The Vincci Seleccion Aleysa Hotel Boutique & Spa is one of the sharpest upscale properties in Benalmadena, near plenty of restaurants and bars. Its 35 rooms are chic and sophisticated and all have views of the sea -- the welcome bottle of cava doesn't hurt either. Some have large balconies, while others offer direct access to the pool. The hotel's Mediterranean restaurant draws praise, and there are bars by the sleek pool and in the lobby. Lounge chairs are spaced so that there's plenty of privacy on the beach, and features include a spa, fitness center, and yoga and Pilates classes. Free bikes and courtesy cars are also available. There are plenty of less expensive hotels in this area, but none match the level of luxury and sophistication found here. 

Part of Malaga's Holiday World group of hotels, the 28-room Holiday Hydros is an upscale boutique hotel that has access to a popular beach club nearby. It's a bit removed from any major Costa del Sol action, but many guests consider that a plus. Suites are modern and done in attractive dark palettes, and all have sea views. Some have huge balconies, and many have outdoor hot tubs. A continental breakfast is included in some packages, and meals at the attractive restaurant are well-liked. The outdoor pool and bar overlook the sea, and the elegant spa provides a range of services including hydrotherapy. Travelers looking for a more family-focused property could check out the Holiday Palace, which has an on-site kids' club and outdoor playground. 

The four-pearl Sensimar Riviera by MedPlaya has a great location on Benalmadena's beachfront promenade, a 10-minute walk from the bustling marina. Shops, restaurants, and bars line the block and the beach is just across the street. The 189 trendy, contemporary rooms have furnished balconies, some with sea views, though noise can be an issue due to thin floors and walls. A large sundeck around the outdoor pool and a sharp spa with a hot tub and plunge pool provide plenty of relaxing opportunities for adults, but kids aren't allowed in any of the pools. Activities and nightly entertainment are geared toward older couples, too, and families may be better off staying at the nearby Las Arenas Hotel.

There are 360 suites at this four-pearl property set within a large holiday complex. It’s a stylish, family-focused hotel with lots of facilities on-site, including a spa, playground, game room, and four restaurants. The suites are huge, with two bedrooms and a living area, plus a large bathroom and balcony. Many guests stay here for the excellent beach club, which has a water park and sports courts, and is just a five-minute walk from the hotel. It’s not ideally situated for access to sights and nightlife, though, as it’s a 20-minute drive from Benalmadena and Fuengirola. Those traveling without kids may prefer Holiday Hydros -- a more romantic property in the same complex.

The Holiday Polynesia is a beautiful, upscale all-inclusive resort located in a big complex near the ocean. Its family all-inclusive package gives access to a waterpark with waterslides, a wave pool, and a giant pirate ship. The hotel has an entertainment staff and a children’s club with organized activities. Other all-inclusive plans have various dining and drinking options including a buffet restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, and a Polynesian restaurant, as well as a piano bar. The hotel is popular with English guests, and its 328 rooms are spacious with separate living rooms and sea-view balconies. There are a handful of annoying extra fees at the hotel such as fees for Wi-Fi, and towel and inner tube rentals at the waterpark. Couples may want to check out Holiday Hydros in the same complex, an upscale hotel with a relaxing pool area with ocean views.