Luxury Hotels in Marbella: Where Class Meets Comfort
Oct 13, 2023
Marbella’s reputation as a 5-star holiday resort continues to attract ever more visitors flocking to the town’s Mediterranean shores to enjoy beaches, golf, sunshine, gastronomy and leisure. Accordingly, Marbella’s hotel scene has gone up a notch with ever more 5-star establishments, multi-million euro renovations and luxurious boutique hotels in idyllic locations. With a wide variety of styles, locations and price points, Marbella has the hotel for you.
Marbella has long been known as an upscale holiday resort for the international jet-set who flock here to enjoy the fabulous Mediterranean summers, the beach life and the glitz and glamour of Marbella’s legendary hotels, restaurants and clubs.
From the early days of tourism, in 1957, El Fuerte Hotel was launched close to the lighthouse on the promenade in central Marbella, and the trend for holidaying in the former fishing village began.
When Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe bought a beautiful stretch of beachfront land and magically converted it into the Marbella Club Hotel, attracting aristocracy and a glamorous international crowd, the fate of Marbella as a jet-set paradise was sealed.
The fabulous stretch of the Golden Mile became the focus for the town’s 5-star hotels, including the Puente Romano, Melia Don Pepe and Coral Beach which all became scenarios for luxurious and unforgettable holidays in the up and coming resort. Add to this beautiful characterful boutique hotels in Old Town Marbella and good old-fashioned Andalusian charm was also served to the tourists descending on the resort from all corners of the globe.
Decades on and Marbella’s reputation is riding high, now entering a new phase as one of the hotspots in Spain for luxury tourism. Branded beach clubs started popping up this year – with Fendi beach at the Puente Romano and Dolce & Gabbana at La Cabane beach club at Los Monteros Hotel.
Both the Hotel El Fuerte and the classic spa hotel Incosol have undergone multi-million euro renovations, while the global hotel chain Four Seasons is creating a spectacular Hotel and Private Residence Resort at Río Real. In the hills behind Marbella, the Asian-inspired Banyan Tree will be opening a state-of-the-art hotel with private residences in Real de La Quinta. The Old Town now boasts a Relais et Chateau hotel following the renaissance of the old classic hostelry La Fonda. Welcome to the new world of high-end hospitality in Marbella.
Here you can find our selection of the best hotels Marbella and its surrounding area have to offer:
Puente Romano/Nobu
In recent years, the Puente Romano has become the new hub for upscale socializing in Marbella, with the trendiest restaurants all focused around the beating heart of the resort – the open-air bar area La Plaza. Marbella’s “playground” – without equal, the plaza also hosts events, fashion shows, and is open all year – with a great buzz and people watching…
You can dine around the globe within the walls of this amazing resort. Offering a total of 20 restaurants and gastronomic havens to choose from, not surprisingly, the Puente Romano Beach Resort featured in the Conde Nast Travel Gold List 2022, one of the best gastronomic hotels in Spain.
Also within the Puente Romano Resort is the chic Nobu Hotel – curated for the playful. With trendy open-plan rooms and a private pool, guests can visit the Six Senses Spa and enjoy the cuisine of the famous Japanese brand – along with all the other attractions of the resort.
The Marbella Club Hotel
The Marbella Club Hotel needs no introduction. Literally the beating heart of Marbella’s luxury hotel scene, this stylish classic on the Golden Mile can be credited with creating the beginnings of Marbella’s 5-star lifestyle. The bungalow style rooms are as in demand as ever, while the gastronomic offer is part of the fabric of upscale life in Marbella.
With restaurants in incomparable settings within the verdant grounds of the hotel, the legendary buffet in the beach club is not to be missed. Look out for a new incarnation of the MC Café which is currently being revamped, and will surely become a favourite new meeting point in town.
Hotel El Fuerte
Following an extensive 32 million€ refurbishment, this classic, centrally located Marbella hotel has gone up in the world, gained a 5-star rating, when it was formerly a 4 star.
Enjoying a frontline beach location near the lighthouse on the paseo marítimo in Marbella, El Fuerte was the first hotel in the town, launching back in 1957. The family run establishment takes its name from the adjacent 16th century fortress.
The new design of the hotel takes inspiration from one of the hotel’s most illustrious guests – none other than the original dream weaver Walt Disney. His maxim “you can achieve your dreams if you have the courage to pursue them” is certainly true of the El Fuerte Hotel group whose dedication and vision has led them to own several hotels in Andalucía and Mexico.
The newly refurbished hotel has a total of 251 rooms including 80 suites all designed to induce a feeling of relaxed luxury. The décor – at the hand of Jaime Beriestain has adopted a warm, inviting colour palette based on Andalusian nature – olive greens, golds and terracotta. The biophilic style design aims to connect guests to their environment, the beach and sea just metres away from the hotel grounds. With rooms overlooking the Mediterranean, the hotel has a relaxing Spa featuring Clarins products and a superb new gastronomic offer including “travelling Mediterranean cuisine” a new dining concept on offer at Edge the hotel’s haute cuisine restaurant. www.elfuertemarbella.com
With a sister hotel to El Fuerte close by, the Amaré is an adults-only hotel for a trendy clientele. The stunning roof terrace offers sunset disco sessions with amazing panoramic sea views.
Club Med Magna Marbella
Also central is the newly opened Club Med Magna Marbella, formerly the Don Miguel which had stood empty for years. Totally renovated and revamped, this towering hotel way surpasses its former incarnation. Looking out over breath-taking views of the town and the Mediterranean, this all-inclusive resort has been widely complimented on its facilities, sports, spa and gastronomy.
Far away from the town centre to be peaceful, but close enough to walk to the Old Town, the Golden Mile and the beach, this hotel has injected new life into the heart of the resort.
Banyan Tree Resort (under construction)
Currently enjoying a surge of development, the hillside of La Quinta is the chosen location of a Banyan Tree resort – the first this major hotel group – spread far and wide in Asia – is bringing to Spain. Comprising a hotel, branded residences and a wellness spa, this state-of-the-art property will be at the vanguard of the Marbella hotel scene and is projected to open in 2026.
Located in the municipality of Benahavis, the hotel will be offering guests a host of sporting opportunities including moonlight paddle-boarding on the new lake, and hikes into the countryside of the nearby UNESCO biosphere. Close to the Golf Valley of Nueva Andalucía, the hotel is well placed for luxury leisure, while being just a short drive to the beach.
Four Seasons Marbella (under construction)
The world-renowned Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences, an impressive new hotel project is the talk of the town. One of the most prominent luxury hotel brands in the world with properties in 47 countries, the project will reinforce the position of Marbella as one of the top luxury resorts in southern Europe.
This 5-star luxury project will comprise a stunning hotel with 120 rooms and along with 170 private residences – villas and apartments available to purchase and rent for vacations. The luxurious new complex is currently being designed by celebrated architect Richard Meier and will incorporate an exhibition and congress hall, a business centre and a botanical garden.
The beachfront areas of the Four Seasons resort will take Marbella beach luxury to another level. Residents will have two superb beach clubs at their disposal, along with a village style complex of upscale shops and restaurants. Close to the Río Real golf course, the Four Seasons complex is due to be constructed from 2024 to 2028, and will bring world-class style and prestige to Marbella’s hotel scene.
Incosol Marbella
Close to the Four Seasons this legendary spa hotel is about to experience a renaissance. With an estimated investment in excess of 150 million €, Incosol is all set to become the flagship hotel for health and wellness in Marbella.
Undergoing an extensive refurbishment, this towering property will become a state-of-the-art hotel with 200 rooms focusing on environment, sustainability and plush spa facilities aimed at transforming the quality of life of the guests. Former guests include royalty and A-list actors.
With an eye firmly on the future, the hotel will be focused on sustainability while attracting guests year-round to ease the seasonality of the resort. Due to open in 2025, Incosol will be a major attraction in 21st century Marbella’s hotel life.
Los Monteros Hotel
Another of Marbella’s classic 5-star hotels, the Los Monteros, located on the beach side, just a few minutes’ drive east of Marbella – is undergoing a major face lift. Soon to become the flagship hotel of elegant hotel group The Kimpton, the hotel will be reopening and revealing its renewed style in 2024.
With hotels in Barcelona and Mallorca, Marbella will become the new jewel in the crown of the Kimpton brand. Offering 178 rooms and suites, the leisure facilities will include 4 restaurants, gym, tennis club, spa, beach clubs and conference rooms.
In the summer of 2023, the classic La Cabane beach club – part of the Los Monteros Hotel surprised everyone with a trendy makeover by Dolce & Gabbana, dressing the beautiful beach and poolside venue with fancy blue and white signature fabrics and offering a menu of delicacies by celebrated Marbella-born chef Dani García, along with a fantasy room serving divine desserts.
Boho Club
A welcome addition to the Golden Mile is Boho Club – occupying a stellar location at the western end of the Golden Mile, Boho Club has gained a reputation for serving exquisite cuisine in a relaxed boho chic setting.
Surrounded by lawns and with sea views, the restaurant serves creative Mediterranean cuisine at the hand of chef Diego del Río. With everything from breakfast to full on tasting menus, along with stylized picnics on the lawn, Boho Club is foodie heaven.
The hotel has a selection of around 30 rooms, including miniature villa style suites with individual entrances giving on to the gardens. Within spacious grounds and gardens, guests at Boho Club enjoy a relaxed yet exclusive environment with a patio area for events, a beautiful elegantly bohemian restaurant and stylish terrace overlooking the lawns.
La Fonda Heritage Hotel (Relais & Chateau)
This establishment is located within a historic location in the heart of the Old Town. Embodying an Andalusian spirit, the refurbished boutique hotel has retained many original features, while offering modern facilities. Dating back to the 16th century, La Fonda was formerly a meeting place for high society in the golden age of Marbella in the 70s & 80s.
Restored to its former glory this exquisite building has a central patio and a bijou restaurant for fine dining. Outstanding within the gastronomic offer is the exquisite brunch and the tasting menu.
La Ciudadela
A stunning new addition to the boutique hotel scene in Marbella is Boutique Hotel La Ciudadela. Restored building dating back to 1929. Set within the bustling and picturesque Old Town, the hotel is beautifully designed, oozing contemporary sophistication with unique design in each guest room, stunning artworks and luxurious touches in every detail.
Designed around a central patio, with eye-catching sculptures, and a chic dining room, the showstopper is the fabulous roof terrace with a relaxing bar area enjoying glorious views over the Old Town.
www.laciudadela-marbella.com
Casa Bodhi
A serene guesthouse offering a zen space away from the bustle of Marbella. Enjoy the experience of spending time in a modern villa, with friendly welcoming hosts, swimming pool, spa and good food. Beautifully managed, here you can enjoy a deliciously healthy breakfast, relax and kick back in the pool and gardens, and enjoy massages, hammam and saunas.
Just 2 kilometres to the beach, Casa Bodhi is within easy reach of many golf courses, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities. With just a handful of rooms, here you can enjoy a bespoke hotel experience in a quiet location close to all you may need for an enjoyable stay.
Ikos Andalucia
This relative newcomer to the Costa del Sol hotel scene has only been open for 1 year but is already award-winning – the beautiful property has earned the accolade as Best Family Resort in the World 2023.
With 7 stunning resorts in Europe, offering cosmopolitan charm, the Ikos in Estepona is the first Ikos resort in Spain. The Ikos offers a vibrant environment, lush gardens, soaring palms and a wealth of superb facilities.
Offering an all-inclusive concept an untold cornucopia of luxuries awaits the guests. Immerse yourself in the stunning beachfront ground stretching 21 glorious acres with no less than 9 swimming pools.
Add to this an amazing spa, wellness, beauty, fitness and sports facilities, and even the option of a culture pass to enjoy local attractions and events and not surprisingly the Ikos is considered a top-notch resort.
The dining and cuisine on offer is also seriously appealing. The resort has a selection of restaurants with menus created by Michelin star chefs. With chic restaurants as well as pool and beach side dining, the resort features a stunning world-class bar for cocktails and leisurely socializing.
Opt for an upgrade to the Deluxe collection and you will be treated to all manner of indulgent experiences – all collated by your concierge who will help you plan out your days to perfection. How does dinner by the sea sound? Complimentary spa treatments – or take a drive in a Tesla to explore the area – part of the offer taking your holiday to the next level, as an all-inclusive Deluxe guest menu at Ikos.
www.ikosresorts.com
Hotel Mett & Beach Club
A vibrant newcomer to the coast’s hotel scene is the Hotel Mett & Beach Club, Estepona. A substantial property with 249 rooms, this beautiful hotel is ideal for relaxing family holidays.
Located on a long stretch of pristine beachfront this attractive hotel offers a sophisticated poolside vibe with jaunty blue and white striped sunshades and direct access to the beach.
Relaxed modern Mediterranean décor invites you to kick back and relax in a range of social spaces, while the Mett purveys a variety of trendy dining experiences with cuisines including Mediterranean, Italian & Greek.
To enhance your well-being, head to the MOI spa where expert therapists will pamper you leaving you relaxed and energized.
www.metthotelbeachresortestepona.com
Hotel Finca Cortesin
This exquisite hotel will be firmly in focus this coming September when the prestigious women’s international golf tournament the Solheim Cup takes place at the championship Finca Cortesin Golf course from 18-24 September 2023.
The hotel is created in the style of a grand Andalusian cortijo which blends beautifully into the gentle Andalusian scenery. Featuring a wealth of antiques, giving the décor a unique character, the hotel is famed for its impeccable service and exquisite gastronomy, with special mention of the fusion Asian dishes at Rei, one of its three restaurants, awarded a Michelin star.
Offering a wide array of spacious suites – characterized by high ceilings and classic décor styled in understated luxury, hotel guests can also choose accommodation in luxurious 4-bedroom villas with private pool, large terraces, offering an incomparable experience.
All hotel guests have access to the relaxing spa circuit and the resorts’ four swimming pools.
Surrounded by the exuberant Almohad gardens, which take inspiration from the sublime gardens of Moorish Granada and Cordoba, guests can also enjoy stylish shopping at the boutiques of La Plaza courtyard, where you can find carefully curated art, clothing and interior design along with centuries old olive trees.
The hotel also has tennis and paddle courts, and its own glamorous beach club, just a kilometre away in the Bahía de Casares. One of the most striking beach clubs on the coast, it features a 35-metre infinity pool with navy blue tiles, teak decking and stylish sun loungers, all overlooking the Mediterranean.
So-Sotogrande
This cortijo style hotel is the most outstanding hotel in the upscale resort of Sotogrande just west of the Costa del Sol. The renowned resort, favoured by Spanish high society and the international polo crowd has long been associated with low-key luxury – where quality of life equates to leisurely lunches and lazy days in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Perfectly representing the refined Sotogrande lifestyle, this upscale 5-star establishment invites you to relax in the artistically curated décor extending through all the reception rooms, bars, restaurants and bedrooms.
The cuisine on offer takes great pride in the finest of Andalusian ingredients with classic dishes as well as succulent barbecue options.
The wellness club is one of the finest on the coast, comprising 2800 m2 of dedicated space within lush gardens and with views to the Mediterranean. Here you can be pampered with therapies for mind, body and soul such as cryotherapy and flotation. Meanwhile the hotel run Society Clubhouse of the Almenara golf course provides more beautiful spaces in which to enjoy all the charm of this special resort. Surrounded by championship golf courses including Valderrama, the resort is just 20 minutes from Gibraltar international airport.
