The common spaces of the Hotel Royal Costa were renovated in 2005 and are decked out in the standard wood and marble of a chain hotel -- but it's filled with light, and there's plenty of seating areas and large, colorful paintings on the walls. Near the entrance a blue, yellow, and red cow sculpture seems to stand guard. The hotel's exterior is as bulky and basic as a block of yellow-orange concrete, and has apparently seen its share of graffiti. But the hotel has two attached pools -- one for children, one for adults -- and a poolside snack bar, a cafe/bar lounge, and a game area with ping-pong, foosball, and pool. But for serious night action, it's necessary to go to Torremolinos.

Hotel Royal Costa is a quick two-minute walk from the Los Alamos train station, with trains that pass every 20 minutes, putting downtown Torremolinos, Malaga, the Malaga International Airport, and many destinations along the Costa del Sol within easy reach. The nearest beach is Los Alamos, which is within a 15-minute walk. Golf, surfing, snorkeling, and windsurfing are available nearby.

Hotel Royal Costa houses 186 rooms and three junior suites, most of which have terraces and partial sea views. The pale orange walls and minimal furnishings are basic. The rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and the hotel provides free cribs if needed. The bathrooms are good size and clean with floor to ceiling tiles, and full tubs. Decor is bland and there have been complaints of uncomfortable mattresses.

The Hotel Royal Costa offers an all-inclusive package, which includes all food and beverages, including cocktails. The buffet restaurant offers international cuisine, but guests have complained that the food is repetitious and sometimes cold, and that the snacks that come with the all-inclusive package are disappointing. The centerpiece of the hotel is the pool area, with umbrellas, a snack bar, and lounges. There is no spa or fitness center on-site, but golf, snorkeling, and windsurfing are available nearby.