Holiday Village Hotel Review: Our Honest Experience in Costa del Sol, Spain
Updated: 1 day ago
If you're planning a holiday to Spain and looking for a hotel that offers more than just somewhere to sleep, Holiday Village Hotel in Costa del Sol might be worth adding to your list!
My husband and I stayed here in March last year, and we had such a lovely experience. From our spacious apartment-style room and beautiful sea views to the pools, beach club, spa and variety of food available, there was plenty to enjoy during our stay.
Of course, no hotel is perfect for absolutely everyone, and I always think it's important to share an honest picture of what a place is really like rather than simply listing all the positives. So, if you're considering booking Holiday Village Hotel, I'm going to take you through our experience, what we particularly enjoyed, the facilities available and who I think this hotel would suit best.
Whether you're planning a couples' getaway, a family holiday or a trip with friends, hopefully this review will help you decide if it's the right choice for you!
Where Is Holiday Village Hotel?
Holiday Village Hotel is located in Benalmádena, along Spain's beautiful Costa del Sol. This part of southern Spain is popular with holidaymakers looking for sunshine, beaches, swimming pools, restaurants and plenty of things to do during their stay.
One thing I really liked about the hotel's location was how close we were to the beach. It was only a short walk away, which made it easy to head down to the seafront without having to plan a whole trip around it.
The hotel also has access to Holiday World Beach Club, which is located opposite the Holiday World hotels. This gives guests access to additional pools, water slides and activities, so there is more to enjoy beyond the facilities immediately around your accommodation.
For me, having different things to do within easy reach makes such a difference to a holiday. Sometimes you want to spend the day relaxing by the pool, and other times you want to get out, explore or spend a few hours by the sea. This location gives you options for both.
Our First Impressions of Holiday Village Hotel
Our overall experience at Holiday Village Hotel was really positive. The hotel had a lovely holiday atmosphere, and we found it to be clean, welcoming and a nice place to spend time together.
Cleanliness is always one of the first things I notice when arriving at a hotel. After all, when you're away from home, you want to feel comfortable in your surroundings, and it's something that can make a real difference to your stay.
We were happy with the cleanliness of the hotel, and we also found the staff to be friendly. For me, friendly staff can make a hotel feel that little bit more welcoming, especially when you're settling in and getting familiar with everything the resort has to offer.
Another thing I appreciated was that there were plenty of facilities available without everything feeling centred around just one activity. Between the pools, beach club, spa, restaurant, shop and nearby beach, there was a good variety of ways to spend your time.
We didn't experience every single facility during our stay, so this review is based on what we personally experienced rather than pretending we tried absolutely everything. However, from what we saw, it was a hotel with plenty to offer different types of travellers.
Our Room: Spacious Apartment-Style Accommodation With Stunning Sea Views
One of my favourite things about Holiday Village Hotel was the room!
Rather than feeling like a standard hotel room where you have a bed, a bathroom and not much else, the accommodation had more of an apartment-style layout.
We had a kitchen, living room, dining space, bathroom, separate bedroom and a large balcony. Having all that extra space made the room feel much more comfortable, particularly if you're someone who likes to spread out a little while on holiday.
I love accommodation that gives you the option to relax in different areas rather than having to spend all your time in one room. Having a separate living area is especially useful if you're travelling as a family or with a group, because everyone has a little more room to enjoy themselves.
The kitchen and dining area were also great features. Even if you're staying somewhere where meals are included, having a kitchen can be useful for storing snacks, drinks and other essentials.
And then there was the balcony!
We were lucky enough to have a sea-view room, and the views were absolutely stunning. There's something about being able to sit on your balcony and look out towards the sea that makes a holiday feel even more special. It's one of those little things that can turn an already lovely stay into a memorable one.
The hotel also offers views of the surrounding mountains, depending on the room you book, so it's worth checking the available room options when making your reservation.
My tip: If the view is important to you, make sure you check the room category carefully before booking. Sea-view rooms can be a lovely upgrade, but the exact view and room allocation will depend on the option you choose and availability.
Overall, I thought the apartment-style accommodation was a real highlight. It would particularly appeal to families, couples who appreciate extra space, and groups who want somewhere comfortable to return to after a day of activities.
Food and Dining: Plenty of Choice, and the Desserts Were My Favourite!
Let's talk about one of the most important parts of an all-inclusive holiday: the food!
We found the food at Holiday Village Hotel to be pretty decent, and there was a good variety of options available. I always appreciate having different things to choose from because not everyone has the same tastes, and it can make mealtimes much easier when you're travelling with other people.
For us, the food was enjoyable, and there was enough variety to keep things interesting throughout our stay.
But if I'm being completely honest, my favourite part was definitely the desserts!
Anyone with a sweet tooth will understand why I always have a look at the dessert selection. Even when I've had a lovely main meal, I somehow manage to find room for something sweet afterwards. It's all part of the holiday experience, isn't it?
I particularly enjoyed having different options to choose from, and the desserts were definitely one of my personal highlights when it came to dining at the hotel. Food is always quite subjective, so what one person loves might not be another person's favourite. I wouldn't want to promise that every guest will love every dish, but based on our experience, we were happy with the selection available.
If you're considering booking on an all-inclusive basis, I'd recommend checking the current dining arrangements and exactly what's included in your package before travelling, as these details can change.
For us, the food was a positive part of the stay, and the desserts certainly deserve a special mention!
The Swimming Pools and Outdoor Areas
One of the things that makes a resort holiday enjoyable is having somewhere nice to relax outside, and Holiday Village Hotel had a lovely atmosphere around its outdoor pool area.
There was a bar not far from the hotel restaurant, close to the outdoor pool area. I particularly liked the seating area outside, where you could sit down, enjoy a drink and watch the activities taking place around the pool.
I think these little spaces are often overlooked when choosing a hotel, but they're important. Sometimes you don't want to be rushing around doing activities all day. You might simply want to sit in the sunshine, have a drink, chat with whoever you're travelling with and enjoy the atmosphere.
Having somewhere comfortable to sit while still being able to enjoy the poolside entertainment was a nice touch. The outdoor areas also added to the overall holiday feel of the resort. It felt like the kind of place where you could easily spend a good part of the day enjoying the sunshine without necessarily needing to leave the hotel.
Of course, if you're visiting with children or travelling with a group of friends, having pool areas and activities nearby gives everyone more opportunities to enjoy themselves.
Holiday World Beach Club: One of the Big Highlights
If there's one facility worth knowing about before booking your stay, it's Holiday World Beach Club!
Guests staying at the Holiday World hotels have access to the beach club, which is located opposite the hotels. This gives you another area to explore during your holiday and adds even more variety to the facilities available.
The beach club has swimming pools, fun water slides and activities, making it a particularly appealing option for families and anyone who enjoys spending time in the water.
I can imagine this being a big selling point for parents looking for a holiday where children have plenty to keep them entertained. Rather than spending every day around the same pool, there's the option of heading over to the beach club and enjoying a different environment.
There are also other facilities available, including a snack bar, arcade games and hair braiding. These little extras help create that lively holiday atmosphere where you can spend time enjoying the facilities without needing to go elsewhere every time you fancy doing something different.
The snack bar is handy when you want something to eat between activities, while the arcade games offer another option if you fancy a break from the pool.
I also think the variety makes the beach club appealing to groups with different interests. Some people might want to enjoy the slides, others might prefer relaxing by the pool, and others may want to explore the activities available.
Something to check before you travel: Although Holiday World guests have access to the beach club, I would recommend checking its opening dates, seasonal operating hours, access conditions and whether any facilities incur an additional charge. We visited in March, and availability can vary depending on the time of year.
Overall, access to Holiday World Beach Club is a real advantage of staying at the resort, particularly if you're looking for a holiday with plenty of swimming and activities.
The Beach: Just a Short Walk Away
Another thing I loved about the location was how close the beach was.
The beach was only a short walk from the hotel, and it offered a lovely alternative to spending the entire day around the swimming pools.
It's a long stretch of beach, so there's plenty of space to enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Whether you prefer sitting back and relaxing, taking a walk along the shore or spending time in the water, having the beach nearby gives you another way to enjoy your holiday.
There are also opportunities to enjoy water activities and relax on beach loungers, making it a nice option for anyone who enjoys a traditional beach day.
Personally, I love having the choice between a pool day and a beach day. Sometimes you want the fun and convenience of a hotel pool, while other times nothing beats being beside the sea.
The fact that the beach was so close meant we didn't have to make a big effort to enjoy it.
If you're visiting during the warmer months, I'd recommend checking which water activities are operating during your dates and whether loungers and other beach facilities require payment.
For anyone who loves a beach holiday, I think this is another positive worth considering when deciding whether Holiday World Village Hotel is right for you.
The Spa: A Calm and Relaxing Experience
Among all the swimming pools and holiday activities, it's also nice to have somewhere to slow down and enjoy a little relaxation.
We visited the spa during our stay, and I found it to be a calm, peaceful and relaxing environment. It was a lovely change of pace and gave us an opportunity to take some time out from the busier parts of the resort.
The atmosphere was one of the things I appreciated most. When you're on holiday, it's easy to fill every day with activities, but sometimes you need a little downtime too.
I also noticed that the changing rooms were clean, which added to the overall experience and helped the space feel comfortable.
For couples looking for a relaxing break, or anyone who enjoys incorporating a spa visit into their holiday, this is a facility worth looking into.
Just remember to check the current spa facilities, opening times, treatment options and any additional charges before booking, as access to spa services isn't necessarily included in every holiday package.
For us, the spa was a lovely addition to the stay and another reason why the resort offered more than just swimming pools and restaurants.
The Hotel Shop: Handy for All Those Holiday Essentials
Something I always appreciate at a resort is having a shop on-site, particularly when it stocks more than just a few basic snacks.
The shop at Holiday Village Hotel had a really wide variety of items available. There were toiletries, snacks, clothing, beachwear, beach toys and other useful holiday essentials.
This was great because it meant you could pick up things you needed without having to leave the hotel and search for a nearby shop.
We've all had those moments on holiday when we realise we've forgotten something, or when we suddenly decide we need an extra item for a day at the beach!
Having a shop nearby can make those situations much less stressful.
I also liked that the selection went beyond the basics. Being able to browse beachwear, toys and other holiday items makes it useful for people who want to pick up something extra during their stay.
For families, especially, a shop like this can be handy for those little last-minute purchases that inevitably seem to crop up on holiday.
Of course, convenience can sometimes come at a higher price than shopping outside the resort, so it's worth keeping that in mind if you're travelling on a budget. However, having the option available is definitely a positive.
Evening Entertainment: What Was It Like?
The hotel also had evening entertainment, although this is one area where I can't give you a full review because we didn't end up watching very much of it.
We did see little bits and pieces while walking around the hotel in the evenings, and there was entertainment taking place, but we didn't spend enough time watching it to give a detailed opinion.
I'd rather be honest about that than tell you the entertainment was amazing or disappointing when we didn't experience enough of it ourselves.
What I can say is that it added to the overall holiday atmosphere around the resort.
If evening entertainment is an important part of your holiday, particularly if you're travelling with children or enjoy having something to do after dinner, I'd recommend checking the current entertainment programme before you book.
Programmes can vary depending on the season, and the activities available during one visit might not be identical to those offered during another.
For us, the entertainment wasn't the main reason we enjoyed the hotel, but it was nice to see that there were activities taking place in the evenings.
Is Holiday Village Hotel Good for Families, Couples and Groups?
In my opinion, one of the biggest advantages of Holiday Village Hotel is that it has features that can appeal to different types of travellers.
For families
I think families could particularly enjoy the combination of apartment-style rooms, swimming pools, the beach club and the nearby beach.
Having a separate living area and kitchen gives families extra space, while the water slides, pools, arcade games and other activities provide plenty of options for keeping children entertained.
The on-site shop could also come in handy for picking up snacks, beach toys and forgotten essentials.
If you're travelling with younger children, I'd recommend checking the suitability of the pools and slides for their ages, along with any height restrictions and supervision requirements.
For couples
My husband and I had a lovely stay, and I think the hotel could work well for couples who enjoy having a variety of facilities available.
The spacious accommodation, sea views, outdoor seating areas and spa offer opportunities to relax together, while the beach and other resort facilities provide options for days when you want to do a little more.
I'd particularly recommend considering a sea-view room if you enjoy having somewhere peaceful to sit and take in the scenery.
For groups of friends
The apartment-style layout is also appealing for groups because the extra living and dining space gives everyone more room than a traditional hotel bedroom might offer.
Having pools, the beach club, a bar and other activities nearby means there are different ways to spend your time together.
Overall, I'd say the hotel is worth considering if you want accommodation that combines space, resort facilities and access to the beach.
What We Loved About Holiday Village Hotel
Looking back on our stay, there were several things that stood out to me.
The spacious rooms: The apartment-style layout made our accommodation feel comfortable and gave us plenty of room to relax.
The sea views: Our balcony view was stunning and definitely one of my favourite parts of the stay.
The food selection: We enjoyed the variety available, and the desserts were a particular highlight for me!
The friendly staff: We found the staff welcoming, which helped create a positive overall experience.
The cleanliness: The hotel and the spa changing rooms were clean, which I always appreciate.
Holiday World Beach Club: Having access to additional pools, water slides and activities gave us more options during the holiday.
The nearby beach: Being able to reach the beach with such a short walk was a real bonus.
The spa: It was a lovely place to unwind and enjoy some relaxation.
The on-site shop: The wide variety of holiday essentials was convenient and useful.
For me, it was the combination of these features that made the stay enjoyable rather than any one thing alone.
Is There Anything I'd Recommend Checking Before Booking?
Although we had a lovely stay, there are a few things I'd recommend looking into before booking your own trip.
First, check the room type carefully, particularly if you want a sea view. The views can make a real difference to your experience, so it's worth understanding what you're booking.
Second, if you're planning to make the most of the beach club, spa or entertainment, check what's available during your travel dates. We visited in March, and seasonal opening times and facilities may differ from those during the summer.
Third, look closely at what's included in your holiday package. If you're booking an all-inclusive stay, confirm the current meal arrangements, drinks, facilities and any extras that might cost more.
Finally, think about what matters most to you on holiday. If you want a hotel with plenty of activities, outdoor spaces and access to the beach, this resort has several features worth considering. If your priority is a very quiet, adults-only escape, you may want to compare it with other accommodation options before deciding.
These are simple checks, but they can help make sure the hotel matches your expectations.
Would We Stay at Holiday Village Hotel Again?
Yes, based on our experience, we had a really lovely stay at Holiday Village Hotel, and it left us with some great memories of our time in Costa del Sol.
I particularly loved the spacious apartment-style room and our beautiful sea view. The food was enjoyable, the staff were friendly, the hotel was clean, and there were plenty of facilities available to make the stay feel like a proper holiday.
The access to Holiday World Beach Club was another big plus, as was the short walk to the beach. I also appreciated having the spa and on-site shop available, because they added convenience and opportunities to relax.
There were some things, such as the evening entertainment, that we didn't explore in much detail, so I wouldn't want to claim that we've experienced absolutely everything the resort offers. However, the facilities we did use and the atmosphere we experienced made for a very enjoyable stay.
For me, Holiday Village Hotel is worth considering if you're looking for spacious accommodation, a variety of resort facilities and easy access to the beach in Costa del Sol.
As with any hotel, I'd recommend checking the latest information and reviews before booking, but based on our own stay, it was a place we were happy to have chosen.
Final Thoughts: Is Holiday Village Hotel Worth Considering for Your Next Spain Holiday?
If you're planning a trip to Benalmádena and want somewhere with apartment-style accommodation, swimming pools, a beach club, a spa and a nearby beach, Holiday Village Hotel could be a great option to explore.
Our stay in March last year was a positive experience, and I loved having the space to relax, the beautiful sea views and the variety of things to enjoy around the resort.
It was also nice to have the option of doing as much or as little as we wanted. We could enjoy the hotel's facilities, head to the beach or simply spend some time relaxing without feeling that we had to fill every moment with activities.
Would I recommend looking into this hotel? Absolutely!
I'd particularly suggest it to families, couples and groups who value spacious accommodation and like having a variety of facilities available throughout their holiday.
And if, like me, you have a sweet tooth, make sure you leave a little room for dessert!
Have you stayed at Holiday Village Hotel, or are you considering booking a trip to Costa del Sol? I'd love to hear about your experiences or help answer any questions you might have.
You can explore more of my travel experiences, honest reviews and holiday inspiration here on Wanderllust365, where I share real experiences, travel guides and tips to help you plan your next adventure.
Happy travels! ✈️
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience of staying at Holiday World Village Hotel in March 2025. We paid for our own experience unless otherwise stated. Hotel facilities, services, opening times, prices and package inclusions may change, so please confirm the latest details directly with the hotel before booking.
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