Myself and Viv have just returned from an 11 night stay, where do we begin?

First impressions were of a traditional Spanish hotel which was very clean. The room (304) was small, however had everything we needed, ie, bed, shower, balcony. Room was cleaned every day and towels changed. The balcony was small, but adequate. There was however an air conditioning unit on the wall, and it's only this and the balcony size which stopped us giving a 5* rating - although the air con was excellent and free of charge.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. Most didn't speak fluent English, however this was no problem at all as they were all nice people. The bar was reasonably priced for a hotel and the spirit measures were generous, especially from the guy working the night shift :). Late at night he brought out the hotel's wee dog, who we nicknamed Choppers. He had a fetish for shoes and flip flops, but what a gorgeous wee friendly dog.

Breakfast was simple - usual continental fayre plus bacon on demand. Only problem was battling past Augustus Gloop at the bacon grill, boy could he pack it away!!!!!!

The gardens were fantastic, the smells were amazing and you could sit there peacefully morning, noon and night with a drink. The pool was small but clean and at times we had it to ourselves - it felt like we were in our own villa!!

Beach 5 minutes walk down La Avenida de Pumpida. It was beautiful. Sunbeds were so thick and comfy Viv slept better than at the hotel!!

Overall it's a great place to holiday with loads of places to eat and drink. We'll post some separate reviews on these. La Carihuela is great and Benalmadena and Torremolinos are within easy walking distance.

Hope this helps, bubaye for now

Viv and Rick

Just returned from 11 nights at this hotel and will definitely be going back. Have been going to Costa del Sol for 15 years now, at least 3 times a year,starting off in Benalmadena, but now always staying in the Carihuela area.Normally stay in El Tiburon in Summer but that hotel has changed hands so we decided to try Carmen Teresa.The hotel is spotless clean and the staff friendly. We only went by the pool once as prefer the beach but did not have trouble getting one of the 10 sunbeds.The gardens at the hotel are well kept and you can always sit there if you couldn't get a bed anyway. Breakfast is continental as this is a proper Spanish hotel, so the people who moan about the food are probably better off staying in England or going to a 'tacky' themed English bar (this is not what we go to Spain for!!!)

I can't fault the cleanliness or the beautiful garden of this Hotel. It was somewhat let down by the bar area and sometimes being made to feel as though being a Solo traveller isn't something that the staff seem used to. Noise can be an issue as doors slam and people arguing happens often especially at night. The maid was very friendly and I am very grateful to the staff. Breakfast was the same buffet everyday. I wasn't expecting a Full English or anything (not keen on them first thing) but a little variety would have been good. Free WiFi is available in the bar/lounge area. I would recommend this hotel to couples looking for a relaxing break.

Me and my boyfriend just arrived back from a week away in this hotel. Hotel was very clean, we had the biggest room in the hotel so were happy about that! Lovely balcony overlooking the pool. Shame that it rained whilst we were there..we found little to do in those days. Only 9 sun beds so beware! I claimed my sunbed at 10 each morning.I think because it was out of season that it wasnt quite as busy.

Flat screen TV on the wall which was nice and good air conditioning. The staff didn't speak very good English..only 1 or 2 did. Beach is a 5 minute walk tops. Beach is very big and long with a strip of restaurants and bars overlooking.

Train station is only a 5 minute walk also (up a hill though) we went to Malaga and were very disappointed, shopping wasn't very good it wasn't very clean or nice.

If you want good shopping go to a place called Plaza Mayor (its one of the stops between torremolinious and Malaga.

If you want Churros there is a place that sells great ones by a cafe called "Euro Cafe"

I found the hotel to always be dead and not many people around. Hotel bar didn't have a good selection and I didn't eat breakfast there after reading the reviews about it on here.