Sotogrande Marina Penthouse

Lovely apartment very well proportioned and equipped. Outside space excellent.

This was not a positive stay for us. In the advertising it was advertised that there would be use of a communal pool. Sadly we were unable to use this during the whole of our two-week stay as it was being cleaned for the winter period. This closure was advertised with a pre-printed sign, which one can only assume indicates this cleaning takes place annually. The cleanliness of the apartment was poor. One of the ensuite bathrooms had hair blocking up the bath plughole and the sweepings from the tiled floor had been put down the toilet - but sadly not flushed - so when we arrived the toilet was alive with bugs. Both ensuite bidets did not work. The TV only received two English speaking channels - both showing the news. Some of the towels were stained. The patio area outside the bedroom was unswept and unclean. It was not an area we felt we could use unless we gave it a thoroughly clean ourselves. There was also a hygiene issue which was not resolved by the landlord.

It is for these reasons, the general condition of the apartment, the wrongful advertising and the treatment from the landlord would make sure we never stayed at this apartment again - or sadly - would never recommend it. A first for us as we are seasoned travellers to this area and love Sotogrande.

The apartment is in a great location and is really well equipped and maintained. It was very clean and had everything we needed for our stay. We loved the terrace overlooking the canals and the BBQ got good use. The owners Nicki and Tom were at the end of the phone and helped us with any queries. We hope to get back in 2017.

We have been visiting the Sotogrande area as a family for the best part of twenty years. During this time we have found Puerto Sotogrande and its surrounding area to be not only very well endowed with a choice of beaches, bars, restaurants and recreational facilities but also an excellent base for day trips to cities such as Seville, Cadiz, Jerez, Granada, Malaga. The white villages of the inland mountains are easily accessible from here by car as is the lesser known coast between Tarifa and Cadiz. Gibraltar is close by and is most readily visited by parking in nearby La Linea and walking across the border. Between Sotogrande and La Linea supermarkets, are aplenty.

In building up this local knowledge, we have inevitably stayed in many and various forms accommodation but have found this Apartment to be quite straightforwardly the best for our holidays. It meets expectations as advertised and although in the luxury bracket is competitively priced for what can be a relatively exclusive location. The standard of furnishing and equipment (including three patio sets on the various private balconies and sun terrace) is excellent as are the "add-on's" such as an Apple TV, Bluetooth sound bar and decent broadband. Aircon is good and by the information available in the apartment, routinely serviced. The same applies to the rooftop jacuzzi. The underground car park is well served by an immediately accessible lift which opens near to the door of the apartment. 1 and a half hours to 2 hours from picking up a hire car at Malaga Airport is sufficient time to be sitting on the balcony overlooking the marina.

In support of our stays we have had unobtrusive local contact with a Sotogrnde based property agent retained by the owners. The UK based owners themselves are very engaging and professional and, as they already own and run extensive holiday accommodation in Dorset, had in place very efficient methods for payment and receipt. Moreover, they have been very accommodating and supportive in terms of background information, pre / post holiday contact and logistical arrangements. For us, this is immensely reassuring.

This is quite simply a stunning apartment, well run, well maintained, and in an excellent location.