Name: Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa
Address: A-7 Estepona-Cádiz, km 151, Urb. Arena Beach, Estepona, 29680, ES

Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa

Costa del Sol · Spain

A-7 Estepona-Cádiz, km 151, Urb. Arena BeachView location

100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2026

Cynthia

We enjoyed our stay. The staff was extremely attentive to our needs. This hotel

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jun 2026

Brian Charles

More like a 4 star hotel. All doable depending what your expectations are.

6/10

Pleasant

05 Feb 2026

Mrs

Very courteous staff.
The room however was cold, dark and miserable. It was in need of a complete renovation.
The heating wasn’t working and we had to sleep with clothes/ spa robe on.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2026

Adrian Manuel

Room spotless and spacious. Staff very friendly and providing a great service. SPA very good. Hotel restaurants provided a great service and excellent quality food.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2025

Liseth

Spacious but a little outdated

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2025

Nick

End of summer week in the sun

Unheard of for us, but we decided to come back to this hotel after a week holiday last year. Everything about this hotel is superb. Reception staff, restaurant staff, bar staff, cleaning staff.
My only gripe is that we asked for a room upgrade (as an Expedia platinum member) but were told that all the higher grade rooms were full. This wasn’t the case as we could clearly see that the suite we had last year was unoccupied for the duration of our stay.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Aug 2025

Olivia

This hotel is on a motorway - beach side.

There are no bars or cafe/resturants within walking distance.

We spent 50 euros a day in taxis and had to wait well over an hr sometimes for a taxi at busy times.

The English breakfast was cold.

And snake bar food was dreadful!

Some of the staff were charming.

I hate to give a bad review but we were mislead on booking. We thought we were in walking distance to estapona beach but that takes well over an hr to walk.

If you don’t have a car I don’t think this is the hotel to book.

8/10

Excellent

26 Jul 2025

Olubimpe Fali

Nice stay

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

Lauren

lovely hotel, amazing breakfast, welcome drink even when we got in late

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2025

Joanne

Staff make this hotel

We spent a week as a family of 4. While I’m not sure this is truly a 5*, a bit dated overall. However the food was excellent quality, the restaurants were never too busy & the quality of food was very good, in particular at the buffet.
It got busier around the pool during the week but was comfortable.
The staff were a key highlight, very helpful and always a smile, everyone really, but shout out to Cristina who always had a smile & remembered everyone.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

22 Jun 2025

DIANE

This is like a cruise ship experience. They feed buffets to the masses with very poor quality food and service. We had to send back an undercooked pizza and even the 2nd one was undercooked. No drink or food service to all the sunbathing areas; minimal snack service to the main pool which did not have a view of the Mediterranean Sea and very un appealing presence. They also would not allow us to order food and carry it to the seaview deck lounge chairs & cabanas. Lots of rules and lack of employee courtesy made this a very impersonal and lackluster experience. No walkable nearby restaurants for dining options. Beach was quiet with no lounge chairs.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Feb 2025

Abhishek

Old bur decent

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2025

Ronald

I really appreciate the hotel's warm and welcoming atmosphere, and its convenient location is a definite advantage for guests.

However, I understand the current decor might not meet everyone's expectations. A minor refurbishment and updating the furniture could elevate the experience for future visitors.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2024

Martin

All

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

09 Sep 2024

Howard

Gran Hotel is stuck in 1970's. Doesn't even have working internet so it's almost impossible even open an article from reading your daily paper online, let alone have a

8/10

Excellent

08 Sep 2024

rob

Pool needs maintenance- black mould
Beach loungers shabby old and very uncomfortable
Breakfast buffet very poor, fruit choice very limited, busy, no table service for drinks, crowded area round coffee machine, toaster juice machine
Evening buffet not very good
Crockery etc very shabby
Room very nice, great cleaning staff, fab view and beach access very convenient but this is NOT a 5 star hotel by any means and that should be changed on your website. This is a 4 star hotel and we would not have stayed here if we’d known that beforehand.
Mis- advertising which is unusual for hotel.com

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2024

Alan

We love this property. The rooms are nice and the location is perfect. Great place to relax and enjoy all of Estepona.

Business_and_leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jul 2024

Dariusz

Not a real 5 star property

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2024

Donald

Beauty on the beach spa and swimming pools (3)

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2024

Temple

The property is beautiful and the food buffet was good.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2024

Michael

good but building a little tired

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2024

Antony

Amazing

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2023

Noshaba

Amazing restaurant service

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2023

Elena Rozalia

The hotel was the best choice for our family vacation. Staff was very friendly,very helpful,food amazing and very nice. Location of the hotel was amazing,right by the beach, waking up every morning to the sound of the waves and birds singing. Definitely the best choice for a family vacation.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2023

Sergio

The ocean views are espectacular- Ocean 50 yards from the room

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2023

William

Great waterfront property and the buffet restaurant was on point!

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

01 Sep 2022

Julie

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

19 Aug 2022

Ben

Don’t be fooled this is not 5 stars

The Ringwood and ms were good, but do not be fooled this is not a 5 star hotel by any means, 4 star at best

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2022

Andrew

The hotel is in a lovely location right beside a nice sandy beach. The hotel staff were really friendly and were able to point me in the right direction when I needed to buy a plug to charge UK devices. Not so great for public transport although a taxi to Estepona is €10

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2022

Mark

Easter Break

Lovely Easter Break with freinds. Stayed in a Deluxe room. Perfect location. Fabulous hotel. Nothing too much trouble. Worth every penny. Will definately stay here again.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2022

Bridgette

We chose this hotel for a complete rest and it did not disappoint. Huge room with a sea view meant we could sit on the balcony and read, whilst dining on site. Great not to have to go anywhere else.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2022

Elaine

A good stay.

A good stay.
However, there should be more signs to the restaurants and Spa.
There are no film channels in any language and no uk BBC news or programmes.
Only entertainment on a Saturday evening.
Restaurant and room service good very expensive.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2021

Andrew

😜😜😜

Great hotel. Not quite central but only a few euros in a taxi to the centre.

Partner

2/10

Poor

10 Nov 2021

Andrew

Do no stay here!

If you have a car and plan to drive to this hotel-don't! We parked our car in the carpark which looks like it belongs to the hotel but only after our car was vandalised along with ten other cars does the hotel then tell you that the car parking is not their responsibility.

The hotel had no security because nobody in the hotel heard the car alarms or the smashing of numerous car windows. This is not a five star hotel.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

31 Oct 2021

Mark

A place to wind down and totally relax

On the whole our stay was great. The staff were great and rooms were clean. Food was excellent and the variety was amazing. Plenty room around the pool for all guests.
Only thing for us was that we found the beds rather hard (not their fault as we all have our own preference) and the shower just dribbled out but again perhaps as we were on 4th floor, the pressure was low?
If using the hotel be aware that you may need to hire a car or order lots of taxis (which is fine so long as you put in your holiday budget) as the Hotel is a little out there on its own.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2021

ahmad

so claim nice to stay

nice stay

Business

4/10

Poor

13 Oct 2021

Bruno

The rooms are old and the whole hotel smells like fried food. The air conditioning in the room was not working. The hotel needs a renovation and updating. We stayed in the oversized suite and it was still disappointing. There are no usb chargers. The bathroom shower floor had mold in the grout.

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2021

Andrew

Excellent accommodation , location meant that a car is a must .

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2021

John

Fantastic

Overlooking the water, the hotels location was perfect. The room was clean,spacious and the balcony was a pure joy to sit on and listen to the waves. Breakfast was included and was excellent. The bars, restaurants and other facilities were great but all the staff were fantastic from the front desk to the housekeeping. Whatever you needed they did their best to get for you. They were on point. We had a really great stay.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

18 Sep 2021

Mari

Disappointed

I stayed here a couple of days while my flat was being renovated. I was disappointed by the fact that my sheets had never been changed from the previous guest. Needless to say I was grossed out. Also the head waitress in the restaurant with the buffet is horrible. She has little personal skills and barks orders to the other staff. She needs retraining…
I would never stay here again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2021

Vicky

Beautiful location

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2021

Terence

Was given a very large spacious suite with a large balcony,
was lovely, staff were great, and the pool and garden areas were kept so well, located beside a beach also, excellent value

8/10

Excellent

28 Aug 2021

Xiaobei

The hotel is with a good size, nice pools, restaurant and brilliant service. But lots of things are too old, broken or need to be replaced. Our door keys has been not accessible everyday without a reason. Kids club is a good place, but no know why it’s without aircon. Overall still a good nice hotel to go, hope it will improve itself step bu step.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2021

Paul

Rely nice time, great service, lovely and helpful staff, great food. Hassle free stay.
Well done to all the staff 👍

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2021

Simon

Great long weekend with the kids!

Only negative was the rock hard beds..

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

23 May 2021

Gregory

Very dated and spa is expensive

Very dated rooms and spa which shown as facility have to pay 90€ for a family of four to use. Very disappointed

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2021

Katrina

Weather was amazing, beach walking distance,

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2020

David

Perfect for relaxation

Lovely quiet hotel. Perfect for relaxation.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Dec 2019

stephen

Heating on in some rooms other cold
Kettle not working in one room
Loose tiles on floor in room
Nothing to complain about with staff execellemt

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Did not inform about spa renovation at the time of booking.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

21 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

The hotel was lovely and clean, food was great and best Sangria we had all holiday.
The only downside is it out of town so taxis required to get anywhere however if you just wanted to lay at the pool/beach couldn’t fault it. Staff very friendly and helpful to 😃

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful clean nice rooms. No pool bar. Or beach bar. Beach not nice sand and very small but still nice to lay on to hear the sea. Upper deck with indoor pool nice but child free area would have been better. Breakfast brilliant. Entertainment very poor and lacking. On a main road so no walking along the seafront or any bars or restauranrs. Cab to old town for food was ok approx €10 each way including tip.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

11 Oct 2019

David

Disappointing three nights

3rd time in the hotel and disappointing this time. Bar staff too busy. Took 20 mins to get severed upstairs and at pool. Edgar very good but not enough people during attendance. Air conditioning in room goes off during the night (every night) and it was very warm even for October.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

This was my 2nd visit to this lovely hotel. The staff are so accommodating, sociable and friendly. They very much make your stay so enjoyable with no request being to much trouble.
At this time of year the place is fairly quiet although there is entertainment every evening.
Best of all is that you are never short of sunbeds and can enjoy a lie in.
Great choice of food, wine, and spirits

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2019

Gary

Nice wiev

Very nice location,
The buffé was not so good.

Friends

2/10

Poor

30 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Not 5 star.
Titanic like feel to the place.
Bitterly disappointed.
Refund......didn't think so!

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

27 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Nice stay but not sure I’d book again.

Great hotel, but glitches. Very clean and mostly friendly. Need coffee maker in room. Pool hours too limiting. Too strict with beach towels. (A little comical.) Wait staff can use a bit of training.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Position,facilities,staff all excellent. Only slight issue was parking.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Awesome hotel. The staff were friendly and attentive. Our stay was a true pleasure. The hotel itself is an older hotel but the private beach, pool and staff make it a great place. The beach itself is a bit rocky but we didn’t mind. The pool and adult pool are great. We had a great time and loved Estepona!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

The hotel was a little further away from amenities and Estepona town than I expected but taxis are reasonable (c€7). The staff were great. room comfortable and facilities excellent. I particularly liked the adults only breakfast and pool area.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Very impressed with the Deluxe Seaview room and the large balcony ....Pool was very nice and all staff have been exceptional . Pleased with the choice of food in the buffet restaurant. We would definitely return to this hotel.

Friends_and_family Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

The staff was courteous and professional. All members were always willing to assist with whatever was needed. They even parked our car for us.

Our room was middle of the road for the choices here BUT it was spectacular!!! We had a full view of the Mediterranean and all the modern conveniences were up to par.

The included breakfast was extensive with many options and eggs made to order.

We cannot wait to visit here again!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2019

Pauline

Fab!

Fantastic hotel, will return, love the welcome drink with we arrived!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

I Loved every part of it, superb experience, very relaxing and peaceful, i will return. The staff and the location were amazing, exceptional. I was upgraded for one night. The hotel was full but it felt so spacious and clean and wonderful. I was at total peace there. The food was superb too ( especially the breakfast ). Loved it. Go and experience it.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Amazing staff, everybody in Elba Estepona is so friendly and professional, we had a great time and will recommend it to all our friends .

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

27 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Not convinced it’s a 5* but is still a great place. The decor is looking dated on the corridors and bedroom but reception/restaurants/terrace were lovely. The hotel is huge and our room was a very long way from reception/restaurant etc so not ideal for elderly unless you request a closer room

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

This is a fantastic value for middle class families or families that are embracing a middle class lifestyle even if their income is higher. Breakfast is included and free kids club with people that actually know what to do(lots of high energy and low energy mix of stuff) and don't just sit and look at the watch waiting for the parents to pick their kids. The only downside is that, even if you just want to use the steam room/sauna from the spa, you have to pay EUR 20 per person.
We liked the cozy nature(we hate mega resorts with thousands of rooms) and the laid back atmosphere. Management was very helpful with granting us a late check-out as our flight was only leaving in the evening and even sent a bottle of bubbly and for us to enjoy and chocolates for the kids- very nice touch. We would come back at this resort without reservation.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

23 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

My only personal issue was that the hotel was on a main road and I was not able to easily walk/run into Estepona town or get there along the sea front.

The hotel and staff were lovely, with good amenities and taxi's were quick and easy to get into town.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

We were upgraded to a junior suite which was much appreciated. Very good breakfast buffet. Lots of sun beds available. The adult only terrace pool was amazing. Took taxis into Estepona for dinner - the cost is 16 euros round trip but worth doing as it’s a lovely bustling town with lots of great shops and restaurants. Would stay again.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

11 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Did not cater for vegetarians. Thought bread and salad was ok for all the week. Had a water leak through the ceiling and from the shower cubicle into the toilet area. The adult section was not policed enough to keep out any under 16's. Some of the staff was rude to my wife once they knew she was vegetarian. Beach area barriered off so unable to use all week. Entertainment poor.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

17 Jun 2019

Chris

Nice hotel in a good part of town. Small/tight rooms, difficult checking in with no real parking and service was average as they didn’t follow through on certain requests. Not a bad place to stay for location but overall meh.

Family

4/10

Poor

12 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

The hotel was not a 5 star hotel there were many things wrong with the hotel and some of the restraunt and bar staff where more interested in talking to other staff than to serving you. We were also made to wait on arrival 2 hours before we could get a room. I will not be going back too this hotel.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Too far from shopping area and taxi fares are very expensive

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Great place, great location and great food

If you go fully inclusive your enjoyment will be better, no stress, fabulous food and weather, great facilities, only thing not amazing was sometimes patchy service which could be better, some where fantastic though so once you know whom they where we just kept going back to them!

Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Great place. Friendly staff. Facilities like spa and pool very good

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Really excellent customer service especially reception.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Hotel for older guests. Room was very spacious but dated kids club facilities very basic. Great staff. Not really on a beach just a few pebbles.... food good breakfast nice but not much choice for children.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2019

suyen

It was really good the only thing when we went to get the pool towels there was none left, aparte from that everything was perfect,, i always get the all inclusive and the food was great

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 May 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful position but too far from Estepona - need courtesy bus for people who didn’t have a car as no walking facilities to the port which was the nearest area of shops and restaurants - Have to have a taxi to get to port

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2019

Verified traveler

Great to have an indoor pool that was heated to a good temperature. Lovely place.

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

18 Apr 2019

Donna

The hotel needs updating in areas- everything looks a bit tired. We were upgraded to a suite which was very spacious but dated, especially the bathroom. The room was also on the floor above the reception area so was very loud when the live entertainment was playing. The bathrobes were well worn and very hard. The hotel was generally clean - except the windows and glass! The plus side was the indoor pool with a view and a nice swimming pool outside - although not heated so very cold! Breakfast was ok but again it felt like quantity over quality. I feel this hotel is more 4 star rather than 5!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2019

JANET

Small problem with plumbing but fixed it right away. Breakfast very good, good parking and very nice staff. Beware they advertise spa pools but charge 20 euros a day to use.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2019

Monica

Stunning hotel

Great atomsphere, amazing hotel, really hospitable staff! Highly recommended

Family

4/10

Poor

23 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Overpriced and full of geriatrics. Property did not run A/C and our $500/ night sleeping quarters were like sleeping in a sauna.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2019

Gillian

Great

Really enjoyed our stayhere, the staff were friendly and efficient and facilities great, only negative was the supplement to use the spa, everywhere ive stayed before it's included in your stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2019

Ms k robba

Lovely food and lovely place beside the beach 🏖

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2019

Anon

Really nice hotel, very calm and comfortable and the staff were really welcoming. The food was lovely and the rooms were great. We had a sea view room and loved falling asleep to the sound of the waves. Would definitely visit again.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Very clean and tidy, good breakfast, excellent staff, big rooms.

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

ONLY ONE RESTURANT OPEN . That too closes early 2200 Hrs.
DESERTED FEEL IN NOVEMBER DUE TO CLISURE OF RESTURANTS SO ONE HAD TO DRIVE TO ESTEPONA FOR DECENT RESTURANTS!

4/10

Poor

13 Nov 2018

Chris

The hotel was ok nobody informed us the evening buffet closed one day before we left and one pool shut
Could not collect the car we hired as outside airport could not get there NO ONE TOLD US WONT BE USING
EXPEDIA AGAIN

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Helpful and friendly staff. We always stay here when we visit Estepona and enjoy the relaxed ambience

8/10

Excellent

12 Nov 2018

Angela

Lovely hotel. Reception staff very helpful. Very good lunch

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2018

Simon

Super stay

Excellent 2 night stay. Upgraded rooms fabulous great views comfortable clean hotel

Family

4/10

Poor

10 Nov 2018

Thomas

DON'T GO !! Tiles are broken ,dirty after cleaning..no water for free, very much Moskitos...Door to the beach are close everyday ..Spa in charge...food terrible ...very weak !!

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2018

Steve

We only had bed and breakfast at the hotel although we ate in in the evenings on 3 occasions as not wishing to drive Estepona is a fair way off. The food was good. The pool was goos although it was only open 10 am until 6pm

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2018

Philip

Great facilities and the staff are very welcoming!

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2018

Nigel

Lovely hotel

Our third time here.. great hotel… magnificent food !

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Beautiful property steps away from the beach and Mediterranean sea! Staff very meticulous and detailed service. Will definitely be back!

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2018

Alex

Great hotel. Rooms are big and comfortable. Pool is great, beach is only ok. But hotel is close to Estepona Marina for dining (Rosatti restaurant highly recommended) and also Sotogrande. The hotel Staff is truly amazing (Saul, Cristina, Pepa, Diego, Pedro, and even Isabel the new junior person, etc). And food is really amazing at the hotel. Would of course stay again. Highly recommended!

2/10

Poor

20 Sep 2018

Stefania

NEVER AGAIN

Extremely disappointing. Had to change room twice. Seems like a smoking paradise. Couldn't use any outside space without being exposed to smoke. Day and night! Second night we slept next door to a chain smoker. Had to keep my balcony door properly shut to avoid being choked by vile smell and smoke. Eating was only possible inside otherwise people smoke next to non stop. So you pay to be by the seaside yet what you get is smoke everywhere. And I do mean everywhere! No regards whatsoever for non smokers. Never again! Is it so difficult to have designated area for smokers? Other hotels manage this well, yes this hotel chain shows no interest in caring for well-being and health of their guests. I'll do my best to inform everybody of this hotel. Stay away from Thalasso Elba hotel is my advice to anybody thinking of going to Spain. Staff did all they could, but in the end it is the hotel's policy that fails their guests.

Partner