A guide to the best areas in Marbella and neighborhoods in Marbella to spend unforgettable holidays in Southern Spain
Marbella is home to a large variety of beaches, a quaint old town, and some of the best dance clubs in Spain. There seems to be something for every taste in Marbella!
Whether you want to relax and bask under warm sunshine, or even grab a couple of drinks and party until the sunset, Marbella is so much more than just a beach town! On top of its beautiful old town has been attracting visitors for decades.
Only a short drive away from Malaga and its airport, Marbella has become one of the most famous beach resorts in Southern Spain. Famous for its bustling nightlife, white downtown streets, and beautiful beaches, Marbella seems to offer something for any type of traveler.
Indeed, you don’t need to be a glitzy personality in order to enjoy Marbella.
Even though the town has a large reputation of being a hub for only the rich and famous, also “normal” travelers and even budget travelers can enjoy Marbella!
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What’s the best place to stay in Marbella, Spain?
There are basically 4 neighborhoods or districts in Marbella where you can stay:
- Old Town
- Puerto Banus
- San Pedro de Alcantara
- The Beach Area
In order to give those queries a detailed answer, I decided to write this in-depth guide on where to stay in Marbella. The accommodation places are categorized by location and budget.
After having visited Marbella many times and after having worked in the Spanish tourism sector for several years, I decided that it was time to list the best places to stay in Marbella.
In some of the hotels, I stayed myself. For some, I got very good feedback from my clients. And some have been recommended by my friends in Marbella.
Take the time to choose the perfect location and purpose for your holidays in the sun and this guide will tell you what to look out for!
Related:
- 3-day itinerary for Marbella, Spain
- Best places to see in Marbella and surroundings
- How to get to Marbella
- Book here the best activities in Marbella
Where to Stay in Marbella for Beach Holidays
The most popular beaches of Marbella, Andalusia are often well renowned and visited by some of Hollywood’s A-list among other celebrities! The reason? You will find vibing music, a sophisticated atmosphere, and fine cuisine. All recipes for a party to remember!
Be sure to check out Nikki Beach (the official name is Víbora Beach though!), known worldwide for its party atmosphere and luxury amenities. Top food, comfortable seating, and high-quality services are what you will expect from one of the best places in Spain.
For a luxury beach experience, check out Playa Nagueles, a gem within Marbella. Playa Nagueles quite possibly has the cleanest sands and water you can find.
Located right on Marbella’s Golden Mile, this beach is especially exclusive for those looking for a top-notch experience. It starts next to the Puente Romano Marbella ***** and runs until Trocadero Playa. It is a must-see beach, particularly for luxury travelers.
Check out Bounty Beach, a chilled beach with relaxing music and the soft sounds of waves splashing the fine-grained sand. You’ll get top-quality services for a price that is within budget, a win-win for any traveler.
However, there are plenty of quiet beaches too!
Overall, you should definitely consider finding accommodation by the beach. The reason is quite simple. You will be within walking distance from some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches for a day under the sun.
Marbella beaches are suitable for people of all ages, and a source of memories and fun for friends and family. Staying close to the beaches makes sure to maximize your experience in one of Spain’s most popular spots.
Many hotels come with private beach access, hence perfect when wondering where to stay in Marbella with family.
Book here your tours and activities in Marbella
Best Places to stay in Marbella for Beach Holidays
Cheap Accommodation in Marbella
Skol Apartments Marbella **
Hotel Finlandia *
Hotel Central Boutique **
Mid-Range Accommodation in Marbella
Hotel El Faro Marbella ***
Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach ****
Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella – Adults Only ****
Melia Marbella Banús ****
Luxury Accommodation in Marbella
Nobu Hotel Marbella *****
Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort *****
Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá *****
Puente Romano Marbella *****
Where to Stay in Marbella for Golf
While Marbella is renowned for its sunny beaches and party atmosphere, it is also an extremely popular hotspot for a nice golf holiday. Marbella offers some wonderful golf courses for anyone to enjoy at any time of the year.
Marbella is thus becoming increasingly popular among golf players. There are many golf courses that are suitable for people of all levels. That’s why Marbella is also a coveted day trip from Malaga.
It is no wonder why Marbella is considered a hotspot for golf among tourists and locals alike. If you are an avid golf lover, why pass up the opportunity to play on professional golf courses among the beautiful scenery that makes Marbella so well-loved?
For golf professionals, check out The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa *****. The club is perfect for anyone looking for a proper golf club, due to its beautiful golfing course and excellent staff.
For novices and golf-past timers, consider the Santa Maria Golf & Country Club. It has plenty of tourists who love to try out the golf course, along with its excellent restaurant.
The club is perfect for a day-night out (especially weekend nights!) as they offer excellent food, music, and ambiance.
If you are a golf lover, you should read about some of the best golf courses in Andalucia.
Book here your tours and activities in Marbella
Best Places to stay in Marbella for Golf Holidays
Some hotels come with a private golf course and many hotels in Marbella arrange your golf lesson upon request. Don’t hesitate to ask at the reception desk!
The hotels mentioned here below have a private golf course or a golf course within 2 miles distance.
Cheap Accommodation in Marbella
Hostal Alisol Boutique San Pedro *
Hostal Tak *
Marbella Inn ***
Mid-Range Accommodation in Marbella
Hotel Claude Marbella ***
Rio Real Golf Hotel ****
Hotel – Apartamentos Greenlife Golf ***
Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort ****
Luxury Accommodation in Marbella
Marbella Club Hotel · Golf Resort & Spa *****
The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa *****
Don Carlos Resort & Spa *****
Puente Romano Marbella *****
Where to Stay in Marbella for Luxury Holidays
Marbella’s fame for luxury and exclusive holidays is beyond legendary! The place to be seen and to go for people-watching is the Puerto Banus marina.
For the perfect high-end vacation in Marbella, consider visiting Puerto Banus for luxury beach clubs, delicious restaurants, clubs, and designer boutiques.
Luxury beaches are what make Marbella so attractive for millionaires and the famous. And here in Marbella, you’ll experience why it’s considered one of Spain’s most attractive areas next to the Costa del Sol.
Spain’s Marbella is home to a large variety of activities for luxury beach holidays and experiences. Top this with its lovely beaches, weather, and ambiance.
Marbella is packed with luxury experiences including high-end spas, hotels, and restaurants.
Best Place to stay in Marbella for a luxury holiday: Puerto Banus
Luxury travelers should certainly consider Marbella for high-end experiences. Puerto Banus, in particular, is pretty and much known as the playground for the rich and wealthy.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury beaches and delicious restaurants. And at night, dance till the morning light on its renamed beach and dance clubs.
At the very least, you can expect to see millionaires enjoying their yachts under the warm sun. An experience to remember to say the least!
Book here your tours and activities in Marbella
Best Places to stay in Marbella for Luxury Holidays
Luxury Accommodation in Old Town Marbella & Countryside
The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa *****
Marbella Club Hotel · Golf Resort & Spa *****
Hotel Lima – Adults Recommended ****
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort *****
Luxury Resorts in Marbella – Beachside
Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá *****
Nobu Hotel Marbella *****
Los Monteros Marbella Hotel & Spa *****
Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar *****
Puente Romano Marbella *****
Don Carlos Resort & Spa *****
Where to Stay in Marbella on a Budget
A major issue for many travelers is finding cheap accommodation in order to travel as long as possible. Somehow, Marbella is often an intimidating city for many (misinformed!) budget travelers.
Indeed, they often worry about excessive accommodation costs when looking at the beautiful beaches and eye-catching hotspots for celebrities in Marbella. But traveling to Marbella doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll drain your budget!
The best place to stay in Marbella for Budget Travel: Old Town
Luckily, you can find lovely accommodation in Marbella Old Town that is close to perfect for budget travelers!
Old Town Marbella is a scenic area where you will be immersed in the winding narrow streets that lead you to a variety of lovely shops and hip cafes.
You can expect wonderful greenery, cozy cafes, exciting bars, and energetic music for all tastes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy food and ambiance in one of Marbella’s most scenic areas.
Luckily, many cafes are often well-priced and suitable for most travelers as a result. There are great tapas restaurants with a menu that will not hurt your wallet at all!
Overall, do not be too concerned about food prices in Marbella! There are still many local bars that offer tasty seafood, fish, and tapas at affordable prices.
Marbella Old Town is the best place to stay for budget travelers. You are close to all events and even closer to Marbella’s natural beauty.
Cheap hotels in Marbella downtown are more abundant than you might think!
The hotels are very close to the center’s action, so you are literally under 10 minutes from downtown Marbella. Some of the cheap hotels are actually very nice to stay in, and even nicer for your bank account!
And even in hostels in Marbella, you can have your private bathroom! – Look up the best hostels in Marbella
Best Places to stay in Marbella for Budget Travelers
Cheap Accommodation in Marbella
Hotel Avenida 31
La Morada Mas Hermosa **
Puerta De Aduares **
Hotel Central Boutique **
Mid-Range Accommodation in Marbella
Hotel Claude Marbella ***
The Town House – Adults Only ***
The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel ****
Best Hostels in Marbella
Hostal Tak *
Pension Aduar
The Monkey Room
Where to Stay in Marbella for Families
Of course, with Marbella’s beautiful beaches and enchanting ambiance, you’ll want to spend a memorable family holiday. You will often find many areas specifically suitable for children, such as family-friendly beaches or parks. Without further ado, here are the best activities for families visiting Marbella.
Possibly the best way to spend quality time with the entire family is to stay at one of the many family-friendly beaches.
These beaches are great for kids since they have soft sand to play in, along with close-quarter location to toilets, cafes, and restaurants.
Playa Fontanilla and Funny Beach are well suited for family travelers and are close to Marbella Marina.
Funny Beach has an assortment of children-friendly activities including a massive bouncy castle and water activities such as swimming and banana boats. Cabopino Beach is particularly popular among families too!
Besides comfortable beaches, you can find fun amusement parks where your kids can get rid of their energy! A fun amusement park is Mundo Mania; a theme park full of activities in Estepona where kids can play indoors and outdoors.
Finally, take a chance to visit Alameda Park. You can take your entire family out for a walk in the beautiful weather, and enjoy the scenery and the gardens within the park. There are plenty of benches, cafes, and other amenities to enjoy a full day out with the family.
Book here your tours and activities in Marbella
Best Places to stay in Marbella for Family Holidays
Many hotels offer special services to families such as extra beds, family rooms, and kids’ clubs!
Cheap Family Accommodation in Marbella
Puerta De Aduares **
Hotel Central Boutique **
Marbella Inn ***
Hotel Monarque El Rodeo ***
Mid-Range Accommodation in Marbella
The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel ****
Ona Alanda Club Marbella
Hotel Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort ****
Melia Marbella Banús ****
Luxury Accommodation in Marbella
Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá *****
Los Monteros Marbella Hotel & Spa *****
Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar *****
Puente Romano Marbella *****
Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa *****
Where to Stay in Marbella for Nightlife
Marbella is renowned for its tremendous nightlife! From bars to nightclubs, expect to have loads of fun chatting to down-to-earth people, enjoying riveting music, and sharing drinks with your friends.
This is the essence of what Marbella captures: top-quality partying for everyone!
Whether you enjoy funky deep house, Latin music, or everything else, here are some of the best nightclubs to visit:
- Linekers: A sports cafe and electric club. This should be your first destination! Home to VIP celebrities, this club in Puerto Banus is the place to go for a quality night out. A big dance floor to get your groove on in the bottom floor, and an upper floor lounge with a pool table and bar.
- Pangea: One of the most popular venues for the night owls of Marbella, and becoming the must-see nightclub! Pangea caters to the locals of Marbella and any tourists looking for fabulous music and people!
- Olivia Valere: A real institution in Marbella! The legendary glamourous parties take place in a setting that reminds of the Alhambra! The most exclusive VIPs celebrate here and a dinner followed by dancing in Olivia Valere will make your stay in Marbella unforgettable!
Some of the best hotels for nightlife in Marbella can be found in Puerto Banus, right next to the hottest clubs and venues in the city!
Book here your tours and activities in Marbella
Best Places to stay in Marbella for Nightlife Holidays
Each hotel is exciting in its own way (such as pool amenities and rooms!) with some even having a special hotel DJ!
Boutique Hotels in Marbella
The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel ****
Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella – Adults Only ****
La Villa Marbella – Old Town
Hotel Claude Marbella ***
Linda Boutique Hotel ****
Mid-Range Accommodation in Marbella
Senator Marbella Spa Hotel ****
Melia Marbella Banús ****
Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella – Adults Only ****
Ona Alanda Club Marbella ****
Luxury Accommodation in Marbella
Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá *****
Nobu Hotel Marbella *****
Los Monteros Marbella Hotel & Spa *****
Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar *****
Don Carlos Resort & Spa *****
Where to Stay in Marbella for Couples
For the loving couples out there, you should also consider Marbella to spend quality time with each other. Or, why not a honeymoon in Marbella?!
While Marbella is often recognized as a place of fun and relaxation, it is also a fantastic destination for a romantic vacation. For all couples out there, you can find a perfect assortment of romantic activities, events, and restaurants for a vacation to remember.
First, go for a romantic walk in Marbella Old Town. With its cobbled streets and long winding streets, it is truly a romantic experience to take your hubby or boyfriend for a stroll.
You can stop along the way for drinks, food, or a seat alongside the white-washed Marbella houses. You will also find an assortment of shops including tons of antique stores and commercial chains.
Try Olivia for gourmet items or Delicias Urban Gourmet for the most popular spots. Otherwise, head to the shopping centers near Marbella for a complete outdoor shopping experience. Very intriguing and very fun!
Marbella is thus the perfect destination for your honeymoon or romantic getaway in Spain. The hotels in Marbella will do their best to make your stay unforgettable!
Best Places to stay in Marbella for Couples and Honeymoons
All the staff at the top resorts are extremely kind so don’t hesitate to ask for little details in order to make your honeymoon simply perfect!
Cute Boutique Hotels in Marbella for Couples
The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel ****
Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella – Adults Only ****
La Villa Marbella – Old Town
Hotel Claude Marbella ***
Linda Boutique Hotel ****
Mid-Range Accommodation in Marbella
Senator Marbella Spa Hotel ****
Melia Marbella Banús ****
Vime La Reserva de Marbella ****
Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach ****
Luxury Accommodation in Marbella for honeymooners
Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá *****
Nobu Hotel Marbella *****
Los Monteros Marbella Hotel & Spa *****
Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar *****
Don Carlos Resort & Spa *****
Puente Romano Marbella *****
Best Place to stay in Marbella for a Spa holiday
Marbella is the perfect place to spend a spa getaway? Why? Because despite its fame, Marbella can be very laid back with tasty Andalusian food to indulge in, warm temperatures all year round, and warm-hearted people.
It’s thus perfect if you want to disconnect from the stress at home!
If you’re looking for a spa hotel in Marbella, you’ll be spoilt for choice! I picked for you some of my favorite wellness hotels in Marbella… you’ll not want to leave!
Best Spa Resorts in Marbella
Los Monteros Marbella Hotel & Spa *****
Marbella Club Hotel · Golf Resort & Spa *****
Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella – Adults Only *****
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort *****
Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá *****
I hope that this article helped you to find your place to stay in Marbella.
Do you still have doubts? Please do not hesitate to contact me! I am sure there is a place in Marbella that perfectly meets your needs! Just remember that Marbella’s got it all!
Have you already been to Marbella? I would love to hear about your favorite places to stay!
Can’t get enough of Marbella resorts and hotels? Have a look at our webstory about where to stay in Marbella.
Short FAQ about the best places to stay in Marbella, Spain
What is the best place to stay in Marbella for couples?
The best place to stay in Marbella for couples is at the beachside in a resort such as Puente Romano Marbella or The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Marbella for families?
A great place to stay in Marbella for families is in the Old Town or along the beach in a resort such as Amare Beach or Los Monteros Marbella Hotel.
What is the best cheap accommodation in Marbella?
You can find the best cheap accommodation in Old Town Marbella. Here some recommendations: Hotel Claude Marbella *** , The Town House – Adults Only ***
The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel **** . Indeed, Old Town is ideal if you are wondering where to stay in Marbella on a budget.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!