Where to Stay in Marbella: Complete Guide By a Local
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is about accommodation on the Costa del Sol, especially in Marbella.
Marbella is quite a big coastal town with many areas catering to different travellers. Whether you want to stay somewhere with character and charm, connected to nature or with a touch of glamour, there’s a place in Marbella.
In this Marbella accommodation guide, I’ve covered the main places to stay in the city and my hotel recommendations.
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Summary of places to stay in Marbella
✨ Are you short on time? Here is a summary of the best areas in Marbella according to your travel style:
- Best area for solo travellers: Marbella Old Town
- Best area for couples: Golden Mile
- Best area for partygoers: Puerto Banus
- Best areas for families: Elviria and Cabopino
- Best area for a luxury stay: Golden Mile
- Best area for a budget-friendly stay: Marbella Centre
Where to stay in Marbella
Marbella Old Town
Marbella Old Town is my preferred place to stay because it oozes authenticity and charm.
It’s a small place, but everything about it is lovely, from its whitewashed buildings to its orange-scented square and historical sights and museums.
Not only is it fantastic in its looks, but its location is too. It’s a great place to stay in Marbella because you’re right in the middle of Marbella. This town is much bigger than you think.
You’re a short walk from the beach, restaurants, cafes and bus stops that take you to other parts of Marbella.
Foodwise, I love eating here because there are bars like La Niña del Pisto, my favourite, which serve authentic Spanish tapas. But if you aren’t into Spanish cuisine, you have Italian, French and more.
The historic centre is also very safe. You can walk at night without feeling like you’re walking somewhere sketchy. So, I highly recommend staying here if you’re a solo traveller.
What to do in Marbella Old Town
Are you wondering what activities you can do in this area? These are some of my top things to do, but I’ve also written a guide with more details.
- Visit La Encarnacion Church
- Have a cup of coffee in Orange Square
- Wander the narrow streets of the old town
- Take an audio walking tour to dig into Marbella’s interesting past at your own pace
Where to stay in Marbella Old Town
⭐Top choice: Linda Boutique Hotel
This boutique hotel catches your eye when walking in Calle Ancha. Its outdoor tables from its cafe and the flowers surrounding the hotel make it picturesque.
The rooms are cosy, warm and perfect for a comfortable stay. They include everything you need, from air conditioning and coffee machines to flat-screen TVs. Many also have small balconies.
One of my favourite things about the hotel is its rooftop terrace with beautiful views of Ermita del Santo Cristo de Marbella and the square.
Other good accommodation options in Marbella
🛏️ Luxury: La Fonda Heritage Hotel, Relais & Châteaux
🛏️ Big family or group of friends: Casa Aduar 10
🛏️ Mid-range: Óbal Urban Hotel (I’ve personally stayed here and written this review)
🛏️ Charming: The Town House (adult-only)
Marbella Centre
Marbella Centre also includes the old town, but I’m covering other places to stay outside the historic centre in this section. This area is broader and is sometimes called Marbella Downtown.
You’ll also find many restaurants, hotels on the beach and parks. This area is perfect for couples and families.
The location is ideal because you have everything: beaches, parks, bars and cafes, and the old town, and it’s an excellent spot to take the bus if you plan to move around Marbella by public transport.
What to do in Marbella Centre
What activities can you do in this area? These are some of the best things to do:
- Explore the old town
- Walk or ride a bike from Marbella Centre to the Golden Mile or Puerto Banus
- Visit La Constitucion Park
- Do a wine tasting at Casa Pablo
- Soak up the sun at Venus Beach
Where to stay in Marbella Centre
🛏️ Luxury: El Fuerte Marbella
🛏️ Family-friendly accommodation: Hapimag Resort Marbella (self-catering apartment)
🛏️ Adult-only accommodation: Hotel Amàre Marbella
Golden Mile
If you’re after a glamorous stay, there’s no better place than the Golden Mile or Milla de Oro in Spanish. In this area, you’ll find the most exclusive resorts in Marbella, known worldwide.
An example is the five-star Marbella Club Hotel, which has everything you need, plus the beach. It couldn’t be in a better location.
However, there are many stunning villas if you prefer a more private stay without sacrificing luxury.
Besides these luxurious accommodation options, you’ll be surrounded by great fine-dining restaurants, including those with Michelin stars.
What to do in the Golden Mile
Are you wondering what activities you can do in this area? These are some of my top things to do in the Golden Mile.
- Visit Museo Ralli Marbella
- Play tennis
- Do yoga at Rachel’s Eco Love
- Have a meal at a top-notch restaurant like Lobito de Mar by Dani Garcia
- Enjoy a day at the beach
Where to stay in the Golden Mile
If you want to treat yourself and loved ones to an unforgettable stay, these are excellent options:
🛏️ Nobu Hotel (adult-only hotel)
Puerto Banus
Similar to the Golden Mile, Puerto Banus is an expensive area to stay in Marbella. The main attraction is the port, with luxury yachts, exclusive boutiques and well-known shops like BVLGARI and Jimmy Choo, and restaurants catering to all palates.
I personally prefer staying in other areas of Marbella because they’re more affordable and have more charm, and I can still visit Puerto Banus for a few hours. If you’re after luxury and a lively atmosphere, you’ll love it.
One experience that I always recommend doing here is a sunset cruise. The views of Puerto Banus’ white buildings and the mountains in the background are stunning.
In terms of getting around, there are buses that run from Puerto Banus to Marbella Centre, San Pedro de Alcantara, and Estepona.
There are no direct buses from Puerto Banus to Malaga Airport, so you can either take two buses, take a taxi to Marbella Bus Station and from there get the bus to Malaga Airport or simply book a transfer.
If you want freedom to move around, renting a car is your best option.
What to do in Puerto Banus
Are you wondering what activities you can do in this area? These are some of my top things to do, but I’ve also written this Puerto Banus guide with more details.
- Walk on the port.
- Have lunch or dinner at Picasso.
- Book a sunset cruise.
San Pedro de Alcantara
San Pedro de Alcantara is part of Marbella, although it feels like it’s a different town on its own because it’s so far apart from Marbella Centre. The atmosphere is calmer, but you have everything you need: restaurants, cafes, shops…
It’s a good option for families or those who want to escape the crowds of Marbella in the summer.
I especially love its beach and beach promenade. If you go early in the morning, you’ll find active travellers running, doing yoga or having breakfast. I usually sit down and have a drink at Playa Nini Beach while people-watching.
If you decide to stay in this area, I highly recommend renting a car because San Pedro is far away from Marbella Centre and isn’t that well-connected by bus.
What to do in San Pedro de Alcantara
Are you wondering what activities you can do in this area? These are some of my top things to do, but I’ve also written this guide where you can find more details.
- Wander the centre of San Pedro
- Walk on Bulevar San Pedro Alcántara
- Enjoy the beach and its promenade
- Visit the ruins
Where to stay in San Pedro de Alcantara
🛏️ Hotel NH San Pedro de Alcántara
San Pedro also has many hostels and apartments in the centre. You can check all the options on this map.
Elviria
Elviria is a popular area for travellers who want to stay longer in Marbella, as you’ll find more villas and holiday homes than resorts. It’s just outside Marbella Centre, so it’s in a good location if you rent a car.
What’s to love about Elviria? Well, it’s a calmer area, but you’re still surrounded by golf courses, beach clubs like Nikki Beach Marbella, and bohemian beach restaurants like La Plage Casanis.
What to do in Elviria
Are you wondering what activities you can do in this area? These are some of my top things to do:
- Play golf
- Party at Nikki Beach Marbella (only open during the summer season)
- Enjoy the sunset at the beach
Where to stay in Elviria
Incredible holiday homes mostly surround Eliviria, so it’s worth checking them out. However, if you prefer to stick to a hotel, these are the two best options in the area:
Cabopino
Cabopino is a synonym for tranquillity and nature. It’s the perfect place for anyone who wants to escape the crowds in Marbella and feel more immersed in nature.
It isn’t an area where you’ll find much accommodation, but if you’re all in for camping or booking an apartment, Cabopino is ideal. It’s very different from the Golden Mile and Puerto Banus.
As much as I love Cabopino, I wouldn’t stay there in winter because many places are closed, but summer and early autumn are good times to visit.
This area is a bit remote compared to Marbella Centre, so renting a car is necessary.
What to do in Cabopino
Are you wondering what activities you can do in this area? These are some fun activities:
- Walk Dunas de Artola
- Enjoy Cabopino Beach
- Relax and watch the sunset at Cocoa Beach Marbella
Where to stay in Cabopino
Cabopino doesn’t have many accommodation options, especially hotels. But if you’re all in for camping or glamping, check out Camping Cabopino. I’ve stayed there before and was really happy with the facilities. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from living in a big city.
Places to stay near Marbella
In addition to these places in Marbella, you can stay in small towns and villages, which offer a completely different experience from Marbella.
Two of the most popular towns next to Marbella are Benahavis and Ojen. Both are inland and a short drive.
Map with all the areas and hotels in Marbella
Conclusion of the best places to stay in Marbella
There are plenty of accommodation options in Marbella. If you struggle to find one during the peak season, you can also look for accommodation in other coastal towns like Estepona and Fuengirola, which are close and easily accessible by bus or car, and travel to Marbella.
Do you have any questions about travelling to Marbella? Drop them in the comments below, or join my Facebook group to connect with other travellers and me.
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Such a beautiful place! Great post.Thanks 💕
It’s definitely worth visiting! Thank you for your comment 🙂
Thank you for this detailed guide 🙂 I loved the photos.
I’m glad you found it useful! 🙂