Located on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, the city of Marbella and its surrounding resort towns are a haven for tourists thanks to the area’s vast stretch of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses. The city itself has a charming and well-preserved old town that is relatively free of tourists, but the real locus of activity is Puerto Banús marina, lined with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and chic nightspots.
Marbella has plenty of places to stay, ranging from a small number of budget options through to the very best in 5-star luxury accommodation. With large numbers of families coming here each year, there are also numerous all inclusive hotels and resorts that offer kid-friendly amenities and all-day dining as part of the price of your stay. Here are 7 of the best.
Hotel Roc Marbella Park
FROM €212/ NIGHT
A few minutes’ drive from Marbella’s Elviria Beach, the 4-star Hotel Roc Marbella Park is a popular choice with those seeking something upscale but not overly expensive. There’s an outdoor pool, children’s water park and playground, games room, buffet restaurant serving a range of Mediterranean dishes, and pool bar offering drinks and snacks throughout the day. The large guest rooms have a TV, an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony. Golf fans will enjoy the three highly regarded golf courses within easy reach of the hotel. Central Marbella is 15 minutes away by car too.
Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach
FROM €243/ NIGHT
Within walking distance of vibrant Puerto Banús harbour and set among lush green gardens, this is another 4-star hotel that combines a great location with excellent amenities. Among them are several outdoor pools, a beach club, a gym, two restaurants offering a mix of traditional Andalusian and international cuisine, a games room, and a pool bar. Guest rooms are designed in authentic Arabic and Andalusian style, are air-conditioned and come with satellite TV, a safe and a private bathroom. There’s a free public car park directly outside the hotel and private covered parking is also available for an additional charge. Malaga Airport is 45 minutes away by road.
Barcelo Marbella
FROM €106/ NIGHT
A Turkish bath and sauna, massage treatments, and a stylish lobby bar are just some of the notable amenities and services at this popular 4-star all inclusive hotel. There’s also a buffet restaurant, a snack bar and separate bar with outdoor seating that’s open during the summer months. Guest rooms are spacious and deigned in bright, contemporary style, with hydromassage baths and large terraces overlooking a golf course their two standout features. The quaint centre of Marbella is 20 minutes away by car.
Globales Pueblo Andaluz
FROM €177/ NIGHT
A short walk from the nearest beach in San Pedro de Alcántara, 10km west of central Marbella, this hotel is notable for being built in the style of a traditional Andalusian village. But its amenities are certainly modern rather than traditional, with an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, a kid’s play area and an on-site bar and restaurant. Guest rooms boast satellite TV, a private bathroom and a balcony, with some offering scenic views. A 24-hour reception is on hand to help guests arrange car rentals and currency exchange. Puerto Banús is just over a mile-and-a-half away.
Globales Cortijo Blanco
FROM €162/ NIGHT
Boasting tranquil gardens that are ideal for relaxing and unwinding, this 3-star hotel offers excellent value as well as a great location near the beach. There’s a pretty outdoor pool, a kid’s club, a total of 6 tennis courts, a mini golf course, and water and beach aerobics that take place on nearby Kallithea beach. Diving enthusiasts will also love the professional dive centre that arranges diving excursions off the local shoreline. Guest rooms feature satellite TV, a private bathroom and a balcony. Free WiFi is available in all communal areas of the hotel, and in rooms for an extra charge.
Diverhotel Marbella
FROM €157/ NIGHT
Another mid-range hotel seconds from the beach, the 3-star Diverhotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools with slides, a games room, a self-service buffet restaurant and a separate bar serving all day drinks and snacks. A varied progamme of children’s activities and events are held each day, allowing you to relax while the kids are kept busy. If you’re planning to venture beyond the hotel’s impressive confines, car and bicycle hires can be arranged directly at reception. The centre of Marbella is a 15-minute drive away.
Marbella Playa Hotel
FROM €231/ NIGHT
Situated on the beachfront on the outskirts of Marbella, this vast hotel development features indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, mini golf and 24-hour reception for your every need. Guest rooms are decked out in classic but simple décor and come with a minibar and private bathroom. For dining, there’s an on-site buffet restaurant, a separate à la carte eatery and a Beach Club serving all-day food as well. For those arriving by car, the hotel enjoys a convenient location just off the AP7 Motorway. The delights of Central Marbella can be reached in 15 minutes by road.