Planning a trip along Spain’s Costa del Sol feels exciting, especially when you consider its past along with what it offers today. It has always been a place where visitors can enjoy the sun and sea. Thinking back to how people first discovered this beautiful coastline gives a nice perspective on its enduring appeal.
A Historical Look at Costa del Sol Tourism
The Costa del Sol has a history of welcoming visitors from across Europe. In the 1970s, places like Torremolinos were becoming popular holiday spots for many families. Back then, a holiday abroad was a significant event, often a first for many.
A specific hotel, the ‘Hotel Pontinental’ in Torremolinos, opened its doors in 1970. It was part of a larger holiday company that offered breaks in sunny locations. This hotel was designed to be a destination in itself, providing entertainment and services for guests.
Hotel Pontinental Offers in the 1970s
Torremolinos Coastal Holidays
The Hotel Pontinental was situated right on the Costa del Sol, offering guests easy access to the sea. The hotel’s design included features aimed at making a holiday enjoyable for everyone. It was positioned to take advantage of the year-round good weather the region is known for.
In 1972, a brochure detailed what visitors could expect. It highlighted a “first-class chef” preparing continental breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Meals were served in a dining room with sea views. For those wanting more, an extra charge allowed for à la carte service and a selection of wines.
On-Site Activities and Facilities
What did the hotel offer guests
The hotel grounds were a key part of the experience. Guests could spend their days on the hotel terrace, in the extensive gardens, or directly on the beach. Even swimming could be enjoyed throughout the year, a testament to the climate.
For water enthusiasts, pedalos were available for hire. Water skiing was also offered nearby for those interested, catering to both beginners and experienced skiers during most months of the year. This shows a focus on active holidays even back then.
Family-Friendly Features
What about children at Pontinental
Recognizing the importance of family holidays, the Hotel Pontinental had specific facilities for children. There was a well-equipped playground located right on the beach. A paddling pool was also available, ensuring younger children had a safe place to play.
To help parents, a nanny was on duty during specific periods to watch over the younger guests. This thoughtful provision allowed parents some time to relax and enjoy their own holiday while knowing their children were well cared for.
Leisure and Entertainment Options
What else could you do at the hotel
Away from the immediate beach area, the hotel boasted a large swimming pool on its inland side. The grounds provided space for various sports and games. Guests could participate in tennis or try their hand at a crazy golf course.
The hotel operated year-round. This meant visitors could come at any time and find facilities open. Inside, there were comfortable public lounges, a cocktail bar for evening drinks, a dedicated dining room, and a reception area. A cinema was also available, offering evening entertainment.
Exploring Beyond the Hotel
Were there day trips available
For guests who wished to explore more of the region, the hotel organized coach tours. These excursions provided an easy way to see different parts of the Costa del Sol without the need for independent planning or transport. It offered a glimpse into local sights.
These tours would have offered a convenient way to experience the wider area, seeing more of what the Costa del Sol had to offer beyond the hotel’s immediate surroundings. This was a common offering in holiday packages of that era.
Travel and Costs in 1972
Package Holiday Details
Brochure details from 1972 provided specific information on travel and pricing for the Torremolinos hotel. Holidays were offered from Gatwick Airport, with departures scheduled between March and October. The duration was typically two weeks.
The cost varied depending on the time of year. For a two-week stay in March 1972, the basic inclusive tariff was £55 for adults (aged 12 and over). Children aged seven to 11 paid £45, and younger children aged three to six were charged £35. This was a significant amount for a holiday back then.
Peak Season Pricing
How much did holidays cost in August
Prices increased during the school holidays, especially in August, which was a prime time for families to travel. For the week commencing August 6, 1972, the cost for an adult rose to £79. For children aged seven to 11, it was £69, and for those aged three to six, it was £59.
These figures demonstrate how desirable the summer months were for a sunny break. Planning a trip with children often meant accounting for these higher peak season rates, something I always consider when looking at family holidays in 2026.
The Evolution of Pontins Hotels Abroad
Expanding Holiday Options
Pontins was not limited to just one hotel in Spain. The company operated other hotels and holiday camps in locations like Cala Mequida in Majorca and Pineta Beach in Sardinia. This shows they aimed to offer a range of sunny destinations.
The Hotel Pontinental in Torremolinos was one of their significant international ventures. It catered to a generation looking for affordable and accessible foreign travel, with many recounting it as their first experience of a holiday abroad.
Changes Over Time
What happened to the hotel
In the 1970s, a second hotel was built and operated next door to the original Hotel Pontinental. This likely expanded the capacity and offerings for visitors. However, by the 1980s, the Hotels Pontinental in Torremolinos, as guests knew them, ceased to operate under that name.
By 1984, an advertisement in a local paper indicated that the former Pontinental hotel had been rebranded as Club Torremolinos. This transition marked the end of an era for many who remembered their holidays there.
Current Day Locations
Are the hotels still there
Today, the buildings that once housed the Hotel Pontinental and its sister property have been redeveloped. The first hotel is now the Marconfort Beach Club Hotel. The adjacent building is known as the Hotel Puente Real.
While the Pontins branding is long gone, the spirit of a sunny coastal escape remains on the Costa del Sol. These present-day hotels continue to welcome visitors to Torremolinos, a town with a rich history of being a popular holiday destination.
Reflecting on the past can provide a wonderful appreciation for places like the Costa del Sol. Its transformation over the decades shows an enduring appeal for sun, sea, and relaxation, offering plenty for visitors to discover today.
