Hotel Villa Guadalupe — Hotel in Málaga

We stayed at the Villa Guadaloupe for one night, 29th October 2024. We chose it mainly for its proximity to the airport, its pretty great location, with THAT view, and the fact that it would have a bar and restaurant where we could relax ahead of our early flights the next day. It was our last night in Spain, after 15 nights on holiday in nice accommodation in Tarifa, Granada and Otivar. The drive to Malaga from Otivar, 45km away was through the teeth of the worst storm Ive ever experienced, so we were tired and stressed when we got there. On arrival we were told that the restaurant was closed tonight, but that there were plentiful nice restaurants a short car or taxi ride away. Our booking was for a room with a balcony, with THE view, and was not cheap. After an adequate check in, during which we were swiftly advised that the restaurant was not open that night, we were shown to a far from adequate room. It had no balcony, and the view was of a large coconut tree and massive green hedge. When we brought this to the attention of the man who checked us in, he told us there was nothing he could do to help us chnage room, as the hotel was full. We asked to speak to the manager, but he was unavailable. When we asked to cancel our booking, we were told to take it up with Booking.com. I went out onto the impressive terrace to smoke, whilst my wife continued to try and resolve the situation. The Manager then appeared and helpfully changed our room to the fantastic one that we had paid for. He also advised that the restaurant is in fact open tonight. All is now good. Our son and his girlfriend are joining us for drinks, whilst they wait for their flight, and the sun comes out. Birds of prey fly about above our balcony, the whole of Malaga is spread out below us. After the scary day we had just had, it appeared to be ending well. Long story short, great building and location, but very poor service and food below the standard we expected for the price we paid. I'll leave it at that.

Actually, I won't.

We probably will stay there again, but would visit the restaurants and bars a taxi ride away. If only the manager had taken the time to sit at our dinner table and listen to our concerns, all would probably have been good. After the exemplary customer service in just about every other hotel we have stayed in throughout Spain, which is many, from Galicia and the Basque country, down through the interior, both sides of Madrid, down through Andalucia, its mountains and Costas, to Tarifa and the Costa de Luz, Villa Guadaloupe fell significantly below this standard, sadly.

THAT...

The Hotel was very good, but no cold A/C on the room. Since the restaurant is attached to the hotel avaliation, I'm giving one star for the restaurant waiter who attended my girlfriend and I. IT WAS THE WORST DINING EXEPERIENCE IN MY LIFE. We reserved the restaurant, there was one waiter for the night, and by the moment we seated, the waiter gave as a rude and agressive talk. Everything I asked (I do speak spanish) was contested and he would make himself misundertood the orders. He brought worng plates, with like 20 min between them, and made everything on his power to make us desconfortable. Its the first time of my life Im lending the time to make a negative comment like this, but the way the waiter treated us, was unacceptable! I almost lost my nerve and argued with him. Horrible attention, the food expensive and very simple! But nevertheless, Im sorry for the hotel, it was ok, the view is amazing, but that waiter shouldnt be working on such amazing place. I believe the owners and cheff dont know about this, but I read another comment here with the simillar situtation. It whas HORRIBLE, and made our night awfull. We left the dinner feeling like garbage, and couldnt wait to get out of...

Arriving at the hotel about 22:20 we were delighted to find that last orders in the restaurant werent until 23:00 so we quickly dropped off our bags and returned to the restaurant.

The view from the restaurant is spectacular - especially at night - with views right across Malaga from the hotel's elevated position in the hills. We started with anchovies on tomatoes and bread/toast which were so fresh and melt in your mouth.

We followed this with the squid ink paella with prawns which was so intense in flavour and so different to anything we'd had before.

The Ribera del Duero we had to accompany the meal was great and after the long day and car hire hastles it couldnt have been better.

Our room was very good although the bathroom was slightly cramped but the shower worked well.

Breakfast the following morning was good and I particularly enjoyed the hot option and the views were slightly disappointing due to the early mist.

The Wifi and parking were free and our meal in the restaurant with 1 starter between us, the paella for 2 and the bottle of wine and bottle of water was just over 60EUR.

The service and helpfulness of the staff was great and we just wished we'd been staying more...