this holiday cheap and for what we paid we could have went to much better - lesson learned!

Note: I have seen many pictures of the apartments looking modern..i dont know which room number that is but all the rooms we seen in all had the 1980s look..see pics for guidance to above info (I always strive to see the best in things and always give honest reviews - check my other reviews if your not sure..100% accurate review)

When we arrived the lady on reception didn't even acknowledge us for five minutes as she was looking at her computer screen. Booked a deluxe apartment for 11 nights, and I can see why people comment it's dated. The kitchen drawers didn't open or close properly, none of the cutlery matched, no chopping board, no place mats or coasters, tea towels were old and degrained. We didn't need it cleaning that often, but the cleaners forgot to change a pillow case and bed sheet on one occasion, and didn't leave fresh toilet rolls. The plug on the iron was in bits when we arrived and we had to ask for a replacement. Outside is very clean, pool area and surrounds, and very quiet. Plenty of sunbeds, but two men still put towels down every day at 10.00 and then disappeared for four or five hours. Two big balconies at front and side of apartment, lovely views of sea. Well and comfortably furnished, plenty of storage, and a great shower. We've stayed in La Carihuela many times in the past, but don't think we'll be staying here again.