Are you planning a trip to Marbella?
If you’re wondering where to stay in Marbella, what are the best places to book your stay and which ones to avoid, this guide has all the answers you need!
Marbella on the Spanish Costa del Sol is less touristy than Mallorca and blessed with a year-round sunny weather, known for its golden beaches, world-class boutiques, and luxurios villas. With the access to the Mediterranean Sea and views of the Sierra Blanca Mountains to the north, Marbella offers a wonderful combination of stunning seascapes and panoramic mountain views.
Whether you prefer an all inclusive resort with seaviews, or a serene stay in the whitewashed houses in old town, this guide will offer a bit of everything to cover all travel preferences.
First up, let’s look at the different areas where you can book your stay and some tips for visiting Marbella.
Where to Stay in Marbella: Area Guide
To choose the right stay for you, its important to understand the different districts of the city and what each has to offer.
The Golden Mile
The Golden Mile which stretches between Marella and Puerto Banus is home to extravagant villas, palatial estates and the most luxurious apartments overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Accommodation on The Golden Mile consists of high-end hotels and luxury private villas.
Amongst the most populare ones is the iconic Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. Exclusive residential complexes offering serviced apartments also provide lavish comfort amidst this affluence.
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Puerto Banús
Created in 1970s by José Banús, this luxurious marina area showcases an impressive display of mega-yachts, designer boutiques and the finest restaurants.
Accommodation options range from luxury hotels and resorts to extravagant villas overlooking the marina. Residences and serviced apartments are available for those desiring a longer stay or more homely environment. Many feature pools, beautiful gardens and direct access to the beach.
Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
The Old Town is famous for its narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed Andalusian houses adorned with colorful flower pots.
This area offers traditional townhouses converted into quaint bed & breakfasts or boutique hotels that marry historic charm with modern comfort. Additionally, rental apartments outfitted with modern amenities provide a homey retreat amidst this historic quarter.
Where to Stay in Marbella: Luxury Options
From opulent hotels and resorts to private luxury villas, the choices are as varied as they are elegant when it comes to luxury stays in Marbella. Here are a few local favourites.
Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Every room in this exclusive club resonates with understated elegance while offering breathtaking views. Besides its plush rooms, this resort boasts an 18-hole golf course designed by Dave Thomas, an exquisite spa offering Mediterranean inspired treatments and multiple dining options serving gastronomic delights that tickle every palate.
Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa
If immersing oneself in Andalusian culture while enjoying luxurious comforts sounds appealing, Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Marbella perfectly fits the bill. This resort offers an assortment of rooms and suites designed with traditional Andalusian aesthetics paired with modern amenities.
The hotel also boasts an impressive nine restaurants including a Michelin star establishment, a world-class tennis court that has hosted international tournaments, and a wellness spa that provides holistic relaxation experiences.
Where to Stay in Marbella: Mid Range Options
Marbella is not just a playground of the rich and famous, you can still find good quality accomodation at a reasonable price.
To stay within your price range, you may want to look at some small boutique hotels in the old town or consider booking a self catering apartments.
Boutique Hotels
These smaller hotels are a great alternative to big hotel chains, offering you a more authentic experience and intimate atmosphere. One such hotel is The Town House – a British-run boutique hotel conveniently located in Old Town Marbella.
Each room has carefully crafted decor and modern amenities, allowing you to experience both the rich Andalusian culture and modern comforts. Another hidden gem is La Villa Marbella, renowned for its excellent service, warm ambiance, and idyllic location in the heart of old town.
Or the Hotel Claude which only has seven beautifully appointed rooms and was the summer home of Napoleon III´s wife, Empress Eugenia de Montijo.
Self-Catering Apartments
Self-catering apartments are another popular choice offering privacy along with all essential amenities similar to your own home. These apartments normally offer fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and sometimes even private balconies or patios, giving you complete control over your holiday.
Aparthotel Monarque Sultan was one I used on a number of occasions and they offer unbeatable value for money and very generous size rooms! Perfect for family stays, and within walking distance to the beach.
Budget-Friendly Options in Marbella
While the city is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and living, it also offers opportunities for those looking to enjoy a stay without breaking the bank.
Hostels
Hostels in Marbella have come a long way and these days actually offer a pretty good option for budget travelers. One such abode is the Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel located conveniently near Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella’s main square.
Offering dormitories and private rooms, the hostel has a homey atmosphere accentuated by its rooftop terrace where guests can mingle over drinks while drinking in panoramic views of the city.
Budget Hotels
Navigating through Marbella’s maze-like streets, you’ll discover an array of budget hotels that harmonize affordability with comfort.
These hidden gems deliver commendable service and modern amenities at reasonable prices. One of those is Hotel Lima – this two-star hotel defies its humble categorization with recently refurbished rooms boasting pristine white decor reminiscent of traditional Andalusian architecture spruced up with modern amenities like WiFi and air conditioning.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel Options
In recent years, Marbella has made significant steps towards integrating eco-friendly practices within its hospitality sector. A testament to this is the rising number of hotels and resorts that align luxury with sustainability. One such notable mention is the Aldea La Quinta Health Resort.
This establishment combines luxury with eco-consciousness by employing energy-efficient designs and adopting waste recycling practices without compromising on comfort or service standards.
Another worth mentioning is Hotel Los Monteros Spa & Golf Resort. This green oasis not only provides an environment-friendly stay but also supports local culture and heritage through their culinary offerings sourced from local produce. Their sustainable initiatives extend to using renewable energy sources and implementing water-saving measures.
Tips on Booking Accommodation in Marbella
When it comes to booking accommodations in Marbella, timing is everything. The best time to book for discounts and deals typically falls during the shoulder season (April to June and September to November).
Also don’t forget to book your transport from Malaga to Marbella pretty early on, as the taxi queues at Malaga Airport can get pretty long, especially in the summer months.
If you’re checking deals on hotels, don’t underestimate the power of direct booking with the hotel or property owner. They might be able to offer special rates or added perks such as a free meal or an upgrade.
Do not rush into making reservations without thoroughly researching about the property.
Read reviews, compare prices across different platforms, and familiarize yourself with their cancellation policy.
Many people make the mistake of ignoring location convenience for cheaper prices which may result in higher transportation costs eventually. It’s better to book a stay that’s closer to historic places you want to visit or where you’ll get the must-try Spanish eats.
Another mistake is not taking into consideration additional costs such as resort fees or parking charges that might not be included in the quoted price but can significantly increase your final bill.
Conclusion
Marbella offers plenty of options catering to all kinds of travellers – whether you are seeking luxury extravagance or budget-friendly stays. Remember that perfect accommodation is not just about fitting your budget but also about enhancing your travel experience by providing comfort, convenience and a taste of local culture.
Bio: Lucia from Viva la Vita
Lucia is a travel blogger based in Southern Spain. At her blog Viva la Vita she shares her discoveries of hidden gems and authentic experiences in Southern Spain. Follow her on Facebook or Instagram.
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