When looking for where to stay in Marbella, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the different areas. The municipality spans across 30 kilometers of coastline on Costa del Sol offering an array of beach destinations. But some of them are quite far from the city.
I understand that some might prefer to stay in the city, while others want to spend their vacation in a smaller area outside the city. Nonetheless, the region is home to some of the best places to stay in Costa de Sol.
To help you choose the best area to stay in Marbella for you, I will go through all the best neighborhoods in and around Marbella. The entire municipality is a great area to stay near Malaga.
Marbella is famed for its luxury yachts, upscale beach parties, endless golf courses, and million-dollar cars showing off on the streets. There’s no secret that the high-end things to do in Costa del Sol are happening in Marbella. However, this is just partly what Marbella actually is.
There are also pristine, untouched beaches, relaxing beach bars, lush hiking routes, and a quaint old town to be discovered.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, you will find the best place to stay in Marbella Spain for your preferences in this post.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
IN A HURRY?
HERE ARE MY TOP PICKS FOR WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA
LUXURY: Puente Romano Beach Resort – with a wealth of swimming pools, a private beach area, a spa, and a fitness room, this is by far the best place to stay in Marbella. Located on the Golden Mile, you can not expect anything but excellence from this hotel.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Marbella Fusión – located in the old town with a restaurant and bar on-site, this is a lovely hotel with a bright and charming interior and a rhododendron-draped front wall.
BUDGET: La Morada Mas Hermosa – located in the heart of Marbella Old Town, you find restaurants and bars at your doorstep. Bright and comfortable rooms make this a great choice.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Marbella
Marbella Old Town – Best for First Timers
The best area to stay in is Marbella for:
- Culture and history lovers
- Foodies
- Traditional Spanish experiences
At the heart of Marbella, the Old Town, or “Casco Antiguo,” is where history whispers through every cobblestone street.
Its Andalusian charm, historic landmarks, the famous Plaza de los Naranjos, and the serene Church of Santa Maria makes it the best place to stay in Marbella for culture and history enthusiasts.
You’ll be immersed in Spanish tradition with boutique shops selling local crafts, quaint tapas bars offering tantalizing Spanish cuisine, and streets vibrant with flamenco music.
Marbella Old Town is a great place to stay for first-timers as it holds many of the top things to do in Marbella.
In my opinion, it is the best location to stay in Marbella, but it totally depends on your preferences, so you might wanna check out the other neighborhoods on this list before you decide.
BEST PLACE TO STAY – MARBELLA OLD TOWN
LUXURY: Hotel Claude Marbella – a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the old town. Meals can be ordered in advance, or you can take advantage of the many restaurants nearby.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Marbella Fusión – located in the old town with a restaurant and bar on-site, this is a lovely hotel with a bright and charming interior and a rhododendron-draped front wall.
BUDGET: La Morada Mas Hermosa – located in the heart of Marbella Old Town, you find restaurants and bars at your doorstep. Light and comfortable rooms make this a great choice.
Downtown Marbella – Best place to stay in Marbella for shopping
The best area to stay in is Marbella for:
- Shopaholics
- Food and drink lovers
- Beach-goers
- Nightlife enthusiasts
Downtown Marbella provides an eclectic mix of the hustle and bustle of modern city life alongside classic Spanish charm.
Its prime location, close to the sea and the main promenade lined with palm trees, offers an array of beach clubs and chiringuitos (beach bars).
An abundance of gourmet restaurants and chic boutiques make it a shopper’s paradise.
Downtown Marbella is certainly one of the best areas to stay in Marbella for nightlife, with countless bars and clubs, including the famous Pangea and News Café.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA – DOWNTOWN
LUXURY: El Fuerte Marbella – exquisite hotel in Downown with several outdoor swimming pools with a sea view and a spa and wellness center. The restaurant and bar are also great.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Lima – a modern hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and terrace, restaurant, and bar.
BUDGET: Hotel Monarque El Rodeo – a great budget option with an indoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
Puerto Banus – Best place to stay in Marbella for luxury travel
The best area to stay in is Marbella for:
- Luxury travel
- Upscale shopping
- Yacht enthusiasts
- Gastronomy lovers
Known as the playground for the rich and famous, Puerto Banus personifies luxury. This neighborhood boasts a marina brimming with super-yachts, luxury cars, and an array of designer boutiques such as Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Upscale restaurants and high-end nightclubs provide the backdrop for a glamorous night out. If you’re pondering where to stay in Marbella for a taste of luxury, Puerto Banus is the spot.
But this is also a great place to stay if you want to go on Marbella boat tours to enjoy the sea either on a full day out or an evening’s romantic sunset cruise.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MARBELLA – PUERTO BANUS
LUXURY: Melia Marbella Banús – with several outdoor pools, a spa and wellness center, and a restaurant and bar, this is a great family-friendly hotel.
MID-RANGE: Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banus – fantastic hotel with an outdoor pool with sea views and a spa and wellness center.
BUDGET: Occidental Puerto Banús – a great budget option with an outdoor pool area and restaurant and bar on site.
APARTMENT: Marina Banus – a modern apartment with a spacious terrace with sea views and a pool that sleeps up to 4 people.
San Pedro de Alcantara – Best place to stay in Marbella for families
The best area to stay in is Marbella for:
- Family vacations
- Relaxation seekers
- Beach lovers
Situated just west of Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere than the bustling city center. This is where to stay in Marbella with family.
With its beautiful sandy beaches, seafront promenade packed with eateries and ice cream parlors, and Boulevard Park with various children’s play areas, it’s ideal for a family vacation.
Not only do you get the chance to enjoy some of the best beaches in Marbella, but also enjoy a more family-friendly and relaxing vibe compared to the central areas of Marbella.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA – SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA
MID-RANGE: Barceló Marbella – a fantastic hotel with outdoor pools, a fitness center, and spa and wellness facilities. A restaurant and bar is on-site.
BUDGET: Hotel The Touch Puerto Banus – a lovely hotel with an outdoor pool and garden area. There is also a restaurant, bar, and fitness center on the property. This place is a true luxury on a budget.
APARTMENT: El Cafetal de Veronica – luxury villa with an outdoor pool, garden, and bbq facilities. Sleeps up to 8 people.
Golden Mile: Celebrity Hotspot
The best area to stay in is Marbella for:
- Celebrity spotting
- Luxury seekers
- Food connoisseurs
The Golden Mile is four miles between Marbella and Puerto Banus and is known for its luxurious villas and prestigious beach clubs.
Lined with star-studded restaurants and designer boutiques, the Golden Mile is where celebrities and high-profile individuals choose to stay.
To drop some names among the celebrities spotted at the Golden Mile are Elisabeth Taylor, Antonio Banderas, Julio Iglesias, and Lola Flores. Puerto Banus even has its own Walk of Fame.
If this sounds like your kinda vibe, this is by far one of the best places to stay in Marbella.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA – THE GOLDEN MILE
LUXURY: Puente Romano Beach Resort – with a wealth of swimming pools, a private beach area, a spa, and a fitness room, this is by far the best place to stay in Marbella
MID-RANGE: Alanda Marbella Hotel – a fantastic hotel with an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar.
Vibora Beach: The Ultimate Party Destination
The best area to stay in is Marbella for:
- Party-goers
- Young travelers
- Beach club enthusiasts
- Golfers
Vibora Beach, east of Marbella’s city center, is a magnet for party-goers and younger travelers. Home to Nikki Beach, one of the top beach clubs globally, it’s synonymous with extravagant parties and champagne sprays.
With its vibrant atmosphere, other beach clubs, and nearby golf courses, Vibora Beach is the place for an energetic, fun-filled vacation.
Among younger travelers, it is by far one of the most popular places to stay. Marbella does not come short on its party scene, especially not at Vibora Beach.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA – VIBORA BEACH
LUXURY: Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort – a top-rated hotel with multiple outdoor swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, a gym, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
MID-RANGE: Ona Alanda Club Marbella – a great hotel with several outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, gym, and only a kilometer away from a golf course. In the summer, there is a children’s club so you can get some adult time.
BUDGET: Jardines de las Golondrinas – apartment hotel set in a traditional Andalusian village sleeping up to 4 people per unit. There are outdoor pools, a bar, and a restaurant. Note that you must book for a minimum of 4 nights to stay there.
Nagüeles Beach – Best place to stay in Marbella for couples
The best area to stay in is Marbella for:
- Couples
- Beach lovers
- Upscale relaxation
Nagüeles Beach, located on Marbella’s Golden Mile, offers a tranquil escape. This beautiful, uncrowded beach boasts golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and luxury beachfront properties, making it the perfect spot for relaxation.
Staying in this area benefits you from tranquil beach days while being a short distance from the vibrant nightlife when you’re ready to switch gears.
It is easily one of the most relaxing places to stay in Marbella for couples that also want to break it off with luxury experiences, nightlife, and the chance of spotting a celebrity here and there.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARBELLA – NAGÜELES BEACH
LUXURY: Marbella Club Hotel · Golf Resort & Spa – the 5-star hotel used to be the residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe. It has 2 outdoor pools, a 5-star restaurant, and a spa with sea views. They also offer a shuttle to golf courses nearby.
LUXURY VILLA: Beachfront Villa La Luisa – luxurious villa with a vast outdoor space and pool area. It sleeps up to 10 people and must be booked for a minimum of 5 nights.
MORE FROM MARBELLA…
- Weekend in Marbella
- Day trip to Marbella
- Best boat trips in Marbella
- Marbella in winter
- Best time to go to Marbella
- Marbella vs Malaga
Final thoughts on the best areas to stay in Marbella
Whether on a luxury holiday or a budget trip, seeking a peaceful retreat or vibrant nightlife, there’s always a perfect place to stay in Marbella.
I have been going to Marbella for so many years and my style of travel has changed dramatically over the years from party backpacker to nature lover so I have truly gotten the whole aspect of the city’s tourist scene.
This city truly offers something for every traveler, making it a go-to destination on Spain’s beautiful Costa del Sol. I am sure that you will decide on where to stay in Marbella with the above suggestions.
