We booked an apartment from a private Spanish owner (building A, first floor, corner). The apartment had 3 bedrooms (1 without a window and 1 with a high sleeper), 1 bathroom with tub, smalle kitchen, nice balcony large enough to sit with 6 people. We were with 4 adults and 2 kids. The a/c didn't worked (repair took a week), but because of the breeze we didn't missed it in the beginning. The pool was large and we had a direct view on it. There is a guard on duty, sometimes you can go in free, other times you have to show your card. Beds at pool are at a charge. Just 5 minutes walk from beach, boulevard, good restaurants and shopping area, just GREAT! Supermarket in building, Internet cafe opposite building, busstop around the corner.

In good location near beach and resturants. Local bus service nearby. Rooms are basic stayed in studio . Had 4 rings ,oven,microwave,fridge,iron and hairdryer and TV. Reception staff were pleasant. Stayed for a week and got no linen change and only one towel change. Would come back as know what to expect from aparments.Swimming pool was good size and would be good in summer months as plenty of room round the pool.

We booked this apartment via booking.com, having never really noticed it before, having been in La CArihuela many times before. Anyway, pleasantly surprised: previous reviews have said it's a wee bit tired and i would agree, but as a base, it's more than fine. We had a one bedroom apartment which gave plenty of space.The kitchen is small, but it has a four ring cooker, full oven and microwave/ grill oven. Good shower and bathroom, with a fully functioning hairdrier (a la 1970s!) and plenty towels. However, downsides are: no air con, and no bed linen change or general clean in one wek. But there is a fan which does help. Back to the positives, this block is part residential, which means concierge free but has good security via the key entry system. There are two buildings, A & B. Building A is totally residential. This is where the pool is. The pool is a good size and very clean. There are plastic beds and you can have a thick matress for 1euro per day (compaired to 9euros on the beach). There is also a grocery shop, connected to a bar/ taparia whic is open to the pool. Excellent prices: cana & tapa 1.50 euros, with other drinks around the same price. You could also buy a beer/ drink from the shop and take it to the pool area. Friendly bar and shop staff with community feel. To summarise, the apartment is two minutes from the beach and one minute from the pool. It is in the heart of La Carihuela, which is very convenient for everything. Torremolinos is a ten minute walk, but bus stop is two minutes away. Benalmadina about twenty minute walk, but again bus stop two minutes away. For a budget break, we would definetely return, but expect no frills, you get them elsewhere: that's why you go to the Costa Del Sol!