The hype
Travelers are raving about the post-renovation room upgrades and the impeccable tennis facilities.
Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want a high-energy, full-service resort experience where you can play on clay courts by day and party at a world-famous beach club by night.
Why People Love It
- The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is a massive draw for active travelers
- Direct access to Nikki Beach Club for legendary pool parties
- Fresh from a massive 2025 renovation that modernized the tired 1969 interiors
Quick Take: A glitzy, sprawling resort that trades intimate charm for big-brand luxury and a pulse-pounding beach scene.
Reviewed by @howrosdoesit: I loved wandering the grounds here—the ponds and gardens are super pretty. The beach club has great pools, too. Just a heads up: dinner at Nota Blu gets pricey fast with cover charges, but the resort itself is a total vibe for a summer getaway.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Long-time guests miss the old-school charm, and light sleepers in the main tower complain about the thumping music from the beach club.
- You pack three different tennis outfits and a racket
- You want to stumble from a luxury pool party straight to your room
- You need a resort that keeps kids entertained while you hit the spa
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Impeccable post-renovation. Daily service is thorough, though turnover times can be late in the afternoon.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. The 2025 refit replaced old grout and tiles with sleek marble and glass.
- Maintenance: Excellent. Everything is effectively brand new as of 2025.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count, and replaced generously.
- Odors & scents: Fresh signature scent in the lobby; no lingering mustiness in the rooms.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Nikki Beach Club music (daytime/early evening)
- Poolside activities
- Hallway noise in the main tower
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel completed a €45M renovation in 2025; ensure you aren't booking a legacy unrenovated rate if any exist.
- Parking is ~€25/day and valet is the primary option.
- Breakfast is excellent but expensive if not included in your room rate.
What to pack
- Proper clay court tennis shoes (mandatory for the Nadal courts)
- Earplugs if you plan to sleep in past 11am near the beach club
- Dressy resort wear; the crowd here dresses up for breakfast
Room Genie
Best picks
- The Oasis Rooms (adults-only section) for actual quiet and private balconies
- Premium Sea View rooms on high floors (7th+) for the best Mediterranean vistas
Rooms to avoid
- Low-floor rooms in the main tower facing the pool/beach if you nap during the day
- Standard 'Comfort' rooms if you need space for more than two suitcases
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room in the 'Oasis' section for quiet, or a high-floor (7th+) room in the main tower facing away from the Nikki Beach speakers if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel noisy due to Nikki Beach?
Yes, during the season (April-Oct). Sea-facing rooms and the main pool area can hear the music. Book an 'Oasis' room to avoid this.
Is it suitable for families?
Surprisingly, yes. There is a dedicated kids' club and children's pool, despite the party reputation of the beach club.
How far is the Old Town?
It's a 15-minute taxi ride (approx €20-30). You cannot walk there.
Do I need to book tennis courts in advance?
Absolutely. The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is popular; book courts and lessons weeks before arrival.
Is the spa worth it?
Yes, the new 1,600sqm spa is a highlight of the 2025 renovation, featuring a top-tier hydrotherapy circuit.
Are pets allowed?
No, the resort has a strict no-pets policy (service animals excepted).
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Oasis' guests get their own private breakfast area—much calmer than the main buffet.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes east along the beach to find 'Chiringuito Los Tony's' for authentic paella at half the hotel price.
- ✨
The hotel offers a shuttle to the tennis center, but it's a pleasant walk through the gardens.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'sea view' from lower floors is mostly a 'tree view' of the gardens.
💡You have to pay extra for the Balinese beds by the pool; they aren't free for guests.
💡The main tower elevators can be slow during peak breakfast hours.
💡The beach sand here is golden but can be a bit rocky at the water's edge—bring water shoes.
💡Taxi queues can get long at night; use Uber or Cabify but allow wait time.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.