Image courtesy of Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Marbella is the jewel of Costa del Sol, Andalusia’s glistening coastline. The best resorts and hotels in Marbella — from intimate boutique havens to expansive beachfront retreats — capture the city’s glamorous vibe. Read on for a breakdown of the area and our top Marbella hotel recs, both with insights from Fora travel advisors.
Marbella is part of the greater Málaga area in Andalusia
Marbella is sometimes confused with Málaga, another amazing destination along the Costa del Sol in Andalusia and one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers. Both cities offer stunning beaches and historic old towns, but Marbella is part of the larger province of Málaga. The city of Málaga offers a deeper dive on Spanish history and culture — and hotels to match — while Marbella hosts a higher concentration of beach resorts and nightlife venues, especially along its Golden Mile.
Marbella’s beach resorts are some of the best in Spain
If you’re looking for a luxurious beach resort, Marbella is one of the best places to go in Spain. Only destinations in the Balearic and Canary Islands are comparable.
“Marbella is the OG luxury Spanish beach-party destination, and it doesn't disappoint,” Fora Advisor Nilda Del Valle Heller said.
The city emerged in the 1960s as a destination for the European élite. Decades later, it’s more accessible, but remains one of Spain’s more upscale beach destinations.
“From its classic to vibey five-star resort options —- think Marbella Club, Puente Romano and Nobu — to its see-and-be-seen restaurants and clubs, Marbella will give you all the ‘I adore you’ vibes you're looking for,” Nilda added.
Expect beaches with soft sand and views of the surrounding Mediterranean hills. Each leg of the coast offers its own flavor. Some resorts have vibrant beach clubs and water sports. Others have secluded coves and quiet stretches of beach, especially as you venture out of the city.
When you’re not at the beach, head to Marbella’s Old Town, the only major historical area, as evidenced by its Renaissance-era architecture and narrow, maze-like streets. Explore indie and high-end boutiques, tapas bars, cafés and other eateries.
The best resorts and hotels in Marbella, from Puente Romano to Hotel Claude
Most of the best hotels in Marbella are located in one of four areas: Old Town, the Golden Mile area (part of Golf Valley) in the foothills or along Playa los Monteros. Marbella is a small city, so staying in one area doesn’t preclude you from easily visiting another by car.
Puente Romano Beach Resort (Golden Mile area)
Image courtesy of Puente Romano Beach Resort
Puente Romano is an energetic but family-friendly resort. It has both traditional hotel suites and expansive private villas with dedicated service. The property starts at the Golden Mile and descends toward the shoreline, with the lower half offering immediate beach access. There’s a large pool area, high-end spa, fitness center and over a dozen eateries ranging from formal Mediterranean restaurants to casual pool-side options featuring light bites (avocado toast, protein bowls, salads, et. al.).
“If you're looking for a five-star luxury experience with over 20 amazing gastronomic options and a great vibe, look no further than Puente Romano Beach Resort,” Nilda said.
If you’re visiting Spain with kids, age-appropriate clubs and lounges provide games and activities like paddleboarding and tennis. If you want an adults-only stay, Puente Romano shares space with Nobu Hotel (see below). The two hotels share some of the same amenities, but the latter is off-limits to anyone under 18.
The property is gorgeous. A botanical garden with rare species from around the world connects different parts of the resort. One section has whitewashed buildings that contrast with potted greenery and blue accents reminiscent of the famous coastal towns of Santorini. Other sections include a lively bar scene, an open plaza where small events are held and a semi-private beach area for guests.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Nobu Hotel Marbella (Golden Mile area)
Image courtesy of Nobu Hotel Marbella
Nobu Hotel is essentially the adults-only half of the Puente Romano resort mentioned above. The property grants access to all of the latter’s amenities, including its Six Senses spa, restaurants — including Nobu’s eponymous Japanese restaurant — and common spaces.
(If you’re wondering where to stay in Barcelona, Nobu has an excellent location in Eixample, one of the city’s top neighborhoods. Or check out our breakdown of boutique hotels in Barcelona.)
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (Golden Mile area)
Image courtesy of Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
The Marbella Club is one of the most famous hotels in the greater Málaga area; it played no small part in making Marbella the luxury beach destination the city has become.
“The Marbella Club effortlessly blends timeless elegance with meaningful experiences, creating an unforgettable stay for every type of traveler,” Fora Advisor Lauren Gleeson said.
The hotel used to be a private retreat for Spain’s royalty, and still maintains an élite caliber of service, amenities and impeccable design. It has an equestrian center, a private golf course and, per Lauren, one of the best kids’ clubs in Europe. The latter has everything from cooking classes to arts-and-crafts workshops. The Marbella Club also has a world-class spa and a variety of eateries and services, including a barber and several boutiques in a village-like setting.
Accommodation options range from spacious rooms and one-bedroom suites to private bungalows and grand villas with private entrances. There’s a room type for every type of traveler or group (like a Spain bachelorette party) — all of which are thoughtfully designed and posh.
“The Marbella Club isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a destination to return to again and again,” Lauren said.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Kimpton Los Monteros (Playa los Monteros area)
Image courtesy of Kimpton Los Monteros
Kimpton Los Monteros is a chic hotel in Marbella set a bit outside the busier parts of the city. It’s a great choice if you prefer an intimate, more laid-back space with familiar IHG amenities and service (and IHG rewards). The hotel is family friendly, but mostly caters to an adult crowd. There’s a spa, tennis club, terrace bar, professional event space and a hip Mediterranean restaurant.
“Beyond its stunning infinity pool and Mediterranean charm, Kimpton Los Monteros stands out for its exceptional pet-friendly approach, treating furry guests like VIPs,” Fora Advisor Wieteke Maris said.
Pets are indeed welcome, and the hotel offers treats, beds and toys. The rooms and suites at Kimpton Los Monteros are bright and cheery, with an emphasis on natural hues interrupted by the occasional pop of color. Some open up to the hotel’s central pool area, and many offer elevated views of the city and coast.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
La Fonda Heritage Hotel (Old Town)
Image courtesy of La Fonda Heritage Hotel
La Fonda Heritage Hotel is a Relais & Châteaux property in the middle of Marbella’s Old Town. From the outside, this luxe hotel feels like a seamless addition to Old Town’s Renaissance architecture. Inside, however, the hotel is a study in contemporary design, with occasional rustic elements to tie in Marbella’s beachy setting. La Fonda Heritage Hotel is just as glamorous as the properties on the Golden Mile, but adopts an intimate atmosphere that fits in better with Old Town’s tight, winding streets. The rooftop terrace is a posh space for socializing and sipping Champagne under the stars. Enjoy coffee and pastries in the garden courtyard. When you’re ready for a formal, elevated meal, the hotel’s signature restaurant serves Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Fora Reserve perks include welcome amenities, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace (Golf Valley)
Image courtesy of Anantara Villa Padierna Palace
Anantara Villa Padierna Palace has a distinct vibe among Fora Advisors’ favorite hotels in Marbella. It forgoes the lively atmosphere of the city’s Golden Mile properties in favor of a refined, classic theme. The décor celebrates Old World luxury. For example, its pool area is styled after a Roman bathhouse, its main corridors and lobby look like those you’d expect in a royal palace and its restaurants and other common spaces feature Neoclassical paintings, grand columns and elaborate sculptures.
The hotel offers immediate access to several high-profile golf courses in Marbella, including Villa Padierna Golf Club and Flamingos Golf. If you decide you want a change of pace, the electric Golden Mile and bustling Old Town are only a few minutes away by car.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Claude Marbella (Old Town)
Image courtesy of Hotel Claude Marbella
Hotel Claude is a true — and one of the only — boutique hotels in Marbella. It’s a quiet, art-forward hotel that brings a fresh vibe to its historical setting in Old Town, just outside the busiest part of the district. Each room is styled after a different destination in Andalusia, including the Moorish Granada and the colorful Córdoba. Sip Mediterranean cocktails on the rooftop terrace or savor authentic Andalusian dishes at Soleil Brasserie, the hotel’s restaurant.
Fora Advisors’ tips for staying in Marbella
We’ve gathered a few extra Marbella travel tips from Fora Advisors.
Fly into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport offers the most direct international route to Marbella. Andalusia has other airports, but none are as major or close to Marbella as this one. If Marbella is one stop on a larger tour of Spain — say, from Madrid or Valencia — the high-speed train connects most of the country efficiently.
The Sierra Blanca foothills are laid-back and gorgeous
Marbella’s Sierra Blanca neighborhood is one of the few, more residential areas of Marbella.
“This side of Marbella reveals a quieter, more authentic charm, away from the bustling beaches and marinas,” Wieteke said.
There aren’t many hotels in this part of the city, but you’ll find hidden hiking trails like Cascada de Camoján, which offers panoramic views of the coast and leads to small waterfalls.
Marbella is a great base for exploring Andalusia
Image courtesy of La Fonda Heritage Hotel
Marbella is less than an hour from Málaga, around 90 minutes from Ronda, two hours from Granada or Córdoba and three hours from Seville. All rank among the most exciting places to go in Spain.
“Enjoy a stylish and luxurious beach getaway in Marbella, but make sure to venture out and explore nearby destinations like Tarifa or Córdoba for a day filled with rich cultural experiences,” Fora X Advisor Jill Albino recommended.
Wieteke highlighted the Roman baths in Río Verde, artisan workshops in Ojén and coastal hiking opportunities throughout the Costa del Sol region of Andalusia.
More Spain travel inspiration
Read about more destinations across Spain, from Madrid in the country’s interior to Seville and Granada in Andalusia: