Shopping Centre El Ingenio — Local services in Vélez-Málaga

Does the name of the centre translate to 'No English or dogs'? Because that is how I felt there. Firstly, the ladies at the tills in the grocery store are lovely. Along with the young Spanish girl on the ice-cream counter. Lovely, smiley people. However, pass H&M and you are in for a completely different experience. I was refused a manicure by a very rude young woman and the only reason I can get to is that I am English. But that was nothing compared to the treatment we received at the Pizzeria. Wow. Maybe being a white British woman, I am privileged to have never experienced racism...until today (Well, until I came to Spain 16 days ago, but today was particularly xenophobic). I wasn't expecting silver service waiting on skills for €10 pizzas, but I certainly wasn't expecting to have two unopened cans of coke thrown at me and my 6 yr old son, followed by two glasses as the 'waiter' rushed passed my table. You probably think I'm being picky. I could have handled opening and pouring my own drink and I could have done it for €1 from the drink dispenser across the way, but when I'm paying €3 for a Coke Zero...anyway, I'd have coped with that. When the huge pizzas were thrown at us, at different times, we ate up and shut up. My son, 6 yr old, starting to feel very uncomfortable (the atmosphere was particularly icy, no need for air-con in a heat wave in this place) asked if we could have the pizza boxed and eat it back at our villa where there was less threat. I asked the 'waiter', no reply, but he moved off towards a bookshelf with boxes on it. Returning to my table, he opened the box then proceeded to take the pizza off of my plate with his BARE HANDS and dump it in the box! Then he turned his bare hands to my son's plate, picked up the pizza and dumped it on top of my pizza, right in front of my eyes! Apart from the lovely ladies that work in the grocery store and ice-cream counter, the treatment I received in this mall epitomises the treatment I have received from 75% of the people I have had the misfortune to meet over the last 2.5 weeks. AND I'VE GOT ANOTHER 1.5 WEEKS...

El Ingenio Shopping Center, located near Torre del Mar in Vélez-Málaga, is a premier destination for shopping and entertainment in the Axarquía region. Conveniently accessible via exit 272 on the Mediterranean Motorway, it offers ample free parking with over 2,600 spaces.

The center boasts a diverse range of stores, including popular brands such as Zara, H&M, and C&A, catering to various fashion preferences. For daily necessities, there’s a large Eroski supermarket offering a wide selection of products. Additionally, the presence of Dunnes Stores provides shoppers with more options for clothing and household items.

Beyond shopping, El Ingenio features a variety of dining options, from quick-service eateries to sit-down restaurants, ensuring visitors have ample choices to suit their tastes. Entertainment is also well-represented, with a multi-screen cinema showcasing the latest films, making it a great spot for movie enthusiasts.

Families will appreciate the children’s play area, providing a safe and fun environment for kids while parents shop or relax. The center is also pet-friendly, welcoming visitors to bring their pets along, which adds to the inclusive atmosphere.

El Ingenio is committed to sustainability, implementing various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, reflecting a dedication to eco-friendly practices.

In summary, El Ingenio Shopping Center offers a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience, combining a wide array of stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities, all within a convenient and welcoming...

Warning: Break-In at Shopping Centre El Ingenio!

I want to share a warning for anyone traveling to the Shopping Centre El Ingenio. On September 27th, 2024, my family and I experienced a distressing incident when our rental car was broken into while parked at this location on our way to Malaga Airport.

All our belongings were securely stored in the boot, out of sight, and the car was fully locked. Despite these precautions, the thieves gained entry by smashing the window.

After returning to the UK, we pursued access to the CCTV footage from the Shopping Centre, hoping it would provide clarity about the incident. However, Jose, Head of General Services, informed us that, unfortunately, the exterior cameras did not capture the moment of the break-in in that area. This lack of surveillance raises serious concerns about the safety of the car park.

Despite the presence of security personnel, our vehicle was targeted, and our belongings were stolen. I urge anyone considering this shopping center to exercise extreme caution and be vigilant about securing your vehicle and belongings. It’s disheartening that a seemingly safe area turned into such a stressful situation for us.

Please take care and think twice before leaving your car...