Hotel Hostel El Escudo de Mijas (Mijas, Spain)

The hostel may be simple, yet the location alone transforms it into a secret gem in the eyes of many guests. The fabulous views over the coast below and the mountains behind, combined with the relative calm of the village give it a certain wow factor. Right in the heart of the village too, all the amenities are close by and nice hillside walks within reach. Being near the Municipal car park is also a big plus for many guests.

The El Escudo de Mijas is not a hotel, but a hostel. Yet it is incredibly clean and the service is exemplary. Guests are pleasantly surprised to find little extras included and that it is comfortable.

Guests find the staff incredibly friendly and smiley. There seemed to be very little anyone could fault them by. They helped make guests feel at home and give it a Spanish family feel.

Finding the hostel for many guests was a challenge and there were lots of stairs to tackle too. Some also found it difficult to get hold of any employees or the owner on arrival or during their stay. If guests have the misfortune to arrive during the siesta, there is usually no-one available to welcome them. Although there is a telephone number to call, some guests don't like to pay for roaming charges.

Although in the minority, a fair few guests found the beds or the mattresses hard or uncomfortable. Whilst this may be personal preference it seemed to be relatively common.

As anywhere, a stay can be made or broken by your fellow residents. Some guests found that the walls were thin and not very well insulated and they heard all too clearly their neighbours.