The two-pearl Hotel Casa Rosa is a 14-room value property close to the mountains above Benalmadena. It's on a quiet residential hilltop near local cafes and restaurants, though getting to the beach or nightlife requires a car. This well-liked property has a simple, unfussy style, and it's a great home base for exploring the region for guests needing few frills. Rooms are pleasant and bright, with balconies and mini-fridges, placing them in a tier above most value hotels in the area. Rates are also some of the most affordable around. There's a rooftop terrace and a breakfast room where a great spread is served daily for a fee. Travelers may also want to check out the charming Hotel Pueblo, which has more pizzazz but is more expensive.

The 155-room Palia La Roca Hotel-Club is a two-and-a-half-pearl property situated a two-minute walk from the beach and close to restaurants, bars, and shops. Rooms are rather plain and some are worn, but they're clean and have air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Rates are all-inclusive and include meals, snacks, activities, and entertainment, but not Wi-Fi. The restaurant serves buffets for all meals, and guests can dine inside or out, though food gets mixed reviews and it can get busy. The pool is large, and there are scheduled activities to keep everyone occupied. During high season, children have their own club with activities. Travelers who would prefer more variety at meal times could check out the Sunset Beach Club, where there are more restaurants and rooms have full kitchens. 

The MS Alay Apartments is a two-and-a-half-pearl apartment hotel that caters to couples and families looking to be near all the dining and shopping action in Benalmadena. The hotel offers 58 pleasant Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments, all of which feature kitchenettes and balconies with either views of the sea or out over the outdoor pool and sunbathing lawn. It's a simple property near the busy marina with its 24-hour bars, and a three-minute walk from the nearest beach. However, other than its location and pools, there isn't much that makes this hotel stand out. For more conventional hotel services, compare rates at the nearby Hotel Ibersol Alay.

The two-and-a-half-pearl MedPlaya Hotel Balmoral is a family-friendly property just a few minutes' walk from the beach and near ample restaurants. Aesthetically, the hotel leaves something to be desired due to the dated and bland furnishings throughout. The 210 rooms lack contemporary decor and mini-fridges, but all have furnished balconies, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and daily housekeeping. In addition to the outdoor pool with separate kiddy pool, there are an entertainment team, mini-golf, and beauty salon. The buffet restaurant serves a variety of cuisine and receives majority positive reviews. This is a solid option for families, but couples should consider the adult-only and beachfront Angela Hotel in nearby Fuengirola. 

The 331-room Playabonita Hotel is a two-and-a-half-pearl property on the beach, about a 15-minute drive from the shops and restaurants of Benalmadena. There's not much near the hotel save for more hotels and some restaurants, but there are lots of activities and entertainment on-site, and all-inclusive rates are available. Rooms are dated, and while they include air-conditioning and most have mini-fridges, we spotted plenty of tube TVs. Some feature lovely sea views from balconies. The well-liked restaurant serves buffets for all meals, and there are bars plus kids' and teens' clubs. However, limited free Wi-Fi and the often crowded pool are underwhelming. Travelers who'd prefer being closer to Benalmadena's action could check out the MedPlaya Hotel Bali, though it's not right on the beach. 

This family-focused, three-pearl property has 436 rooms just a five-minute walk from Benalmadena's sandy beach. It’s a popular all-inclusive hotel, and there are a range of restaurants, bars, and shops right outside its grounds; the marina is also a 10-minute walk away. Decor and facilities are basic, but all rooms have air-conditioning, a balcony, and a spacious bathroom; apartments and suites with kitchenettes are also available. The hotel has four pools, including a separate children’s pool and splash pool with water features, playground, and gardens. The buffet restaurant, which gets decent reviews, serves all meals. Those wanting to be right on the beach should check out the nearby Las Arenas Hotel as an alternative. 

The 308-room Hotel San Fermin is a dated budget property, located a 10-minute walk to the beach and about 15 minutes from the charming old town. However, it's location up a steep hill can be difficult for some. Old-fashioned rooms have minimal, simple furniture and old tube-style TVs, and there are fees for mini-fridges and safes. Also expect fees for pool towels, use of poolside sunbeds, and parking, though Wi-Fi is free. On the plus side, all rooms do have air-conditioning and furnished balcony or terrace. Features include a large swimming pool with a separate kids' pool, all-day buffet restaurant with half-board packages, and seasonal kids' club. Food receives mixed reviews. Travelers wanting to be right by the beach should consider the Sunset Beach Club, which has kitchen-equipped rooms and more amenities.

Located a 10-minute drive from the center of Benalmadena, the upper-middle-range First Flatotel Internacional has a quiet, removed location across the street from a small rocky beach. The 108 rooms are modern, outfitted with attractive marble bathrooms, conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, but microwaves, and kettles, but not all have balconies. Mini-fridges, microwaves, and kettles are in lower-category rooms, while upgrades include full kitchens. An outdoor pool is surrounded by palapa-shaded loungers, plus there are a game room and fitness center. A restaurant is available but food receives consistently poor reviews. Note that bachelor and bachelorette parties frequent here, which may lead to unwanted noise, and travelers have complained of maintenance issues. It's worth considering Sahara Sunset Club, which is closer to town and has additional amenities such as a spa, kids' club, and multiple pools.

In a somewhat quieter area of Benalmadena, Hotel Apartamentos Vistamar is a two-and-a-half-pearl property within a three-minute walk of the beach. Its large apartments are popular with families for their kitchenettes and balconies, some of which have partial sea views. However, the look is dated and there are fees for Wi-Fi and safes. A kids' club, game room, and a large outdoor pool add to the family-friendly features. There's a buffet restaurant and two bars, though food doesn't get great marks from previous guests and it's worth checking out the restaurants and bars nearby instead. It's worth comparing rates at the Hotel & Spa Benalmadena Palace up the street, where rooms are far more modern, though guests looking for a beachfront setting should check out the nearby Las Arenas Hotel.