Hotel Review – Riu Costa Lago Hotel, Torremolinos, Spain
We visited Torremolinos, on the Costa Del Sol, Spain for 5 nights to celebrate my 50th Birthday and my good friend Kate’s Hen Party and we stayed at the 4 star Riu Costa Lago Hotel.
The Girls
We flew from East Midlands airport to Malaga airport with Jet2 which took just over 2 hours. Our mini bus taxi transfer was waiting for us and within 20 minutes we had arrived at the Riu Costa Lago Hotel. Some of our friends who booked separately took a taxi which cost 16 euros.
Entrance to the Riu Costa Lagos
The reception was manned 24 hours a day and the staff were very polite and helpful. A welcome drink was given and considering we were a large group it all went smoothly. The reception staff were also very good at taking group photos when needed!
Tourists!
The Pool area and grounds of the Riu Costa Lago Hotel
Looking from the terrace towards the pool
We really liked the area by the pool. There were plenty of beds that were stacked overnight, and could be placed by the pool or on the grassed areas. Beds were fairly comfortable, some older than others, some had umbrellas but not enough for all the beds. Some of the umbrellas did not stay up either which was a little frustrating, so a little updating of the beds and umbrellas is definitely needed.
Pool area at the Costa Lago Hotel
The pool was lovely, not as big as depicted in the brochure pictures but we had some great fun in it. The pool area was kept clean and tidy and there was also a children’s pool to the left.
Music was played around the pool during the day and wasn’t intrusive, early evening it would of been nice to have the music turned up a little as there were a lot of holidaymakers still there enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately there was a miserable life guard, when asked to turn the volume up slightly refused and when some other guests sneakily turned it up he went straight over and turned it back down again, which was a shame.
Pool area
Pool Bar
There was a fair selection of drinks at the pool, with nuts and olives also available, but unfortunately the pool bar closed too early at 1800. This is one of our favourite parts of the day, when the sun is going down and cooling off a little and we just wanted to chill and have a drink around the pool area rather than going up to the main bar.
Rooms at the Riu Costa Lago Hotel
Our room on the ground floor
Overall the rooms were fine, but to be honest the rooms for a 4 star hotel were disappointing. Very dated and in need of modernisation. They were very spacious with two large beds that were pushed together, not a problem to us as I was sharing a room with my sister, but others may find this a bit too close for comfort when booking a twin room.
Room view from the terrace end
A large safe was available for a 10 euro deposit which was given back when the key was handed in at checkout. Storage was plentiful with a large wardrobe and a chest of drawers. The rooms came with a TV, Air con and fan which kept the room at a pleasant temperature despite the 38 degree heat! We did notice that there were some inconsistencies with the rooms, some rooms had fridges some rooms didn’t, this was disappointing as we had all booked the same type of rooms and expected to get the same facilities.
Bathroom
Bathroom
Our room had an ensuite bathroom which was spacious, clean and included a shower and bath, and bidet. A hair dryer was provided but wasn’t that powerful. The toilet flush was not very efficient either so numerous attempts were needed!
Balcony
Our ground floor balcony
The room had a small patio area that had 2 chairs a table which was adequate and a clothes dryer. Ours looked out onto the restaurant area and walkway to the pool which was fine. However, if I had been travelling as a couple then I would have wanted a balcony with a view and away from the noise. If this is the case for you too then I would recommend requesting a room on a higher floor.
Wifi
Wifi was available for €2 for 1 hour, but the reception was appalling and in the end most of us resorted to an add-on from our phone companies in the UK.
Dining at the Riu Costa Lago Hotel
Cheese station
We stayed on an all inclusive basis and we were very impressed with the food. There were excellent selections at both buffet breakfast and dinner. The food was always kept hot and was very tasty, they catering well for all types of diets, and also included traditional spanish food. They even provided HP sauce which kept us Brits happy at breakfast!
Paella
Drinks at the Riu Costa Lago Hotel
There was a large bar area where there was entertainment provided. The bar area led out to a large terraced area which was a nice spot overlooking the gardens and pool area.
Terrace outside the bar area
A good selection of all inclusive drinks were available up until midnight. The bar service varied and the staff were not always happy or polite. The staff collecting the glasses were particularly miserable and often just pushed past you to reach for the glasses.
Outside restaurant area
Our group arranged for a cake for my birthday which was lovely. However. on checking out we were charged 20 euros which wasn’t stated at the time of ordering. So if you do make any requests then ensure that you check if any additional charges will be added.
Location
The Riu Costa Lago Hotel is in an ideal location if you want to be near to the beach as it was a short walk away, approximately 150 metres. For €3 you can hire a sunbed for the day, which some of our group did and said that the sunbeds were very comfortable. The sand was mostly fine but did get coarser the nearer you got to the water.
Torremolinos Beach
If you turn right and walk along the beach road there is a good selection of beach bars and restaurants. The centre of Torremolinos was approximately 30 minutes walk away, which did include a steep hill walk into town but it was totally worth it. There are some bars and restaurants along these steps, for resting and they have some great views down to the beach. For those with mobility issues, taxi’s were readily available near the hotel and cost 8 euro’s.
View from the walk up to Torremolinos
Torremolinos has plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. We had a great fun night out ending on a carousel which was not something that we had planned! There were plenty of things to do there! We went to a few bars and restaurants which was also fun.
Carousal Fun
Benalmedina
Benalmedina is only 4 miles (7 kms) away and we enjoyed a lovely day out there. We took a taxi which cost 12 euros going and 10 euros on the way back. A bus stop is situated straight opposite the hotel and the timetable was available at reception, so exploring this area is very easy.
Benalmedina Harbour
Benalmedina has a beautiful harbour surrounded by restaurants and shops. A short walk through the harbour and over the main road and you come to the beach, which was really lovely. Adjacent to the beach there were plenty of restaurants and shops, which we enjoyed, it was a great way to spend the afternoon.
Verdict
Overall we enjoyed our stay at the Riu Costa Lago Hotel. The 4 star rating is accurate for the standard of food which was excellent and the pool area and grounds were lovely. However, the rooms do need updating, in my opinion they were more 3 star than 4.
The location was great for the beach, however, it was a long walk into town. If I returned to Torremolinos than I would pick a hotel nearer the centre, or actually stay in Benalmedina. We really enjoyed our stay on the Costa Del Sol and I am sure we will be returning to this area again in the future.
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Torremolinos Beach
