Marbella & Puerto Banus
"View of Melia Don Pepe from one of the pools"
The property showed it's age gracefully and the grounds were quite expansive with multiple pools which led you to the ocean front tiled walkway. All the rooms were clean and nicely appointed, brimming with shellacked walnut panelling and trim. All had small balconys and faced the ocean with exception to the apartment style complex behind the main building. The restuarant was ok but there was better a short walk away. The large outdoor cabana bar & grill was a nice afternoon retreat for a bite and drink. Did I mention the room was fitted with a mini bar, robe and slippers?
"Puerto Banus harbor"
I tried to commandier this one but though better of it as a thick-necked deckhand named Gunther appeared out of nowhere and politely asked to leave...(I think it was the off-brand sandals I wore that upset him).
"A view of the sea from room"
The higher you are, the better the view. The structure below is the cabana bar & grill and one of the pools hidden in front of it.
"Boardwalk below hotel Pepe"
The tiled walk was meticulously maintained. Everytime I was there it seemed theat they were repairing broken tiles and washing down the entire walk which stretched for at least 2km past other hotels, private properties and shops. Yes..I know I was leaning.
"Late afternoon beach shot of the Costa del Sol"
The beaches were void of....of anyone. They where very clean and along the expansive boardwalk did manage to find a few cafes still open to lunch at. The water was freezing but I did go in for a long swim (this required forethought and generous amounts of Bourbon), it was exhilerating to be swimming in the Med but had deleterious effects on my buzz and on something else...........shortly after while going to the bathroom I pulled out my thumb and peed my pants.
"Sunset view from room"
This is when the minibar, robe and slippers came into play.......ROOM SERVICE!
"Shopping beer break in Puerto Banus"
A short taxi ride (I can't remember the cost, maybe $10-12 US) brings you to this classic, chic, jet set populas little town where shopping, eating, drinking and people watching is all part of the attraction. Lots of old money from all over including the good looking, Crystal guzzling spoiled rich boys toting behind them beavies of equally beautiful giggling 3% body fat pin cushions burning up their fathers AMEX.
"Puerto Banus harbor"
Yatchs from around the world moor here year round owned by.......well, who the hell cares.
"I want to rent this car NOW!"
Rent one these babies for a day, about $300 plus mileage.....I couldn't (see beer drinking sloth in earlier pic).
"...I love mermaids"
Again....it was the beer. However they were rather supple........
"Main harbor street Puerto Banus"
This is the busier side of things along the harbor where there's lots of cafes and boutiques with some bargin shopping to be had. There's even an American style reatuarant for those that can't stray from burgers or too sheepish to try and pronounce an item in Spanish.
"......animals love me"
On the water enterance to the harbor lies stone piles where dozens (maybe a hundred?) of cats live to feed upon the fish scraps left by the casual fishermen who frequent the rocks. I had no food with me and still they surrounded me in minutes, I felt like the pied piper. Note: no chinese food resturants within miles.....
"Another shopping beer break....."
Well deserved MSCA union break..........(Male Shopping Companions of America)
