I was looking for a cheap Hostal near the Malaga Airport and chose this since it is only a 15 minute train ride from it. The biggest benefit: 10 minute walk to the train station. What's weird is that Malaga plays down the fact that Torremolinos is closer to the Malaga Airport than downtown Malaga itself. I guess the two towns are in competition for tourists.
In any case, this hostal was a lot better than expected. It was clean and recently redecorated with tasteful Ikea furnishings (there's an Ikea near by) and the staff were very nice. The building is located in a pretty, secluded garden-like complex with white stucco and a giant tree and lush landscaping. Plus a terrace. The only downside is that you have to walk on some dicey sidewalks with speedy cars to get to the beach, which is a 20 minute walk. I saw a recently dead cat on the way. However, I would much rather stay at Gerainos than some of the cheesy hotels near the beach. Torremolinos is not the prettiest nor most subtle beach town, but if you are spending a day in or near Malaga before heading home, this town and this hostal might be the ticket, especially if you are down on your Euros having spent too much of them in Barcelona and Granada, like me.