Cortijo Zalamea

Overall we had a very enjoyable stay, as a group of 10 friends on a hiking/cycling 3 night break. Accommodation (the large 6 bedroom cortijo) was perfect, well decorated, comfortable , spacious and everything you needed to cook all your meals (I would bring a sharp knife though!) Pool area is perfect with sunbeds, chairs and space to eat al fresco in the shade. Sadly, there were a couple of issues which let the place down for us. On arrival with 3 cars full of shopping , we parked under the shaded parking spaces to be told in a rather hostile manner not to park there, we need to park by the large cortijo where we were staying. We had to go into reception and fill in the tourist forms with our details (which is law here in Spain) but on request that could the drivers at least have the key so they could unload the shopping before it got too hot in the cars- nope- not possible. Secondly- where it advertises there is free wifi - this only for the individual apartments near the main house, so, with poor phone reception at our Cortijo and no wifi- those of us that had important work commitments had to walk down to the pool. Thirdly- it also advertises there is a laundry facility- this is only for guests staying 7 days or longer. Fourthly- there is not enough hot water to cater for 10 hot sweaty hikers or cyclists to shower after a long day of walking- we were told you must stagger your showers to some at the start of the day, some in the middle and some at the end- not very practical at all. If these issues were recorded truthfully on the property description then this would have been fair and we may have chosen alternative accommodation or factored this into our plans.

Lovely setting, perfect location for a large group to stay together, great communal sitting room and dining area. Bedrooms are comfortable, if a little dark, and kitchen is adequate (bring your own sharp knives)! There are outside cooking facilities too, if required. The pool and surrounding area is lovely. Unfortunately there isn't free wifi coverage in all areas, the laundry isn't available unless you stay for at least 7 nights, and the owner isn't the most friendly or accommodating. Overall we really enjoyed our stay.