We have just returned home from this hotel and can honestly say it is OVER RATED. It is definitely not a 5 star hotel and the food is just average. The cheapest pizza on the lunch-time menu was 14 euros and the cheapest wine was Vino Sol for 20 euros. The hotel has no soul and the staff are just about friendly but nothing that would make you return in a hurry. We were delayed by a police strike on arrival at Malaga and I had arranged for the hotel to send a private car to pick our party up; however the driver had to wait for a while and when we checked out, we got stung for a charge of 64 euros as a waiting cost which we weren't aware of. Certain areas of the hotel are rather 'grotty' ie the poolside toilets and the bedrooms smell damp due to the air conditioning. The rooms in my opinion are no better than a Premier Lodge (which is a lot less to stay in). The mini bar was ridiculous and overall, we all feel like we were ripped off by the prices. The weather was amazing and we all had a great time otherwise but we won't be returning to this hotel again. I have stayed in much better and superior 5 star hotels.

Was here for a conference. I liked it as a conference hotel and it might suit for a long weekend away with you're other half/kids but not for a week or more's holiday. Rooms are very good, but important to get a seaview i reckon (4th floor upwards). Food was very good generally. Liked the swimming pool and the beach/beach club and the staff were excellent. Communal areas inside are a bit drab. The bar and its balcony is good. The layout of the hotel, lifts etc can be confusing and generally as with most of these big corporate feeling hotels, it lacked soul. But overall can't complain - it generally delivered well on most things, but I personally wouldn't choose it as an idyllic holiday resort.

We found a great rate for Don Carlos Hotel on Hotels.com and stayed for a long weekend. The hotel advertises as a 5 star but I don't think it's quite that - maybe a 4 star. Upon check-in, we were given a room which overlooked the parking lot and could be seen into laterally by guests staying in rooms with balconies. It was a non-smoking room but when our neighbours smoked, it filled our room too. We requested a room change and on the next day, moved to a room at the Tower portion of the hotel which was much nicer and larger. Request those rooms if possible. Housekeeping service was excellent throughout our stay. You are given several passes to the Beach Club for your stay - one pass for 2 people. It is a lovely area with a separate pool and immediate beach access, great for people watching. But if you do not take advantage of the Beach Club due to the extra charge, the hotel's swimming pool area closest to the lobby area is just fine. There are plenty of sun beds and although we were told that the hotel was fully booked, we did not have any trouble finding a pair of beds together. Secure parking is free for guests - a bonus since there is not a lot to walk to in the immediate area. A car would definitely be needed if you plan to stay here for a week. Although taxis are available, the cost adds up considerably. The food is not fantastic at this hotel and it is expensive for what you get. The breakfast area was packed each morning and there was a queue to get seated. There are better options just down the beach which are reasonably priced but they do not open until at least 11am or later. Overall, Don Carlos is a nice above-average hotel but do not expect the luxury one would associate with a true 5-star hotel. There was nothing wrong with our stay but I think I would choose to splurge elsewhere another time.

Spent Saturday night only at Don Carlos, knowing that Nikki beach is great fun on a Sunday. The facilities in the hotel are excellent, granted it is a bit pretentious and I wouldn't bother eating here, the food is rubbish. The heated pool is fabulous even in slightly cloudy May. The gardens are stunning, lots of nice touches. Very modern and comfortable room with Molton Brown extras - always appreciated! Most of all, the staff were awesome, perfect mix of friendly and professional. A pleasant surprise knowing how snobby Puerto Banus etc can be. Booked through HotelClub which was a full ?50 less than anywhere else.