Gran Melia Don Pepe

We were looking forward to have a nice Chinese dinner at the China Crown in the Hotel Don Pepe Restaurant. The location is excellent and the terrasse really nice, but those were the only positive impressions we had. The standard drinks we ordered (e.g. gin-martini, amaretto sour) were not available. They had only 8 to chose of. Even the choice of the menu was very limited. Every Chinese restaurant we have been before had/has more options / a larger menu. After a while we were able to order. We all wanted to have starters and mains. After approximately 15 minutes the main dishes were served instead of the starters. Only we we mentioned that they missed our starters they were taken away and person who took the orders apologized because the kitchen didn't receive the starters due to a computer error. Interesting that nobody of the senior staff apologized for that. After a while the starters came, but we were very surprised. I had for example a pickled melon with ginger, but couldn't find the ginger. Only by searching very hard I found one little string. Later the main courses came. The waited placed them all behind us, searched new forks and knifes and let our dishes for at least 2 to 3 minutes there. The meals were between okay and good, but not as good as we expected. In the meantime a couple was seated next to us with a little dog. The restaurant allowed the woman to have her dog on her legs and therefore the dog was able to reach table, plates etc. - not the standard for a restaurant that wants to be high-class. At least we received a ticket for getting free out of the car parking, but you need to use first your entry ticket and then the exit ticket. It was really the last "highlight" of the evening that nobody told us that we have to insert first both tickets at the machine before driving out because usually an exit ticket doesn't need to be stamped at the machine. Anyway after asking a man we managed it at the reception and then at the parking. And off we were..., because no need to come back to this really nice hotel, but unfortunately with a disappointment in this Chinese Crown Restaurant.

Another fantastic stay at the Don Pepe, me and the family loved our stay. We can’t thank Abel and the team for how they looked after us. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the kids club and the service throughout our stay was amazing as always. We can’t wait to come back.

There is something extremely special and comforting about Don Pepe, it is no wonder a master hotelier chose to create this little piece of paradise in this location and no mean feet to maintain its luxury standard for over 60years. It is well documented by reviewers that investment is needed and indeed it’s coming at the end of this year but the Don Pepe is like your favourite teddy, it’s a little frayed around the edges but like that bear you never stop loving it. Of course what is at the heart of this mercurial excellence is the team, presided over by industry expert Abel. As principal host he is exceptional. Of course our family favourite is Isabel who is always accommodating and ever present and her effortless natural ability to converse with everyone with a smile is her main strength. Isabel is an excellent asset for the company and testament to those who employed her. Of course when talking about the Don Pepe you can never do this without praising the pool team where 70% of your time is spent, so it’s pretty remarkable it’s done with such an intimate team and Don Rafa and Don Raul and others go above and beyond to ensure your pool experience is extra special . Even though Rafa is off with an injury ( wishing you a speedy recovery Rafa ) he still came in to speak to his team and to his guests, whom he has forged friendships with over many years . I hope the company appreciates this dedication and integrity that Rafa demonstrates to all. Our Red level team Patricia and Pilar were gracious throughout our entire stay. This may appear like an Oscar acceptance but the reality is THE PEOPLE MAKE DON PEPE. See you hopefully in 27 .

Excellent staff, incredible views and rooms, first rate location and incredible restaurants! Highly recommend this hotel- it’s great for families but also for young adults , truly exceptional!

There is no other hotel in Marbella for us whether we travel with our children or as a couple. The hotel is very special and the staff are excellent. Friendly, welcoming and cannot do enough for you. There are excellent restaurants, a beautiful, comfortable pool area with amazing pool staff and the location is perfect. Rooms are not large but very comfortable with all amenities. We will miss it next year when it closes for a refurb but we will be back! Special thanks to Abel for all his help and for always looking after us.