As one of Spain's most exclusive holiday destinations, beloved of the titled, rich and famous, Marbella has a number of luxurious hotels.
Many of these are right on the beach, but some are just inland, offering more privacy and spacious surroundings. The most exclusive and sought-after stretch is the so-called "Golden Mile", between Puerto Banus and Marbella.
The hotels which have prime location on the beachfront (en primera linea, as it's known here), often have their own beach clubs, where you can recline in comfort on a Balinese day bed, sip fresh juice and eat grilled fish and salads by day. At night, these turn into sophisticated places for the fashionable crowd to hang out - you can drink cocktails and show off your tan in your new sexy summer dress, and dance the night away. Themed parties with live music and entertainment are held regularly throughout the summer.
The most famous (and longest-established) hotel in Marbella is probably the Marbella Club. Dating from 1954, its founder was the driving behind modern Marbella, the beach resort we know today.
Another very well-known hotel in Marbella is the Hotel Villa Padierna, where Michelle Obama stayed on her visit in August 2010 (although this is not strictly speaking in Marbella). This hotel is one of those which is located a short way from the beach.
Other beachfront hotels include Hotel Puente Romano, and the Hotel Don Carlos, which houses celebs' favourite Nikki Beach.
Some hotels in Marbella have world-class restaurants, such as the Gran Melia Don Pepe, which is home to Calima, under the leadership of Dani Garcia.
In the old part of Marbella, with its narrow, cobbled streets, you can find many hotels housed in beautiful period buildings. These are smaller than the hotels on the beach and include boutique hotels, such as the Hotel Claude, a converted 17th-century townhouse with a traditional Andalucian patio and elegant décor.
| Marbella Club |  |
Puente Romano |
| This classy beachfront hotel is an institution in Andalucia's most glamorous beach resort, with a fascinating history and a cachet other establishments would kill for. More > | Situated on Marbella's Golden Mile, the Puente Romano boasts nine bars and restaurants, including Japanese and Italian. More > | |
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| Villa Padierna | |
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| A grand Italianate palace decorated in classical style, with an elegant and exclusive air which attracts many other celebrities. More > | ||
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