Exclusive: Spain forks out €2million to house migrants at plush Costa del Sol hotel – CSN News

THE SPANISH government will spend almost €2 million housing migrants in a four-star Costa del Sol hotel until April, the Olive Press can reveal. 

The Hotel Oh Nice Caledonia, in Bel Air, is reportedly being paid €60 per person per night, according to a source in nearby Benahavis. 

This amounts to €21,000 per night or €1.9 million over three months when the hotel is normally closed for the winter season.

In comparison, one night at the hotel for paying guests costs €65 minimum, though no bookings are being taken yet for this summer. 

The migrants are expected to stay in Marbella until April 24 at the latest, before they move on to other parts of Costa del Sol such as Estepona and Marbella. 

Joerin Reiddel of Bel Air said, “It’s definitely more than the hotel gets in high season.” “It is too much money to give people who do not contribute.”

The expat resident of 52 said: “They should not be showered with food, clothing, or money.” They should serve in the military if they wish to become Spanish citizens. 

The majority of residents, however, supported the idea that the migrants from Africa who crossed the Canary Islands to reach the Canary Islands would be housed for four-months.

Marjolijne Reidijk, a Dutch citizen, said: “We’re talking about the basic things that people should be able to have.” “We are fortunate to have everything that we need: a home, food, and safety. Our neighbors deserve the same.”

The estate agent whose 88 year old father lives next to the Hotel added: “At First I was a bit worried about my father, but he’s okay. The migrants were lovely and very educated. I feel safe. 

It comes as a pocket of concerned locals request ‘extra lighting and security’ from Benahavis council.

A letter shared with the Olive Press asked residents to report any ‘altercations’ with the migrants. 

Mary Page, an ex-resident of New York City, said that “that implies the migrants are problematic.” 

“The request for extra security puts people in an alarmist and fearful mindset without cause.” It’s an automatic reaction to something perceived as a potential threat simply because the person is black. 

Bel Air management has already told residents they will be installing security cameras, as well as urging locals to ‘keep entrances closed’.

Page said, “It is stupid to worry now.” “Crime is already present in that area. I was robbed and broken into when I lived there 10 years ago.”