Holiday World Village, Affiliated by Melia

My family stayed for a couple of nights. I’m writing this so expectations are clear. The website describes a 4-star tranquil resort, but in reality it’s more of a 3-star lively family resort. Nothing wrong with that, just different from what’s advertised. We got a good direct booking price, so no complaints, but it did feel a bit “too good to be true.” Overall we enjoyed our stay, but would not stay longer than a couple of nights.

Staff were very friendly and kindly upgraded us to a nice ocean view room. The room was spacious but dated, with good AC. The resort itself feels quite dark, and the central area with shops and arcade feels like an old indoor mall.

The pool is large and attractive with plenty of sunbeds, but it is very noisy throughout the day with loud music, microphones for animation activities, and overlapping music from the bar. Evenings continue with live shows until around 11pm, so there is little escape from the noise.

We stayed on full board. Drinks were extra but reasonably priced. The buffet had plenty of choice and suited our daughter well, though the dining room was very loud and felt more like a cafeteria than a relaxed holiday space.

There is a €12 per person charge for the beach club, which was fine for a day. A rocky beach and the Gecko beach bar are about 7 minutes’ walk away, and a larger sandy beach is about 12 minutes away.

Overall, fine for a short stay at the price, but the noise and dining atmosphere were not for us.

The mini club staff was brilliant with our daughter and our autistic non verbal son. They did a lot with them and engaged with them rather than just leave them too it. The hotel was always clean and the beach club across the road was great for the kids and quieter than the main pool in the hotel. My 8yo daughter enjoyed the evening entertainment each night. Food could be better but it is all inclusive and so it’s expected it’d wouldn’t be brilliant. Bus pick up outside the hotel to Benalmádena

Beautiful hotel, lots of activity and entertainment for kids. Brill water park just across the bridge and a bus stop 5 minute walk from the towns. The absolute highlight was the staff member German Faith. She was so warm and welcoming from the first night to our last. It was always such a joy when we saw her and she was always so happy and funny. She really made the whole week so special for us so thankyou!!

Based on an all inclusive stay and our second trip here. The hotel had improved since we last visited two years ago and the staff were friendly throughout our stay. Food and drink was acceptable and included cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks etc. The buffet restaurant had theme nights with lots of choice, so you could always find something for everyone.

The beach club across the road is nice and entrance is included. Top tip: the lunch is better there in the snack bar than at the hotel. Pool towels are also included with your stay and can be changed at the spa for a €1 charge.

The entertainment team were good fun and the kids enjoyed both the kids club and the evening entertainment.

The rooms had recently been refurbished and were clean and spacious, with a kitchenette including a kettle, fridge and coffee machine (Dolce Gusto pods required).

The hotel now operates a cup exchange system, so you are encouraged to return your cup for a replacement each time. It is a good idea in theory, although it can be a bit of a pain if you forget your cup in your room.

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Fantastic holiday at Holiday Village Costa del Sol! The animation team are amazing and really make the hotel special.

Mateo is the best, Celia is amazing, and Bea is awesome! They work so hard and always keep everyone smiling.

Thank you for a brilliant holiday!