We spent 2 weeks here in late September - like a previous reviewer, our hotel had been changed at the last minute. The location of the hotel is great - right next to the promenade and beach. Reception is reached via 10 steps, though there is a lift to the right which is not immediately obvious. Staff were friendly and helpful. The lobby has comfy chairs and sofas but the bar was never open during our stay (which might have been useful during the 4 rainy days). Our room was spacious with plenty of storage; the TV had a couple of English channels (again useful when it rained!); there was a small fridge. Both the bedroom and bathroom were very clean, towels were changed daily and sheets a couple of times a week. We felt the whole hotel was kept very clean too.

The restaurant had a section open to the public which at times stretched the staff. Sometimes there was a wait for food to be replenished, though during our 2nd week a lady we took to be the restaurant manager took charge and things improved (she even got some potatoes when my husband mentioned that chips with everything was not to his taste) but to be fair the food was in the main varied and plentiful - this hotel caters mainly for Spanish and German guests and their tastes! - I always found I had plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner. This is also the only hotel we have stayed at where a hot choice was provided at our very early morning breakfast before our flight home.

The pool is small with a limited area around it but in late Sept we easily found sunbeds. There are also beds on the beach with a food/drink service (pay 4 euros at reception). The Beach Club bar always seemed lively but closed earlyish too.

Our overall opinion of the Tropicana is that it is a good 3 star hotel rather than the 4 star quoted in the brochures.

As for the area, we can recommend Rumours and Browns; McGuinness for late night entertainment; The Launch serves good coffee and huge sandwiches; El Gato serves the best patatas bravas we have tasted. For lazy holiday makers, take the train to Malaga then the bus tour around the city - though the climb up to the train station is a bit much! Walking either way along the promenade is a good idea - Torremolinos and the shops in one direction; Benalmadena and the harbour in the other. The beach is clean and the sand sculptures amazing!

This is an easy place to holiday - not too long a flight from the UK, sunshine and as Spanish or as English as you want your holiday to be.

The good points are the position being right on the front; the air conditioning and ceiling fan which worked well; the room being quiet. The BIG drawback is the appalling standard of the food. I booked half-board - the breakfast was stale rolls, the usual cheese and ham slices plus cereals. The cooked selection was scrambled egg and the fattiest bacon I have ever seen swimming in grease. The evening meal was luke-warm soup and either pork or chicken with chips every night. I complained to the reception and they just shrugged. Also, the hotel desperately needs refurbishment. Clearly nothing has been spent for years. It is supposedly 4 star but in truth is a mid-range 3 star. If you are seeking a 4 star pass on this one.

We have just stayed at the Tropicana when our previous booking was altered at the last moment. Hotel was fine, very clean, room a bit basic but not in there very much so quite adequate. Only problem was that our particular room did not have a balcony, we asked to change but hotel was fully booked! Breakfast was good with plenty of choice. One extra benefit was beach towels provided, 20 euros deposit and obviously get all this back. Taking into account having to be aware of luggage allowance it is worth using. Would stay here again, it is in an excellent location for bars and restaurants in La Cariheula

we've only eat at the restaurant Mango, we tryed "calamari a la plancha" and they were very tastly!
Kindness staff, wide wine selection. at the end the waiter offered us a mojito in the garden.
If u go there u've to try "figs in tinto", it is the best dessert i've ever eat!