Just stayed at Club la costa over new year. We were in a three bedroom penthouse, which unfortunately as yet has not been refurbished so the apartment was quite tired. Disappointing since we thought we were staying in Monteray Royale (the part with the hot tubs). However this aside the apartment was very comfortable and the balcony was huge, infact you have two huge balcony's but we never used the top one.

The location of the apartments is slightly out of town, however a 40 minute walk takes you to the Mare Nostrum resort where the best restaurants and shopping can be found. Or alternatively this takes 5-10 minutes in a taxi.

We hired a car since we had small children and wanted to go to the main beach near the Mare Nostrum. This is by far the best beach and well worth the extra distance.

My only real complaint with this resort was the four lifts we needed to use to get to our apartments and the noise from the cleaners either talking very loudly or dragging their noisy trolleys, normally before 08.30 each day. On a positive note the apartments are good, the pool is nice, the views are fantastic, the pool bar is excellant as is the food. We never did dine in the restaurant but it looked good.

I have stayed in Club La Costa @ Monterey twice this year (May & November) both times in one of the 2 bed apartments and I have to say I really like it here.

Yes, they could probably do with a freshen up, yes they are up the hill, and yes there isn't much entertainment up there but if you like a huge balcony that you can sunbathe on all day alongside the peace and quite of being out of the centre of town then this is the place to go. There are the most amazing views from the resort.

We hired a car which wasn't expensive and was a nightmare to get up that hill at first but we soon learned how to rev and get up the hill :-)

We have eaten in the restaurant a couple of times and have never had a problem. Even though it's all that is up the hill it's not too expensive.

Only ever walked down the hill which is only about 10 mins (Max) from the San Eugenio shopping centre.

Inside the 2 bedroms are fine, one ensuite with a double bed and the other twin bedded. Full kitchen with everything you would need to make dinner when you are away and a comfy living area with 2 big sofas and a dining table set for 6.

All in all a good place to be.

we joined club la costa in 2006 and have had 3 holidays with them since then. The first being our taster week at the monterey royale in a 3 bedroomed penthouse suite. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. This is the sort of holiday only the rich can afford absolutely fabulous. The next 2 were at the monterey in a 2 bedroomed still really good and we will be going again next year.

Stayed for a week at the Monterey Royal and am very impressed with the standard of accommodation. It's like having your own apartment abroad, and as part of a "welcome pack" the fridge was already stocked with bread, milk, eggs and water!

The Jacuzzi on the balcony was an unexpected bonus, but be very careful as the floor is extremely slippy when wet. After a fall, we used the rubber matt that is normally meant for the bath.

The cleanliness is top-notch, and the staff very friendly. They'll ring the door-bell before coming in to see whether you want the room serviced that day. And every day surfaces are wiped down/polished, floors are mopped, towels changed, etc.

The Monterey Royal also had its own pool, specifically for the apartments, and lifeguard was on duty.

It should be noted that this was our first trip with Club La Costa, who, inevitably wanted us to sign up for a "freehold" lifelong membership. As a consequence we were in the 5 star Monterey Royal, which is next door to the Monterey (although reception, internet access and restaurants are all in the same place).

The Monterey (which we didn't stay in) looked okay. They get the sun for the afternoon and full evening, and the general pool looked busy but fun. Again, a lifeguard was on duty.

Restaurants on site are a bit limited. The one by the pool serves until 5pm, and offers Jacket Potatoes, fantastic baguettes (I asked for cheese and salad which wasn't on the menu, but they were very willing to make for me), pizzas, breakfasts, etc.

From 7pm the evening restaurant near the reception opens. The food is extremely good, and not at all expensive. It is best to book, especially on a Friday night when all the newbies arrive. Try the flambe'ed strawberries - they're fab.

Monterey seems to cater exclusively for english tourists, and everything is in english, even the menues! Not good for those seeking a more authentically spanish break in the sun!

The location is a bit restrictive, and not advisable for any body with mobility problems, or if hiring a car, people who can't park properly! The hill down to the "town" is extremely steep, and it's best to avoid walking up it! Taxi's are relatively cheap.

If looking for a different place to eat in the evening, take a cab (booked through reception) to La Caleta, which has a number of restaurants. La Vieja is extremely lovely, little bit pricey, but the food was excellent. The waiter recommended a very nice wine, and a local fish dish. Also, there were lots of extremely well-dressed locals (ie. not bikini-clad) dining there which is always a good sign that the restaurant is of a good standard.

I wouldn't head into Playa las Americas unless necessary, it's too touristy and seems to cater solely for hen/stag do's.