Beyond the fancy yachts in Puerto Banús marina lies the sparkling gem of Costa del Sol – Marbella. But believe me, there’s more to this playground of the rich and famous than glitz. In Old Town, find charming plazas like orange Plaza de los Naranjos with a 500 year-old town hall. Or try the hippie chic vibe of Cabopino beach where artisans sell handmade jewelry between paddleboarding sessions.
Oup pick of the best hotels in Marbella🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: El Fuerte Marbella
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Nobu Hotel Marbella
- 🏖 Beach Hotel: Puente Romano Beach Resort
- ✨ 5-Star: La Fonda Heritage Hotel Luxury, Relais & Châteaux
- 🏨 4-Star: Hotel Apartamentos Princesa Playa
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Melia Marbella Banús
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Nobu Hotel Marbella
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort
With diverse districts, Marbella offers options suiting every traveler – from luxury stays in Golden Mile to apartments near the beach for budget family trips. So discover the best neighborhoods and hotels in Marbella for your style – whether you seek a buzzy historic base or a peaceful mountain retreat. My local guide helps you find an ideal address.
Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Marbella 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: Old Town and Downtown Marbella
- 💎For Luxury: Puerto Banus
- 👪For Families: San Pedro De Alcantara
1. Old Town & Downtown Marbella – Best Areas to Stay in Marbella for the First Time 👀
I invite you to wander through the most delightful plazas filled with tapas bars and pretty white buildings in Marbella’s charming old districts – Old Town and Downtown.
🍊 Beloved town square Right in the heart of Old Town, Marbella lies Plaza de los Naranjos. It is focused around the 500 year-old (!) town hall and bordered by sunny orange trees that give it its name, by the way.
🏰 Historic remains of an old wall Parts of the very old Muralla Urbana wall still wind through the medieval neighborhood today with pocket parks built in the middle of the ruins. Cool history!
🖼️ Museum of modern art Inside a renovated palace, the Museum of New Spanish Engravings has authentic works by famous artists like Dalí and Picasso.
⛪️ Landmark church The tall Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación church built in the 1500s still overlooks photogenic Plaza de los Naranjos as Old Town’s most iconic church.
🚶♂️Totally walkable With flat streets and pedestrian-only zones, Old Town/Downtown prove super easy to explore on foot safely. Just wear comfy shoes! On another note, from here you can take a bus to famous Malaga, just down the coast.
Accommodation in Marbella Old Town & Downtown? 🏨
Luxury Hotels:
- La Fonda Heritage Hotel Luxury, Relais & Châteaux – a luxury hotel in a historic 19th century mansion with exquisite decor, personalized service and fine cuisine.
- Hotel Claude Marbella – an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town with chic suites and panoramic sea views.
- Atico Berrocal Marbella – chic suites with breathtaking views of the Old Town and the Mediterranean Sea.
Medium price category:
- CASONA 6 LUNAS APART Ba-BA1 – cozy apartments in typical Andalusian style close to the beach, ideal for families.
- The Town House – an adults-only boutique hotel with modern design and panoramic views of the city.
- Hostal El Caprichito Marbella – a small family-run hotel with a homely atmosphere and friendly staff.
Budget Hotels:
- Villa Palma – a guest house with simple rooms at an affordable price near the historic center.
- TAK Boutique Old Town- EaW Homes – small boutique hotel in Old Town with basic amenities at a reasonable price.
2. Golden Mile – Best Place to Stay in Marbella for Shopping and Beaches 🛍️
Luxury lovers and beach fans – head to my personal favorite! You’ll find gorgeous hotels, beach clubs, best boutiques and some of the most exclusive homes in town here.
🏖️ Ritzy beach lounges By day, relax on beach beds and sofas shaded by tall palm trees at exclusive beach clubs like Nikki Beach Marbella, where DJs play music as visitors sip champagne.
🛍️Fashionable high-end boutiques Find the newest collections from Gucci, Dior and Louis Vuitton expensive brands in sophisticated shopping malls around.
🍽️Finest places to eat Enjoy a multi-course meal of amazing food at Michelin-starred restaurants like Skina or Nobu Marbella owned by famous chefs.
🚌Public transport The transportation in the area is quite efficient, you can always take a bus or a taxi to main attractions within or outside the neighborhood.
Where to stay in Golden Mile? 🏨
Luxury Hotels:
- Hotel Puente Romano – luxurious beachfront resort with Moorish-style architecture spanning lush gardens leading to a private golden sand beach, along with 8 restaurants and bars.
- Nobu Hotel Marbella – contemporary luxury hotel from celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, featuring stylish Asian-inspired design, critically-acclaimed restaurants, and a Six Senses spa.
- Luxury House Golden Mile Marbella– ultra-luxury 5-star adults-only property offering a sophisticated atmosphere, 24-hour butler concierge, rooftop pool with sea views, and pampering spa treatments.
Middle Range Hotels:
- Hotel NH Marbella – modern hotel with minimalist open spaces, providing family rooms, an outdoor pool, gourmet buffet, and easy beach access through lush gardens.
- Alanda Marbella Hotel – charming property in a historic townhouse near Plaza de los Naranjos featuring rooftop plunge pools, an Andalusian restaurant, and individually decorated, airy rooms to relax.
3. Puerto Banus – Where to Stay in Marbella for Nightlife 💎
Yachties and party people, vibrant Puerto Banus is calling your name! This popular marina area packs bars, fancy boats and hot clubs into one vibrant spot.
🏖️ Nice beach
The Playa offers a pretty stretch of sand facing million-dollar villas, plus cafés and restaurants open in summer. More than a relaxing way to spend days!
🛍️ Shop the malls Browse international brands at Marina Mall by the luxury yacht harbor. Or check out El Corte Inglés big department store packed with hundreds of Spanish and global fashion/beauty labels in one place.
🛥️ See luxury yachts The Marina is the place for posing on costly boats while looking at even more expensive ships owned by billionaires and celebrities. I love watching the people from cafés along the harbor!
🍸 💃 Drink/dance nightlife Glitzy bars like Sinatra’s play loud DJ music as partygoers lineup for entry to popular nightclubs like Funky Buddha and La Sala. Get ready to dance all night!
🚖 Getting around Taxis and buses conveniently transport visitors around the area near all the beaches, malls and nightlife.
Where to stay in Puerto Banus? 🏨
Luxury Hotels:
- Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – all-inclusive hotel with spacious rooms showcasing Rock & Roll art and memorabilia, plus multiple swimming pools, live music, and entertainment.
- Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banús – lavish hotel overlooking Marina with palatial architecture and a sub-tropical garden, complimentary beach club access, gourmet dining, a rejuvenating spa and beauty salon onsite.
- Anfitrión Marbella Villas & Suites – luxury villas and apartments with modern amenities like outdoor pool, fully-equipped kitchens and Smart TVs, located 600m from the beach.
Middle Range Hotels:
- Melia Marbella Banús – stylish hotel from the Melia chain located right on marina with sea views, offering amenities like outdoor pool, stylish rooms, international cuisine at 2 restaurants.
- Benabola Hotel & Suites – small charming hotel between San Pedro and Marbella old town, offering rooms mixing modern and Andalusian design, just 350m from the beach.
4. San Pedro De Alcántara – Where to Stay in Marbella with Family 👪
For a chill vibe hang in San Pedro de Alcántara! This settlement west of Marbella is charmingly authentic with its walkable old town, long sandy beach and relaxed local flavor.
🏖️ Laidback beach stretch Playa de San Pedro is where you’ll find me digging my toes into golden sand before grabbing seafood paella at a rustic beachside eatery. The perfect spot to soak up the sun away from crowds!
🌅 Evening paseo I love taking evening paseos – traditional strolls – as locals do along Paseo Marítimo promenade watching the sunset over the glittery Mediterranean Sea. You can’t beat those golden hour views!
🥐 Cute cafes & patisseries Make time to hop between the low-key cafes and patisseries dotting San Pedro’s whitewashed plazas. Sip strong coffee on a terrace before indulging in sweet pastries!
🚌 Easy acces Buses efficiently link San Pedro’s key areas like the beach, old town and port. But the joy is exploring the neighborhoods on foot to find hidden tapas bars only locals know!
All hotels in San Pedro De AlcántaraBest hotels in San Pedro De Alcántara? 🏨
Expensive Hotels:
- Moderno Apartamento – an elegant modern style apartment with panoramic ocean views. Located in a quiet neighborhood of Marbella.
- Aqua Apartments Vento – stylish apartments with views of the Mediterranean Sea. There is a swimming pool and sun terrace. Conveniently located close to the beach and promenade.
Medium price category:
- NH San Pedro – a modern, high-end hotel with exquisite interior design. It offers excellent service and a magnificent view of the sea.
- Hostal Alisol Boutique San Pedro – a cozy boutique hotel in traditional Andalusian style. Offers comfortable rooms and friendly service. Conveniently located in the center of San Pedro.
- Hotel Doña Catalina – a welcoming hotel in a historic 19th century building. Features a warm, homely atmosphere and attentive staff.
Budget Hotels:
- Bungalow Marbella – a cozy hotel in typical Andalusian style of bungalows. Surrounded by a garden with swimming pool and terrace.
- Hotel Avenida 31 – a simple and inexpensive hotel with basic amenities. Located within walking distance to the beach and the promenade of San Pedro. A good option for a budget vacation.
Best Areas & Hotels in Marbella on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Visiting Marbella ❔
What is the best part of Marbella to stay in?
The best part of Marbella to stay in depends on what you’re looking for: For a luxurious experience, the Golden Mile offers upscale accommodations and amenities. If you prefer historical charm, the Old Town is picturesque and full of character.
Is it best to stay in Marbella or Puerto Banus?
It depends on your preferences: Marbella offers a mix of traditional and modern experiences with beautiful beaches and cultural sites, while the othera rea is renowned for its luxurious yachts, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
What is the most popular area in Marbella?
The most popular area in Marbella is arguably Puerto Banus, known for its luxurious atmosphere, designer shops, and bustling nightlife. Additionally, the Old Town of Marbella attracts visitors with its charming narrow streets, historic buildings, and authentic Spanish restaurants.
Where is the lively part of Marbella?
The lively part of Marbella is found in Puerto Banus and the beachfront areas, where nightlife thrives with an abundance of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The Old Town also offers a lively atmosphere but with a more traditional Spanish feel, especially in the evenings.
