El Tiburon

A small friendly family run hotel which we have stayed at several times. Close to beach and typical spanish restaurants.Try La Tralla and Pascual.No aircon but rooms have fans.A two star hotel at great value.

Steve and Bev De lisle, England
Mature Couple (36+)

First time at this hotel and we were pleased . The location is great , the Hotel itsellf was clean ,rooms cleaned and towels changed daily. Breakfast was very good.We will go back to this hotel , later this year.

Phil Bowfield, Merseyside
Mature Couple (36+)

If you are seeking luxury then this hotel is not for you. However, as a 2* establishment it offers excellent value for money accommodation. rooms are basic but spotlessly clean, as is the breakfast room. The breakfast itself offered a wide range of both continental and 'English' options. Best of all, the hotel is perfectly positioned for shops, restaurants and the beach . It is within a 10 minute walk of Montemar Alto railway station and within 2 minutes of bus routes to Malaga, Fuengirola and Mijas. At these prices I would not look elsewhere.

Barbara Cork, West Midlands
Mature Couple (36+)

We had read previous reviews, which were mostly good. Unfortunately, I was not impressed. Rooms were very basic. Wardrobe doors kept falling off their runners, as did the bathroom window. curtains, sheets and towels were thread bare. The toilet was making gurgling noises all day and night. The breakfast was edable, but coffee was awful and fruit juice like water. Some days there were no fried eggs, just hard boiled. The staff however were friendly, especially the breakfast chef who also cleared and made up tables and made sure there was plenty of food. The reception and bar area were nice and cosy. But best of all were the maids. They were lovely. I would not give this hotel a 2 star. 1* would be all I would give it and we won't be returning

carol, newcastle
Mature Couple (36+)

We have just returned from a lovely week at el tiburon. We stayed there last year and got a much better room this year overlooking the pool. Please don't let the relaxed friendly atmosphere of the hotel make you let your guard down. We were burgled twice! My watch went missing and by the time we established I had not just mislaid it thieves had been in again and taken our camera. I don't think for one moment it was staff. We were just unfortunate in the guests who were there. Please close your bathroom window and leave a note for the maid as she will always leave it open. We are sure that someone came through the window while we were round the pool. Will not let this put us off and intend to book again for next summer. The area is lovely - they have just opened a new park by the side of Montimar Alto railway station - well worth a visit, as is the zoo in Fuengirola and the park in Benalmadena. Would recommend this hotel but will be more careful to put everything in the safe next year. Didn't hear of anyone else having anything stolen - we must have just been unlucky.

Patricia Stott, Sheffield
Mature Couple (36+)

Had an excellent stay at this hotel. Could not fault one thing. It is great value for money! Hotel bar is also very good. (Say hello to Juan the nightporter...he'll keep the bar open until 8!) It is close to the beach, has plently of bars etc close by. Would recommend to everyone.

Martyn Freeman, Northern Ireland
Group of Young Friends/Couples

We had a great holiday at the El Tiburon - the first two star I've stayed in since I was a student! also the first "small and friendly" hotel - the room was fine - beds supportive and maid service perfectly adequate- although not as fabulous and comprehensive as some of the other reviews would have you believe. my wife asked for a bathmat which was immediately forthcoming (with El Tiburon embossed on it -so they do have them) but strangely it was not automatically replaced each day with the other towels the corner balcony overlooking the pool and (almost ) the sea was excellent and got the sun in the afternoon till well into the evening. the breakfast room was charming and the breakfast buffet itself excellent- with hot and cold variations available- well cooked by the chef who continually checked out when to supply more toast eggs etc. certainly the best most relaxed breakfast situation we've had and much better than the hectic affairs we've had in much grander establishments with long queues for the toaster/drinks machine and coldish food! another endearing routine was that we all took our own used dishes up to the trolley, along with the paper table cloth and replaced it from a paper roll at the buffet one area of disappointment was the pool - and really fixable! too much concrete too little in the way of plants - some overhanging planting especially on the walls of the sun terrace ( cordoned off during out stay) would have softened the area greatly From our balcony we could see the two pools of the adjoining properties - both full of grassy/planted areas. I have to confess, however that we only used the pool on the first day after which we used the pool of the Amaragua along further along the Calle Nidos- fabulous pool, bar and at night piano bar. -so we had the best of both worlds- The location of the hotel is superb -2 minutes from the promenade- with its wonderful walk to the marina and Benalmadena one way and Torremolinos the other La Carahuela is THE place to stay - absolutely fabulous fish restaurants and we had the most wonderful paella at Casa Juan in the square! All in all we had a wonderful holiday at the El Tiburon- for a fabulous price and would have no hesitation in returning! (my wife says please can we have some bougainvillea for the pool!

tom and margaret, renfrewshire
Mature Couple (36+)

Lovely people,great value,Bed a bit hard but not a problem after a few drinks in the happy hour.Always put a towel on the bathroom floor as it is very slippery after a shower as their is no extraction for the steam. Breakfast ok,Great location. Will be going back in 2008.

John Senior, Cheshire
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

This was a basic 2* hotel that was chosen because of its suitable location and price , plus i had read favorable reviews. Done a 10 day stay end of march early april on a b&b basis,which is all this  hotel does . rooms fine,although the room only had a half bath size, not all rooms have this,just every other room.I have no complaints though due to only paying £8.00 per person per night including a self service full english breakfast,there was also the lighter options available,did not use many of the hotels facilities much,weather was mixed but did not prevent the wife and i being out for most of the days. there are about 7 chinese restaurants within a 1K radius all of which were value for money. 2min beach,prom,bars,shops.5min bus stops,large supermarket and (street full of bars when heading towards benalmadena,) limited entertainment although it is there in some bars and hotels,couple of bars do bingo and quizes.

terry shaw, tyne & wear
Mature Couple (36+)

extremely good value for money.  Ideal for us (group of adults) for long weekend autumn break.  Basic but very clean, breakfast adequate.  Receptionist bit sour, but remaining staff very friendly.

sheila pearce, southampton
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

this hotel was excellently clean, cleaner than some 4 star hotels that i have stayed at along the coast, excellent friendly staff and couldn't help you enough, breakfast was excellent extremely wide selection including full english,cereal,cob and jam and variety of drinks. this hotel gets thumbs up from me and i will be goin back

EXCELLENT

pam , birmingham
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

This is our 3rd time in ElTiburon this time with friends. The hotel, rooms, service and food were excellent.The hotel ideally situated to shops, beach and bus service, only 25 minutes walk to Torremolinos. We will most certainly be staying again and would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone.

Peter Griffin, Alicante / Spain
Mature Couple (36+)

We have just returned home after a stay at the Tiburon and as usual had a great time. The hotel is so very handy for eveything you may wish to do. The hotel is situated five minutes walk away from the beach of Carahuela which still retains alot of its original spanish charm. There are hundreds of places to eat out also ranging from tapas to english, Dutch to Italian, so much choice is available. We try to visit the Tiburon twice a year and havefor the last ten years as well as going to other places as well if possible. Wherever we go we always find ourselves wanting to go back to the Tiburon, It is asmall family run hotel and the staff have not changed over the years so they always give us a warm welcome as they do to everyone. It is very clean and the breakfast is unusually good for such a small inexpensive hotel and usually consists of spanish meats and cheeses, cereals, also the usual english breakfast with toast etc . Whenever we go , there are always people we recognise from previous years, as once people try the Tiburon they like it so much they return year after year as we do, what more can we say?

Sharon Langton, Lincoln England
Mature Couple (36+)

Once again visited the El Tiburon for a 7 day chill out experience. As usual the hotel was to the standard we had come to expect from this idylic establishment.
This time however there were a lot of people who, like ourselves had experienced the Tiburon and had returned for more of the same.
For anyone not familiar with the hotel don't get the impression that this is a 5 star all inclusive palace but, a warm, friendly, immaculate hotel with a breakfast that would satisfy any needs, be that English, German, French or Spanish.(Happy hour now extended to happy hour and a half)
The location is also unrivalled as beach,shops,bars and restaurants are all within walking distance.
So El Tiburon comes out tops again but please keep it quiet as it may start getting hard to book

Michael, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
Mature Couple (36+)

had a very nice stay home from home and very friendly we will be back

david schofield, blackpool /england
Family with teenagers 12+

Had booked this week's getaway months in advance, and was looking forward to the accomodation based on several good reviews on this website. The hotel was clean and tidy, 2 minutes from the beach and a short walk to Benelmadena and local pubs and restaurants. The promendade into the marina is a pleasant walk and becomes very lively at night. The hotel was not a noisy one, however the walls allowed noise to travel through (furniture being moved on tiled floors etc). The small menu at the bar was sufficient and the breakfast was what you would expect of a bed and breakfast hotel, nothing special however.
The pool area was a small one, with only three tables, three parasols and many sun loungers. There is a sun deck which catches plenty sun throughout the day, and the area is a good wee sun trap. Only downside of the pool was the lack of enforcement from the management about pool rules, as several children who appeared to reside at the hotel ran amok, hogged the pool, launched beachballs all over the pool area (balls and lilo's are not permitted in the pool, and with one couple asking the management to enforce that rule, however the kids were moved to the top end of the pool, where myself and my girlfriend were lying, and were repeatedly splashed and had the ball flying all around us). The staff were pleasant enough, not very helpful however and appeared to favour Spanish speaking residents.
Tips and advice: For local outings, the waterpark Aqualand is a pleasant day out, with several moderate rides but in the hot weather is a fab day out. Right next door is the Crocodile park, which also is an interesting day out, as there are lots of big crocs and alligators. After a walk through Benelmadena marina, up the long, long hill, you can reach Tivoli World, which appears to be THE tourist attraction as there are several advertisments for the place, and our rep said is was just as good as Alton Towers. How wrong were we, as it was geared up for children, and did not feel very safe (rollercoaster controller running for emergency stop button for one). At the gates to Tivoli World is the cable car to the top of the mountain, we did not go on this however it looked like a good sighseeing journey.
On the whole, a relaxing holiday, we would go back, knowing the area a bit better now, however brush up on your Spanish, you might get more out of the staff that way.

A. Sinclair, Broughty Ferry, Scotland
Young Couple (18-35)

Excellent value for money. Nice clean hotel close to all amenities. Only 50 yards to beach promenade, shops, restaurants and bars yet in a nice quiet spot. Much preferred being here to being in the hustle and bustle of the town centre. 15 minutes leisuerley stroll on the promenade to Benaldemena where you can catch a boat trip.
The rooms were adequate and were cleaned daily. Also towels and bedding changed daily. Lots of choice at breakfast which consisted of a hot and cold buffet. Drinks in the hotel very reasonably ( cheaper than most of the bars!).

caz, sheffield
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

I have been here twice before and honestly you cannot go wrong.
The staff are nice, (well a supervisor or receptionist was a little off once)but the bar man more than makes up for her few hours of input. The rest of the staff are great.
Ok the rooms are basic but more than adequate, but your not in them much anyway, most people sit in the lounge bar of an evening.
It is situated just around the corner from shops and restaurants and literally a two minute walk to beach, which is lovely.
I would definately go again. The breakfast I felt was more suited to the Germans but for the cost you can afford to leave it.
Definately the best holiday price-wise i have ever had.
I would go again.
Incidently the last time we went we took friends who all enjoyed themselves too.

Dawn, Manchester
Mature Couple (36+)

We chose the El Tiburon for its value for money and because of the reviews by other Alpharooms customers, we were not disappointed. It is a small hotel situated in a really good location, about 2-3 minutes walk to the sandy beach and the same to dozens of restaurants and bars. The bus service is excellent and the nearest stop is only a couple of streets away with regular services to Malaga, Fuengirola, Mijas and Marbella. The hotel is very clean, the staff are happy, polite and helpful, and the food is good. Officially a 2 star hotel we felt it was superior to many 3 star hotels that we have stayed in. We will definitely be returning.

David & Sonja Kedge, Banbury/Oxfordshire
Mature Couple (36+)

I booked this hotel because of the price ( so very cheap )but also read every review on this hotel i could find and to be honest i couldn't find a single bad review on the place.
We had been to the same area last september so we knew what to expect but we were quite surprised by the hotel.
Although the hotel is quite basic,the staff are very friendly and helpful and the rooms are cleaned daily and are spotless.The pool is quite small and does not slope in so is not really suitable for young children.
The hotel is in an ideal situation being only a couple of minutes walk from the fantastic beach and all the shops,restaurants and bars.Both Torremolinos and Benalmadena are only a nice 20 min walk away along the beach front or a five minute bus ride.
I would recommend both the hotel and the area to anyone and enjoyed it so much have booked to go again in september.

chris hirst, Castleford/England
Family with Children 11 and Under

We found the hotel very helpful and extremely friendly.  A super atmosphere in the bar in the evening after everyone returned after their night out.  In all a super weeks stay.

Sheila Sadler, Northamptonshire/England
Mature Couple (36+)

We enjoyed our stay at the hotel it was very centralised and quiet with no children our type of holiday. We found some really good resturants in the area one that we would recommend to anyone who likes great service and a friendly atmosphere is the EL LEVANTE. We would consider going again in the near furture.

kevin butler, Blackpool England
Mature Couple (36+)

An excellent family run hotel only 80 metres from the beach.
An excellent choice of breakfast English or Continental,clean linnen and towels and a bar that will stay open as long as you are drinking.

Trevor Henderson, Co.Durham England
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

Ole - This is Baz and June just returning from a great 8 days holiday. My boss recommended El Tiburon & Carihuela having been many times but likes to keep it a secret, well now Ive been and the secret is out. Excellent Spanish family run hotel, clean, cosy, friendly and relaxing. Good sized rooms with terrace and guess what loads of coathangers! Excellent choice for breakfast hearty, healthy and as much as you like. Should you wish to stay by the pool, the staff will rustle up a lunch with your cold drinks.
What a position, the hotel is a short walk to the cleanest beach where Pepe awaits with the sunbeds and cold beers, on call to serve the sardines grilled over the woodburner for lunch, Spanish heaven.
The resort offers good bars and restaurants with never ending easy walking. The best walk of the day returning to El Tiburon
after a good dinner with a bottle or two of Rioja and to sit in the bar or lounge area for the obligatory night cap or two to finish off each lovely day. The hotel and resort had everything we wanted and we will definitely be back. I could never keep a secret anyway!

June Williams, Liverpool England
Mature Couple (36+)