The hidden gem of Benalmádena, Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol has always been my go-to escape from the grey skies of England, and Meliá has long been my hotel brand of choice. Usually, I stick with Meliá Costa del Sol in Torremolinos, but for my recent October break, I decided to mix things up. After some online research, I landed on Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá. I didn’t have high expectations, especially given it’s an “affiliated” property, but after four nights, I was completely blown away.
The hotel exceeded every expectation—from the modern, stylish design to the seamless service. The rooms were spacious with stunning sea views, perfect for soaking in the Mediterranean vibe. The pool area was a slice of paradise, and the location, nestled in the heart of the Costa del Sol, made it a perfect base for exploration. Without a doubt, Ocean House has now earned a spot among my favourite hotels on the coast
First of all, the location of Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá is unbeatable. With easy access from Málaga Airport (a ride via Bolt, Cabify, or Uber costs no more than €20-25), the hotel sits perfectly between two of Costa del Sol’s hotspots: Torremolinos and Benalmádena. This gives you the best of both worlds—whether you’re after the lively, energetic day and night scenes of Torremolinos (a 30-minute walk to Nogalera) or the upscale vibes of Puerto Marina in Benalmádena. There’s no shortage of dining and nightlife options nearby, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. Supermarkets and pharmacies are conveniently located just across the street. Best of all, Ocean House is set right on the stunning La Carihuela Beach, putting you steps away from the sea. Everything you need is just minutes from your door!
The arrival and check-in process at Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá sets the tone for the exceptional service to come. Friendly, efficient, and packed with helpful information, the staff ensures you start your holiday on the right foot. I highly recommend downloading the Meliá App—it’s incredibly useful for online check-in and managing requests or gathering info throughout your stay. Be mindful that the official check-in time in Europe is often between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, so if you arrive early, you might need to wait for your room. However, the reception team will do their best to have it ready early, or they’ll suggest ways to explore the hotel and relax with a drink.
As I booked a Premium room, I enjoyed the VIP check-in area, complete with cold Cava, beer, snacks, and hot drinks. The concierge, with a genuine smile, briefed me on the daily programs, hotel facilities, and dining schedules. Before I even finished my cocktail, I was personally escorted to my room. A flawless start.
Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá offers six distinct types of accommodation, all featuring the signature Meliá décor—stylish, modern, and functional, creating a subtle yet elegant atmosphere. What truly sets this hotel apart is its unique “suite concept” across all room categories. Each room is designed as an open space, providing the flexibility to enjoy it as one large area or divide it into two separate zones for added comfort and privacy, making it perfect for couples or families alike.
For those looking to elevate their holiday experience, the Premium rooms (Premium Sea View and Premium Frontal Sea View) are a must. These rooms offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and Puerto Marina, combining luxury with unbeatable value for money. Choosing a Premium room comes with exclusive benefits, such as access to a private reception, an included minibar, and VIP access to the rooftop—an ideal spot for sunset cocktails. Additionally, you’ll enjoy reserved sunbeds on the beach, adding an extra layer of relaxation to your stay.
With all these perks and thoughtful touches, Ocean House ensures your stay is not just a holiday but a truly elevated experience, blending comfort, style, and top-tier service.
My stay in room 3809, a Premium Sea View room at Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá, was nothing short of spectacular. The breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Puerto Marina made waking up every morning a true joy. The room’s design was modern, stylish, and incredibly comfortable, with thoughtful touches like plenty of storage space and the flexibility to divide the room into two separate zones, adding convenience and privacy when needed.
The bathroom featured high-end Rituals amenities, which were replenished daily, making each shower feel like a spa experience. The minibar, offering complimentary water, soft drinks, and beer, was also refreshed every morning, ensuring I never ran out of refreshments.
Housekeeping was impeccable—proactive yet unobtrusive. My room looked as pristine on the last day as it did when I first arrived. The evening turndown service was a lovely touch, and what truly stood out was the thoughtful addition of a bookmark placed on my bed each night, promoting different local points of interest. It was a small but charming detail that added a personal touch to my stay and inspired me to explore the surrounding area. A sweet idea that truly enhanced my experience!
At Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá, guests can choose from three well-established board options: bed & breakfast, half board, or full board. While an all-inclusive option isn’t available, booking a Premium room comes with a 20% discount on drinks, making prices quite reasonable—cocktails, for instance, range from €9 to €12 across the hotel’s venues.
For my short break, I opted for the half board formula, which included breakfast and dinner at the main restaurant, THE BUFFET. The dining space, overlooking the main pool and sea, is modern and functional, offering a mix of intimate two-person tables as well as larger ones for families and groups of friends. Service was consistently efficient, fast, and attentive, always delivered with a friendly smile.
The buffet’s opening hours are generous, with breakfast from 7:30 to 10:45 AM (perfect for late risers) and dinner from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. A small tip: for dinner, it’s best to avoid the last time slot (after 8:30 PM), as the buffet can start to look a bit deconstructed, with less variety and a somewhat “leftover” feel. That said, the restaurant team works proactively to maintain a high standard, ensuring a pleasant dining experience even during peak times. Overall, THE BUFFET exceeded expectations for a resort buffet setting.
The breakfast at Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá is nothing short of superb, offering a wide variety of Spanish and international breakfast options to satisfy all appetites. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory start to your day, the spread caters to every palate with an impressive selection of dishes.
For those looking to indulge in traditional Spanish cuisine, you’re in for a treat. One of the standout options is the quintessential pan con tomate—toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic, drizzled with virgin olive oil, sea salt, and topped with ripe tomatoes. It’s simple, yet incredibly flavorful. Another highlight is the tostada, where you can choose from a variety of toppings, such as eggs, jam, marmalade, or classic salted butter. The huevos revueltos, Spanish-style scrambled eggs cooked in olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs, and the iconic tortilla de patata, a hearty combination of eggs, potatoes, and onions, also take center stage. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the churros con chocolate caliente, crispy fried dough served with rich, velvety hot chocolate—a truly indulgent way to start your morning.
The live cooking stations are another highlight, where you can have made-to-order omelettes or any type of egg dish. For those looking for lighter, healthier options, there’s an abundance of fresh fruit, yogurts, and cereals to choose from.
For fans of a more international breakfast, there’s no shortage of options. You’ll find the classic English breakfast, with sausages, eggs, and baked beans, alongside pancakes, cold cuts, cheeses, and more.
With such a diverse and satisfying breakfast spread, you may find little need for a lunch menu, as this meal will keep you well-fueled for a day of sun and exploration!
Dinner at Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá is another opportunity for the kitchen team to showcase their creativity, talent, and dedication to culinary excellence. Despite working within the constraints of a resort’s budget, the chefs manage to craft a culinary journey that blends traditional Spanish dishes, healthy options, fresh local ingredients, and beloved international favourites.
The meal begins with an extensive, mouthwatering salad bar and a selection of cold cuts and cheeses. But it’s the cooked dishes that truly shine, offering a rich tapestry of Spain’s culinary heritage with a global twist. The live cooking stations are a nightly highlight, where different types of meats and fish are expertly prepared, keeping the menu fresh and exciting. And let’s not forget the indulgent dessert section—a celebration of home-cooked favorites and classic global sweets that make it impossible to count calories.
Some standout dishes include the perfectly crafted empanadas (and their smaller version, empanadillas), filled with savory ingredients like tuna, grilled onions, peppers, and fried tomato. Of course, no Spanish dinner is complete without paella, and it was a star feature at Ocean House every night. Originating in Valencia, this saffron-flavored rice dish came in many forms, but my favorite was the mixed paella—a delicious combination of chorizo, mussels, and prawns.
The comforting albondigas (meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce) were a delightful treat, as was the refreshing gazpacho, made by blending raw tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and garlic. Croquetas, crispy and creamy, paired with the finest Jamón ibérico, as well as rich dishes like huevos estrellados, margaret de pato (duck breast), solomillo (sirloin), and entrecot (rib-eye steak) added to the feast. Don’t forget the classic patatas bravas, crispy potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce.
With so many dishes to enjoy, each night felt like a new gastronomic adventure, where Spanish tradition meets global innovation—all cooked and served to perfection.
The public spaces at Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá reflect the hotel’s core concept: stylish, versatile, modern, and elegant. From the Lobby to the Playa Bar, the Rooftop to the Lounge, each area transforms from day to night, playing a key role in creating the perfect holiday experience.
The Rooftop is an absolute highlight, offering stunning panoramic views and an exclusive atmosphere. Guests in Premium rooms (and over 16 years old) can enjoy a wide selection of drinks while relaxing on a sun lounger or a Balinese bed. This tranquil space is ideal for making a toast to life, day or night, in complete privacy.
The Lounge is a versatile social hub. During the day, it’s a calm retreat for pre-dinner cocktails, card games, or casual conversations. But as evening falls, it becomes the heart of the hotel’s entertainment. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, this space hosts DJ sessions, dancing, and various performances, making it the perfect place to kickstart your evening or end the night in style. The Lounge’s fresh, modern ambiance and stunning sea views complement its wide variety of cocktails, soft drinks, and juices.
Another favorite spot of mine was the Playa Bar, located between the beach and the hotel. This lively space is built around the concept of sharing—whether it’s a meter of beer, a liter of margarita, or delicious snacks, the Playa Bar invites you to enjoy the good times with friends. The casual, fun atmosphere, combined with a pool and beach access, makes it ideal for relaxed socializing.
The Pool Bar offers the perfect break from sunbathing, where ice cream or a soft drink just tastes better next to the pool, overlooking the seafront promenade, and surrounded by lush gardens. Finally, the gorgeous La Carihuela Beach is where Premium guests can enjoy reserved sun loungers and a 15% discount at Chiringuito Los Marengos, adding a touch of luxury to their beach days. Together, these spaces create an unforgettable holiday vibe
If the five swimming pools, modern gym, vibrant bars, stunning beach, and nearby bustling promenade don’t satisfy your desire for fun at Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá, you’re in for a treat! The hotel offers an impressive array of day and night entertainment, all expertly managed by a passionate and dedicated team.
During the day, activities range from traditional bingo sessions to group exercises and fun competitions, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow guests and get involved in the lively atmosphere.
As the sun sets, the Playa Bar and Lounge come alive with house DJ sessions, catering to all musical tastes. Whether you prefer upbeat dance tracks or more mellow tunes, the nightly lineup is impressive. The entertainment doesn’t stop there; you can enjoy vibrant flamenco shows, entertaining celebrity impersonators, and various live music performances, all at a level that exceeds typical resort offerings.
At Ocean House, the entertainment truly enhances your holiday experience, ensuring every moment is filled with joy and excitement!
The most valuable asset of Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá is undoubtedly its exceptional team. Every member, from housekeeping to the Guest Service Manager, pool attendants to waitstaff, and the reception to the entertainment crew, consistently raises the bar for service excellence. Their passion, dedication, and professionalism shine through in every interaction, creating an inviting atmosphere filled with genuine smiles and proactive care.
This commitment to guest satisfaction is palpable, and it forms the perfect foundation for an ideal holiday experience. It’s no surprise that many online reviews highlight the staff as a key reason guests return to Ocean House time and again. The team not only meets expectations but often exceeds them, ensuring that every stay is memorable. If you’re looking for a place where you’re treated like family, Ocean House is the perfect destination for your next getaway
Choosing Ocean House Affiliated by Meliá for my last-minute getaway on the Costa del Sol turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the hotel’s solid, elegant, and stylish hard product. The sleek design and thoughtful amenities created an inviting atmosphere that felt both luxurious and comfortable.
However, it was the friendly and professional service from the staff that truly elevated my experience. Every team member I encountered—from reception to restaurant staff—was accommodating, genuinely welcoming, and attentive to my needs, making me feel right at home. As I checked out and made my way to the airport, I found myself already daydreaming about my next visit.
Everything about Ocean House, from the stunning pools and vibrant bars to the incredible dining options and breathtaking beach access, offers countless reasons to return. Whether it’s the relaxing environment or the engaging entertainment, each moment spent here is special. If you’re seeking a place that balances elegance with warmth, look no further than Ocean House. I can’t wait to plan my next adventure back to this hidden gem on the Costa del Sol!
Leonard Miron 