The 11 Best Luxury Hotels In Marbella [Exclusive Spain Guide]

Last Updated: July 19th, 2024

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Looking to soak up the rays, surrounded by a level of luxury that draws in the best footballers and actors in the world?

Well, Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol offers beautiful beaches, high-end restaurants and bars, and some of the best hotels in Europe. With a gorgeous historic old town and a beachfront promenade with views of superyachts and sunset cocktail bars, Marbella is a top-tier luxury destination. However, with so many great places to stay in Marbella, it can be difficult to find the perfect place for your Spanish vacation.

So, with that in mind let’s dive in and find out more about the 11 best luxury hotels in Marbella.

The 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Marbella

1. El Fuerte Marbella

High end design touches with a historic spin

El-Fuerte-Marbella
El Fuerte Marbella Image by: Booking.com

When it comes to El Fuerte Marbella, it’s all about the location. With access directly onto Marbella’s famous Golden Mile promenade and beachfront positioning, it’s the ideal place to stay if you’re looking to soak up the rays and work on your tan.

Inside El Fuerte’s historic building, the interiors have been transformed by Chilean designer Jaime Beriestain, to create a warm and inviting experience that will have you feeling like an A-lister. Add in the world-class gastronomy on offer in El Fuerte’s five restaurants and the picturesque EDGE Skybar, and this is luxury accommodation like no other.

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2. La Fonda Heritage Hotel Luxury, Relais & Châteaux

Warm and inviting luxury in the heart of Marbella’s Old Town

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La Fonda Heritage Hotel Luxury, Relais & Châteaux Image by: Booking.com

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Marbella with a cozy and warming feel, then you’re going to be right at home at La Fonda Heritage Hotel. With its thoughtful design that marries together modern touches and amenities with the historic features of the building, it feels like you’re staying in someone’s upmarket home.

Unlike many other luxury hotels in the Marbella area, La Fonda Heritage Hotel is actually situated in the Old Town area, giving you amazing access to winding cobblestone streets and colorful plazas. Of course, being in Marbella, the beach is never too far away and is only 650 yards from the property.

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3. Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá

Luxury resort vibes with three pools and beachfront access

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Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá Image by: Booking.com

Looking for the ultimate resort experience during your trip to Marbella? Well then, look no further than the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Melia. With three stunning outdoor pools, amazing gardens, mountain and seafront views, and even a Turkish spa, you’re going to be spoiled for choice here.

Feeling hungry? There’s a choice of six different restaurants at the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Melia, including the delicious Japanese-inspired Tahini Restaurant. Honestly, with all these luxury amenities, you really don’t have to leave the resort if you don’t want to – it has just about everything you’d want from a resort getaway.

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4. Alanda Marbella Hotel

Bright and airy luxury hotel on the Golden Mile

Alanda-Marbella-Hotel
Alanda Marbella Hotel Image by: Booking.com

If you want a luxury hotel that’s halfway between the Old Town of Marbella and Puerto Banus along the Golden Mile, then the Alanda Marbella is going to be ideal for you. Located right in the middle of the two, you can easily enjoy the culture of Old Town or the high-end restaurants and harbor of Puerto Banus. Alternatively, with access right to the beach and beautiful outdoor swimming pools, you can stay right at the hotel.

One of the interesting things about the Alanda Marbella hotel is that as a wellness hotel, there’s no alcohol or pork products onsite. All the menus are created with health and happiness in mind and leaves you clear to enjoy the natural beauty all around you!

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5. Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banus

Beachfront luxury hotel with expansive poolside amenities

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Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banus Image by: Booking.com

Sometimes you just want to lie back on a Bali bed with a cocktail in your hand, watching the sun going down. At the Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banus, you can do just that. With direct beachfront access, an outdoor pool, and a deck area, all geared toward the coastline, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind in Marbella.

One of the other major things to do in Marbella is hit the links. With tons of world-class golf courses on its doorstep, it’s no wonder that the Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banus has its own golf department to help you book lessons or get the tee time that you desire.

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6. Nobu Hotel Marbella

World-class design and gastronomy in the center of Marbella

Nobu-Hotel-Marbella
Nobu Hotel Marbella Image by: Booking.com

Honestly, when I heard that the world-famous Nobu Restaurant had its own hotel in Marbella, I had to check it out. Known for its amazing Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, the hotel design has its own blend of warming, minimalist design and suites that are maximalist’s dream.

Of course, the main selling point of staying at the Nobu Hotel Marbella has to be the access to the restaurant, but this hotel also has a secret. It’s home to the La Suite nightclub. This is because the Nobu Hotel shares a lot of its amenities and beach access with the neighboring Puente Romano Beach Resort, but more on that in a moment.

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7. Puente Romano Beach Resort

Luxury resort that’s recognized as one of the “Leading Hotels of the World”

Puente-Romano-Beach-Resort
Puente Romano Beach Resort Image by: Booking.com

So, some resorts claim to be a mini-community, but at the Puente Romano Beach Resort, you’re getting a full village. With a whopping 15 different restaurants to choose from, direct beachfront access along the Golden Mile, and even its own botanical gardens, you can easily spend your entire vacation exploring the resort.

Inside, you can benefit from spacious, warm rooms and suites that make the seafront views a focal point. Some of the more elite and luxury suites even include access to a private plunge pool for that extra layer of opulence. It’s easy to see why this resort has been labeled as one of the leading hotels in the world!

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8. Boho Club

Lush resort atmosphere characterizes this unique Marbella stay

Boho-Club
Boho Club Image by: Booking.com

Would you rather be surrounded by beautiful greenery than constant sand? Well, consider staying at the Boho Club. With its garden-style surroundings, and individual villas and bungalows, and stunning mountain views, the Boho Club shows off an entirely different side to the gorgeous Marbella area.

Of course, amazing beaches are never too far away with the closest beach, Río Verde Beach, being located just 700 meters away from the property. If that feels just too far, why not lounge out by the picturesque outdoor swimming pool. As a top tip, take a dip at sunset and you’ll get beautiful views out across the water and the mountains.

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9. The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Benahavis, Marbella

Big brand resort with a huge focus on golf tourism

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The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Benahavis, Marbella Image by: Booking.com

If you’re coming to Marbella for the world-class golf courses, then you really should check out The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort and Spa. Nestled in the iconic Golf Valley and with its own 27-hole golf course, this place is pretty much paradise for golfing enthusiasts.

Elsewhere on the resort, you can enjoy beautifully-maintained gardens, a full spa with a menu of treatments, and even a kids club that’ll keep your little ones busy while you’re pampering yourself or working on your game! This place is an island haven in Marbella, so if you’re not overly fussed about being near the beach or having the Golden Mile amenities, this is a great option.

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10. Marbella Club Hotel · Golf Resort & Spa

Luxury wellness hotel with shuttle services to the golf course

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Marbella Club Hotel · Golf Resort & Spa Image by: Booking.com

If you don’t want to choose between Golf Valley and the Golden Mile, the Marbella Club Hotel offers you the best of both worlds. With its prime position on the Golden Mile with direct beachfront access, you can easily work on your tan or take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. However, with its direct and complimentary shuttle to the 18-hole Marbella Golf Club Resort, you can easily fit in a game or two!

With a focus on wellness, the Marbella Club Hotel also offers a wide range of spa services including a Thalasso Spa experience. Alternatively, you can relax in one of the two swimming pools or wander around the property’s beautiful gardens. This hotel used to be a private residence of Prince Alfonso of Southern Spain, so it has those elegant, historical touches that make the stay even more special.

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11. Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort

Internationally-known resort to the east of Marbella

Marriott'S-Marbella-Beach-Resort
Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort Image by: Booking.com

If you’re looking for that luxury resort feel but don’t want to be amongst the hustle and bustle of the Golden Mile, Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort might be a great option for you. Located to the east of Marbella by Playa Las Chapas and the famous Nikki Beach, this area is all about the exclusive beach clubs.

On the resort itself, you can enjoy the giant outdoor swimming pool with panoramic beachfront views, a drink or two in the Chill Bar, or check out the extensive fitness center with tons of amenities. It’s got everything that you’ve come to expect from the high-end Marriott beach resorts!

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FAQs About Hotels in Marbella

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Okay, let’s round out this guide to the best luxury hotels in Marbella with a few frequently asked questions about the area.

What is the nicest part of Marbella?

Most people tend to agree that the Golden Mile is the nicest part of Marbella. It stretches around four miles from the Old Town to Marbella Harbor and it’s where all the action is. It’s the most famous, elite, and luxurious part of Marbella, mostly due to its proximity to the golden sands. If you want to enjoy a spot of celebrity spotting, this is going to be the place to do so.

Where do celebrities go in Marbella?

While many celebrities have second homes in Marbella, like Cristiano Ronaldo, David and Victoria Beckham, Antonio Banderas, Brad Pitt, and more, if you want to rub shoulders with them, your best chance is at elite beach clubs. Places like La Sala By The Sea are famous for their celebrity clientele, especially footballers and models.

Is Marbella a luxury destination?

Yes, Marbella is undoubtedly a luxury destination. With a whole host of high-end hotels, restaurants, and clubs, Marbella is one of the most luxurious and elite destinations in Europe. There are so many A-listers that have Marbella as a regular vacation destination, so you know that the service and amenities are going to be out of this world.

Is it better to stay in Puerto Banús or Marbella?

Realistically, it depends on your vibe and what you want for your vacation. Marbella itself is the historical center of the area and home to the stunning Old Town area. It’s also got a whole host of amazing beaches and landmarks, as well as plenty of clubs and bars.

However, if you’re looking for more resort-centric vibes, Puerto Banús is the touristy heart of the region. It’s the opposite end of the Golden Mile and it’s where you’ll find the larger resorts, high-end restaurants, and bars. Of course, the old fishing port has been transformed into a hub for super yachts and super cars, so either way you go, you can expect luxury and opulence, except Puerto Banús tends to be more flashy.

About The Author

Rebecca Crowe is a freelance content writer who specializes in writing about travel, food, drink, and adventure. She specializes in budget and adventure travel content and can usually be found climbing some rocks, eating some tacos, or waiting around at the nearest airport. Her best budget travel achievement was spending a weekend in Paris with Roland Garros tickets for under £150, although she's always on the lookout for even better adventure and travel deals! If you want to keep up with her next adventure, check out her website at Wandering and Wine.

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Picture of Rebecca Crowe

Rebecca Crowe

Rebecca Crowe is a freelance content writer who specializes in writing about travel, food, drink, and adventure. She specializes in budget and adventure travel content and can usually be found climbing some rocks, eating some tacos, or waiting around at the nearest airport.

Her best budget travel achievement was spending a weekend in Paris with Roland Garros tickets for under £150, although she's always on the lookout for even better adventure and travel deals!

If you want to keep up with her next adventure, check out her website at Wandering and Wine.

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