Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa

No complaints with the regards to accommodation and the setting. The hotel rooms are spacious and clean , the weather is obviously very good .However,the beach is disappointing with limited spaces to lounge (there are around 8 sunbeds!) Food is average and bland at best! The freshness is impressive but the food lacks taste and variety. Moving on to staff , as a family of 3 we immediately got the impression that we were not priority compared to families with young children. Also the bar staff were particularly dismissive and we feel as if it is understaffed . However, we felt in particular that the receptionist such as, Laura and Juan were very helpful and attentive . We as a family decided to go half -board and having arrived late morning we clearly missed breakfast, as a result we were obviously hungry from the travel, therefore, we went to the buffet to get lunch instead, we wrongly assumed this would be in substitute for our missed breakfast but it was quite rudely pointed out that this was not the case, this should be made clear at reception and furthermore, having traveled extensively this was our first experience of the food situation also making clear where the staff’s priorities were. Just bog standard service!

Beautiful hotel, stunning location with the most incredible views. See room views in photos attached. All staff were amazingly accommodating and especially when dealing with young children.

We’re about 2 days into our holiday, lovely weather , lovely room (very spacious) however for all active sports fanatics it has not been ideal . Taxis are expensive and Marbella is certainly not 20 mins away. I wouldn’t say the pool or food are anything special very average . The beach is not inviting . The beach has around 8 sun lounges and umbrellas , sand dirty. As sports enthusiasts we would’ve expected tennis courts , however I very much understand that is our fault for not reading the website probably. In conclusion very average we will not visit again . If you want a 5 star experience don’t come here. Average!

My review is poor because of the experience in the spa. My relaxing aromatherapy massage was frantic, not at all relaxing & there were no aromatherapy oils or aromas. My husband had the deep tissue massage & the following evening his back went into spasm which was quite scary as he was driving back to the hotel from Estepona at the time! The next morning he visited the private hospital but they could not help as they said it was too complex an issue & as we were flying back later that day too difficult to organise. We complained several times & said that under the circumstances we did not feel we should pay but this was refused by a manager. I felt they really didn’t care & as you can imagine it spoiled our holiday. Lovely hotel, plenty of sun beds, luxury vibe, such a shame, won’t be going back.

We loved this hotel. Excellent service, facilities and cleanliness. Slightly dated furniture, but we spent our time by the pool not in the room! Mini club was great also. The location is about 5km from Estepona so it’s either a long walk or taxi there but this didn’t bother us. Breakfast in the hotel is very good with a nice mix of things. We also ate in the snack bar a few times and this was good also.