I've just arrived back from a 4 night stay at Villa Flamenca booked through lastminute.com 121 pounds for twin room halfboard (nb i was a single traveller but thats what the offer was-no extra for singletons).
I read all the reviews here and had loads of mixed feelings, mostly of "hope it isnt that bad". I arrived mid afternoon. English level of the receptionist wasnt that great, not very friendly but was handed an A4 leaflet detailing most of the thing you want to know. ie. breakfast and dinner time, when pool is open etc. i was on 3rd floor. went up in the oldish lift. wheeled my case to my door, opened it up and voila! for a single person its a nice sized twin room. beds pushed together, small area to walk all way round. (nb there are no TV's in room available to hire at 17euros a week). bathroom was very clean, room looked neat n tidy. small balcony, im a medium build lass so found gettin out to the balcony ok, but if ur the size of most of me mates and there are 2 of you, u'll probably nt manage very easily. There were plenty of small desks to stick ur stuff. now i went for a really quiet and resting and relaxing time. THe hotel is really enjoyed by the elderly. lovely elderly couples who chat to you through every meal. many of these are returning guests. the peace was ruined on the Sunday when a fresh batch of screaming, swearing fun-seeking youths joined us. <sigh> . Going back to the room, the lighting at night is actually terrible with only small wall light.. next to nearly useless but 2 bedside lights were pretty good. now the toilet and bathroom always had a certain on/off pongy, sewer smell. there wasnt an extrator fan or window. whenever i was brushin my teeth although the water tasted fine.. couldnt quite help thinking i was gargling clear "poo" infected water (im a nurse by trade). I never used the pool but the areas round it was plentiful and loads of sun beds. the weather was fab tuesday not as hot but everyday before that 21-22'C. The food choice was actually ok. now i say that in a very liberal sence. for 122 pounds (roughly 30 a night for just the bed) and half board you cant really ask for much. im more used to staying in backpackers but found the cost of staying in backpackers n having to think what to feed myself whist trying to rest too much! Lotsof choices at breakfast and ok choices of hot meats and lots of salads in the evenings. deserts were simple but you coul dreally stuff yourself stupid. hotel entertainment every night.. duno the quality as i was in my room reading.
nerja is a nice little quiet village, from the hotel if you turn right is the beach DOWNHILL. and UPHILL is the only way to get back, quite steep. Turn left and you walk towards the shops. small supermarkets plentiful. i found the large supermarket really good too.
HINTS FOR TRAVELLERS. if ur on a backpackers budget like me most of the time then dont prebook the transfer coaches. cheapest i found was 70E or about 56 pounds ONE way. if you have few hours (upto 3max) . take the bus 19 from airport to malaga city. (20-25 mins journey for 1euro) or train (1.2Euro 15 mins) . the bus n train station are next to each other. at the bus/coach station go to counter i think its 14-16. the company begins with A.. .. buy a bus ticket to Nerja. if you're lucky and get the direct its only 1hour (its the last stop) or long route is 1.5 hours. this will cost you 3.6 euros . saving you about 50quid!. that means 100quid return. more than enough for the souvenirs. the hotel is really easy to get to. there is a map opposite the bus stop next to the ticket counter in Nerja. ITs basically carry on walking on the same main road. u pass a round about, walk past the BP petrol garage n few mini supermarkets , u turn right and carry on half way down the road. there are actually signs once u see the round about.. few metres ahead.
i did take the bus again to malaga city to wandered round. the cathedral was very grand and impressive. worth a look. Picasso's museum is closed on mondays but his house is open. Dont eat McDonalds , its bit greasy n horrible . eat good paella.
I had to leave for the 830direct bus from nerja to malaga for my flght at 13:00. i was told i could have breakfast early but u must go down before 715. the choice at that time was next to nothing so that dissapointed me on my last day. check out was swift. the friendliness of the staff depends on who they are.. overall only 2/5 but the manager was quite good.
Nerja beach is small but friendly, its s stoney/pebly/rough sand beach which i dont like but i didnt do much sun bathing. The sea front is filled with loads of great eating places, authentic or brits abroard food.
ENJOY!!!
I would definatly go back, to Nerja and that region, maybe even stay at Villa Flamenca if i found another bargain.














