Hotel Yaramar - an excellent choice
by TripAdvisor Member NSalisbury
We went to the Hotel Yaramar in June 2006. We cannot find one single fault with this hotel. Nice clean rooms, fantastic view from the balcony, food wonderful - lots of choice and very well presented. Ideal for getting about if you have mobility problems. There were several disabled people at the hotel and everywhere was so easy for them with ramps etc. Even the pool area was very accessible for them. The entertainment in the hotel was good, lots of places to sit and drink whether you want peace and quiet or entertainment. The only small drawback we could find with the hotel was that they had a piano playing nightly and the noise of this carried up to the bedrooms, especially if you were on a low floor. High floor request would be my recommendation. We were on the 10th floor and that was fine. This went on until after 11.30 ish so those wanting an early night could be very disturbed by the sound. However, the 'piano' bar was always full and people danced the whole time. So obviously not an issue for everyone. As this is a 'Thomson Gold' Hotel, children under 16 are not allowed (pefect for quiet times by the pool) Los Boliches itself is a very nice, fairly quiet resort. Some nice shops, a few bars and restaurants and overall a very nice place. Again, ideal if you are less mobile. No steps to the beach (across the road) and a long promenade ideal for walking. (all on the flat) It's only a half hour (slow) walk to Fuengirola where things are a little livelier if neeeded. We hired a car from the hotel and took off to Estepona, Puerto Banus and Marbella. Also, a trip to Mijas up in the hills above Fuengirola. All well worth a visit. People we spoke to said they had been to this hotel time and time again which tells you an awful lot. We certainly woud go again.
Excellent Yaramar
by TripAdvisor Member Troypg
This hotel is great. From the moment we arrived, when our room was not ready, customer service was really good, we were settled in the bar and the drinks we chose were free. We were kept informed and 45minutes later were given our keys where the luggage was waiting. The room was lovely. We did upgrade to a deluxe room and the views over the beach and the pool from the picture windows and balcony were a joy. Food quality, excellent, plenty of choice.
We did a couple of trips and special mention has to go to Dave from Go Beyond, the day in the Land Rover going inland showed us a glimpse of 'real' Spain. Gibraltar Rock Tour - I cant remember the name of the mini bus driver, but he made the trip.
Really funny and Smudger who showed us the WWII tunnels
was really informative.
Weather could have been better, but we would definitely go back.
Yaramar - For You?
by TripAdvisor Member Malinky_Rus
We stayed at the Yaramar from 3 to 17 of October 2006. We were pleasantly greeted by reception and efficiently allocated our room. Basis previous reviews regarding the volume of the pianist/singer carrying up to higher floors in the atrium, we had emailed the hotel requesting a room on or above the 10th floor. The room allocated was 1036, located offset from the atrium and we could only just hear the music with no problem getting to sleep, if one wanted an early night, before the music stopped at around 2300 to 2330 hrs. The room faced the beach with super views. The hotel is located in the quieter east end of Fuengirola, just across the road from the sandy beach. A stroll into the town centre takes 15 to 20 minutes. The promenade being flat makes easy walking. The promenade and the its adjacent road are cleaned several times a day, so, the surroundings are also very clean.
The hotel is quality and very clean, the cleaners work very hard paying attention to every little detail of the whole hotel. All credit to them. We found all staff friendly and accommodating.
The Thompson reps. were also helpful with information and ease of booking trips. We decided on three of many on offer. We went to Tangiers – the Kasbah being a wild experience – 83 Euros. Granada and the fascinating Alhambra Palace, 65 Euros. The beautiful mountain village of Ronda by train, returning by coach, spectacular, 42 Euros. All prices are per person. Similar trips can be bought cheaper from several operators in Fuengirola, but, we guessed it might be more convenient with Thompson having only a couple of pick up and drop off points.
There are no children under 16 allowed allocation at the Yarama by Thompson. That was one of the reasons for booking, the freedom of choice to be without screaming kids running around, especially in restaurants where parents are ignorant of their behaviour or don’t give a damn.. We are not against children and have three of our own; there is a time and place for them, many other hotels welcome families. We were probably the youngest couple at early 50’s, most being 60 to 80+. Therefore, you can expect exemplary behaviour, no idiotic childish football chants in the early hours in the corridors, no slamming doors, balcony parties, screaming and shouting , etc. Just nice, respectful behaviour. The hotel, and the resort being quite flat, caters well for the disabled, plenty of ramps for wheel chairs, the hotel staff being very caring for those that need help.
We didn’t bother too much with the program of daily and evening entertainment. The daytime consisting of various quizzes and games, one is not pressurised into taking part. One evening we went to the Aquarium bar situated below the ground floor to see the flamenco dancing. The four dancers were quality performers, well choreographed and synchronised – really worth a look. Most nights, which were warm, we strolled along the promenade to the town or to backstreet bars. During our first week we lucky to see the local Feria, a week of celebration, starting with a firework display, religious and civic parade, horses, flamenco dancing, beautiful traditional dresses.
The hotel has several bars, one near the pool, the Churchill lounge adjacent the restaurant, the Patio bar at ground level, where the pianist/singer performs and couples dance and the Aquarium mentioned above. There is a different cocktail on offer each night at 3.20 Euros and happy hour, two drinks for the price of one in the Aquarium between 2100 and 2200 hrs. The pool bar also has a happy hour around lunchtime and so does the Rivera bar and restaurant on the beach across the road from the hotel. The Rivera belongs to the hotel. Rather than the hotel pool, which is located in the open on the second floor and very clean, we preferred to take a sun bed and parasol on the beach in the dedicated area of the Rivera, 5 Euros for the day for two beds a parasol and two glasses of sangria thrown in!
The beach generally is quite clean except for the horrible and lazy habit of smokers disposing of their cigarette ends in the sand despite many litter bins. Seems quire endemic of Med. Beaches. For the first week, the sea was quite cold, by the end of our second week it was really warm. We were informed that currents (possibly influenced by the nearness of the Atlantic) impact temperatures frequently? Be careful leaving bags on sun beds, we had one stolen when we took a short stroll on the beach. Even though we were in the Rivera dedicated area, with other Yarama guests around, we thought it would be less of a risk. We don’t take anything of value to the beach, but, it was annoying to have some reading material and my favourite hat stolen!!! There are many sellers and massage service sellers on the beach, but, they are not persistent and will go away if ignored.
We were a little disappointed in the restaurant quality of food; a month previously we had two weeks in the 4 star Regina Gran in Salou, where the food was much superior in choice, flavour, freshness, show cooking, and desserts. During our first week the fresh fruit was inedible, it was not ripe hard as hell and bitter. It improved by the second week. Breakfasts were OK with the usual much choice of cereals, dried fruit, cold meats, cheese, English breakfast, etc. For the evening dinner, the choice was very much the same, very much tasted the same and didn’t stretch the imagination or creativity of a 4 star hotel chef. There seemed to be a lack of herbs, spices and garlic. The beef, pork and chicken, often being dry and tough. This can’t happen if the raw produce is of sufficient quality. Maybe, the bland cuisine suited the taste buds of the many elderly generation guests; certainly the most exotic addition to a dish in my mother’s day was an onion. There was a limited choice of desserts. About twice a week, there was a theme evening, for example: Spanish, Chinese, but again, nothing to stretch the taste buds or imagination.
One is entitled to a free three course al a carte dinner per week at no extra cost, where one is allocated a table in the small “exclusive” partly screened of section of the restaurant. If I remember correctly, the main course has a choice of four dishes, Chicken Supreme, Pork, Steak Diane and Plaice? One can hardly get any of these wrong. I had chicken, my wife the Steak, none of them to really write home about, and very average. Maybe I’m a bit too harsh, there will be something to suite ones taste and you won’t starve, but, I would rate the restaurant as two to three star. I did mention things to one of the head waiters; he didn’t seem too concerned as there was no shortage of bookings for this otherwise really nice hotel.
Travelling around on bus or train is cheap. Bus into Fuengirola town centre is 0.95 Euro, the bus stop for town being about four blocks from the back of the hotel, on the Santos Jesus Avenue. An L1 or L4 (L=Linea or Line) will take you on from the town centre to its last stop at the Myramar shopping complex, just west of the town. Not far from the Myramar, is a large Dunnes of London shopping complex. From the main bus station, the M220 bus will take you to Marbella at 2.51 Euro, about a 50 minute journey. Worth a look around and have a nice lunch at one of the restaurants in Orange Square, in the old part of town, the Square is only a short walk north from the main road in the centre of town. An L6 from Marbella to Puerto Banus is 1.15 Euro. Again worth a trip to see that crime really does pay for life’s luxuries. Puerto Banus is quite nice all around, some super fashion and jewellery shops, nice restaurants, etc. The L6 bus terminates in a car park adjacent to a huge shopping complex.
The Fuengirola train only runs between the town and Malaga (main connections from here) taking approximately an hour, stopping at many stations along the way including the airport. From Fuengirola to Malaga, 3.50 return. The Fuengirola station being in the town centre, underground a block away from the main bus station. The train also stops at the Los Boliches station located above ground, about four blocks from the back of the hotel and about 200-300 metres to the east.
All things considered, it was a great holiday and despite the hotel food, we would return to the Yaramar, probably the best in the area?
Consistently high standards
by TripAdvisor Member macjellicoe
Just returned from our third visit to the Yaramar Hotel in four years. The standards of care and cleanliness that the staff maintains are a credit to them. You will find all the public areas and toilets are kept spotlessly clean, and even the toilets off the swimming / sun lounge area are kept clean and tidy, which is no mean feat.
I would recommend spending the extra amount required to book a 'Superior Room'. You get a spacious corner room with the frontage being floor to ceiling windows that give you an unobstructed and elevated view over the sea and promenade. A marvellous viewpoint to watch the sun coming up in the morning over the horizon of the sea. On the sidewall of the room you have access on to your balcony which overlooks the pool and promenade.
Buffet restaurant offers a good choice, and if you can't find something to suit, or if you think that what is on offer looks overdone the chefs were quite happy to cook a fresh portion on the hot plate for you. Lots of good fresh fruit available morning and evening.
Swimming pool 'heated' in winter - well in fairness the chill is off it - and perhaps the air temperature at this time of year affects your perception - and I will therefore leave you to judge the description for yourself.
Nice big gym with a variety of equipment to meet most people's needs.
Overall, I am happy to recommend the Yaramar as a very good choice for a holiday hotel on the Costa Del Sol.
Spain in Spring
by TripAdvisor Member LeatherheadWidgeon
The Yaramar is an excellent hotel ideally situated within Los Boliches adjacent to the sea and popular (during April at least) with retired/semi-retired folk. Our upgraded room (12th floor) was very spacious with terrific views towards Fuengirola's harbour. When we arrived our room contained a bouquet of flowers, a selection of fruit and a bottle of wine and mineral water courtesy of our travel operator. A nice touch. The walk to the town of Fuengirola itself is do-able, but it's a tidy step if you're not in the first flush of youth or are not especially fit. However, as an alternative for those who prefer it, reasonably good public transport is widely available and relatively cheap.
Although the Yaramar offers a very wide selection of meals to suit many tastes, dining is self-service and, depending on what time you choose to eat, the meals may have been sitting under hot lamps for some time. It doesn't suit everyone, however, and queueing up for meals in a somewhat haphazard fashion brought back memories of school dinners.
Not sure we'd return to Fuengirola, but if we did then we'd probably choose the Yaramar to stay in. Of all the hotels on the front, it does look to be one of the best for its accommodation at least.
Lovely hotel
by TripAdvisor Member Ginandor
A beautiful hotel with wonderful cheery staff. The location is however a mixed bag. It is excellent from the perspective of being across the road from a superb beach and proximity to shops restaurants etc. However, the 2nd floor pool looks onto the Paseo Maritimo, which is arguably the busiest street in town, and consequently always buzzing with teenagers on mopeds etc. Also, as parking is a bit of a problem, there's much honking of horns when there is a hold up by a motorist. Therefore if its serenity you want, the Yaramar is not the place for you.
The food is OK, but sometimes a bit lukewarm, and meats are often overcooked. However, we were never stuck for a meal. If you do want a change, there is a superb little restaurant at the back of the hotel less than a minutes walk away. The Paloma is in a narrow lane with people walking about so it is fab for people watching. The food is superb and well priced.
Yes, theres lots of older people at the hotel, but most are a laugh and we never had problems with them.
The reps are a waste of space. Their sole interest is selling excursions at over inflated prices. Turn right out of the hotel and within 100 yards there are 2 travel agencies who will sell the self same excursions as those offered by Thomson for half the price in some cases. The trip to Tangier with Thomson is 85 euros each. At the travel agents it was 51 euros. The itinerary was identical, the coach was ultra modern, the guides were superb, so we have no qualms in recommending them.
Best Hotel In Fuengirola
by TripAdvisor Member HotGay
This is clearly the best Hotel in Fuengirola and I have triEd most !
Hotel is very clean, rooms are good, food is good, staff are great.
OK, so mainly older visitors as no UK kids allowed ( thats why I go)!
Perfect situation. Lots of shops, bars and lovely beach nearby.
Fuengirola is, I guess a little more Spanish than some of the other resorts and the situation of this hotel is just right. Shops, bars and beach all nearby, a nice walk into the centre of town. This neighbourhood is a little more "select" than the rest of Fuengirola.
If you want a really first class hotel on the Costa Del Sol use this one. You wont find better.
Only negative (hard to find any) I'd prefer an armchair in the bedroom, you do get a chair and table etc, but an armchair or 2 seat settee would be perfect.
Once you come here you will come back year after year because you simply cant find a better (all round) hotel in this locality.
Fuengirola has a lot going for it. Bit more Spanish than some other resorts and close to Granada, Seville, Gibralter, Rhonda for visits. (Fuengirola Zoo is well worth a visit). Also, you can catch a train into Torremolinos for a few pence !
Overall this hotel is a GEM for those over 45
If you want a good hotel dont bother with any others. Once you have stayed here you will come back (like me, 7 times!)
Not for the Young
by TripAdvisor Member cheriee
I checked the tripadvisor to check this hotel out and it got good reviews, so i booked it through thomson it was £87 for the night Half board its a 4* so that was good its on the main sea front.
After reading the reviews they said you can get the train to fuengirola then walk to the hotel if you do that its a 15 min walk the train station los bloiches is behind the hotel about a 5 min walk.
The hotel is a thomson gold ( OLD ) the youngest there was about 60 yrs...! we were told to get a pool view so asked we got the 14th floor which is good if you dont mind heights, the lift is glass so close your eyes if you dont like heights, the food was good quality but cold they have a mircowave which i used to put my breakfast in which was then great, Full english breakfast.
I am 34yrs old and felt very out of place the hotel was a good quality hotel and the thomson reps where very good. Just need to get some young people in there.
There is a fantastic restaurant a 5 min walk up the road out of the hotel turn left past the comfortel hotel and its opposite that its fantastic they do local fish and meats there were lots of spanish there so you know its good its called( la carihuela Chica)
A very good hotel
by TripAdvisor Member Cumbrianman
We stayed at the Hotel Yarama for 7 nights in June 2007 and had a really great holiday. We were lucky enough to have a superior room. I e-mailed the hotel in advance and asked for a room on the 10th floor or above. Well we had the 15th, top floor and what a view! It was fantastic. One complete wall of the room (which was large) was completely glass from floor to ceiling and the balcony although small in comparison to some Thomson Gold hotels did have the best views I have ever had. On the Saturday night at 1.00am the town had a brilliant firework display on the marina jetty and I think we had the best seats around on our balcony. The weather was hot all week and we were thankful of the aircon in the room at night (although a bit noisy!)
A couple of things to note if you are thinking of a stay at the Yarama:- don't if you don't like heights, the glass lift is a great ride but not if you suffer from vertigo. Probably not for the under 40 year olds as the guests tend to be more mature (still you do get a good nights sleep and it does make you feel on the young side even if like me you are above 50!) The superior rooms are worth the extra. The food when we stayed was excellent with a good choice for all tastes. Although we did have to queue at the dining room door one night, as you are asked to wait to be sitted, it did stop any congestion within the dining room at peak times. Didn't like the cheap toilet paper in the loo's, best buy your own and they're are a bit tight on the complements (only 2 tea bags, 2 coffee sachets and 2 milks per day) and we had to wait 3 days for the tissue holder in the bathroom to be topped up and only after putting the empty box on the toilet seat as a hint.
Great location and the hotel beach area is excellent. Book any trips locally as they are a lot cheaper than Thomson. We went to Gib. for the day and took the train to Rhonda (both very good). The complementary flowers, fruit and wine in the room was really nice and the room safe was free (much to my surprise)!
We would certainly stay there again and highly recommend it.
The best
by TripAdvisor Member oooh_matron
First class hotel. There is nothing to complain about at all. The hotel is well situated with a beautiful view of the coat for miles. The glass elevators are really special and the first time you ride them, you will feel like a vip.
The Staff of the hotel are all faultless and a special mention has to be made about the Thomson staff there. The reps are always at hand to deal with and problems or answer any questions, and the animation team work to keep the daytime activities fun. However, it´s the evening entertainment that really sets it apart from the rest. Although the Aquarium bar where the shows are held is not ideal, the entertainment is fantastic. In fact I don´t think I´ve ever been in a hotel where the reps work so hard, it is they who make this hotel what it is, taking it from just a good hotel to the best hotel we have stayed in.
Photos
Paseo Martimo Playa De La Carihuela inscription
Chrch of San Miguel Arcángel
A welcome glass of coffee
Here comes the rain!
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