Chose the penthouse, not only based on its amazing reviews and equally amazing views in the pictures, but also precisely *because* it was top floor and so obviously one of the highest properties in Alora - needed R&R and no noise from the street during precious siesta-time and that's *exactly* what I got.

I also needed to work and having forgotten a travel plug for my notebook, I went in search.... 1 minute later, I found one - Hosts Helen & Steve really have thought of everything.

Welcome pack ( which was able to make bespoke) is so thoughtful - arriving tired but peckish at 10pm I was able to munch on cheese, crackers, fruit and wine... and in the morning, wake up to coffee, with fresh milk ( not an easy thing to find in Alora) sipped in front of that incredible view, rather than having to hunt down a supermarket (or worse - waiting for one to open!) ratty and caffeine-withdrawn.... Little things like *loads* of loo rolls (rather than 1 in holder + 1 spare, like so many other places) which means you don't have to think of practical shopping and makes staying in Penthouse more like staying in a hotel suite than a SC.
The Penthouse / Helen & Steve deserve every one of their perfect 5 star reviews.

The Penthouse was a perfect place for us to escape part of our harsh Canadian winter. As other reviewers have noted, Helen and Steve could not be more helpful, kind or efficient. From the initial booking to helping us on the first leg of our journey back home they could not have been more generous with their time.

The apt. is spacious and very nicely appointed. I shall miss having dinner in the solarium surrounded by the incredible views. The website photos do not exaggerate. And if you're lucky enough to be there when the oranges and lemons are in season having fresh morning juice is a serious bonus. Excellent juicer provided!

We thoroughly enjoyed food shopping in Alora and found the shopkeepers helpful and accomodating. Lots of fresh fruit and veg. shops as well as some of the best bread I've ever had.

Having our rental car down in the public lot was not a problem but do be aware it needs to be moved from the two top tiers on Sunday night in order to accomodate the Monday market.

There is so much to do in the Andalucia area that even though we were in Alora for a month it was hard to fit it all in; El Chorro, Antequerra, Ronda, Marbella (the road down to this area is a must-see) and Malaga itself. Taking the train into Malaga is very easy, efficient and reasonably priced.

I would like to think that we got the "real feel" of Spain in Alora without all the touristy stuff that can be off putting. Alora is a "working man's white village." We felt very comfortable there. Highly recommended.

One caution; if you have seriouis mobility issues this may not be the place for you as the streets are very steep.

Everything about our stay was fabulous. Booking was straightforward and Helen and Steve responded promptly to all of our queries. We did not want to hire a car so arranged for Helen and Steve to collect us from the airport. We were collected at arrivals and taken on a quick drive around the town before they took us up to the big Mercadona to do a shop. At the apartment, they had also left a really generous welcome pack, which we had been able to choose ourselves before arrival.

The apartment itself is fantastic. It had everything we needed for our stay and the views are stunning – we never tired of looking out across at the surrounding hills. Having the lift go straight into the apartment was a fabulous novelty!

Alora is a great town – very Spanish and the locals are friendly and put up with our limited and somewhat suspect grasp of the language. We did not miss having a car because, although some of the streets are very steep, everything within Alora is within walking distance.

Helen and Steve collected us again at the end of our stay and took us back to the airport. They were great hosts – not intrusive but helpful and willing to give advice when we bumped into them in the town.

We aim to re-book for next year.