Where to Stay in Marbella – 3 BEST Areas from Experience
Hola adventurer, looking for info on where to stay in Marbella? Join me in this practical guide on the best places to stay in Andalusia’s best-loved luxury resort, it’ll have all your doubts and questions answered!
I chatted to my BFF who lived in Marbella for 4 months (she left no stone unturned there, trust me on this one), and she helped me gather this quick list of the best neighborhoods where you should stay as a tourist. I cherry-picked the top-rated hotels for all budgets, plus added a must-read bonus on the top charming towns worth seeing near Marbella!
For a beach vacation, stay along the Golden Mile, Marbella’s long beach stretch, to enjoy all the seaside charm and ensure a good night’s sleep. For city hopping, pick a location in Downtown!
Before we start our virtual Andalusian adventure, make sure to book a hotel as soon as you find the one you like. Marbella is small but super crowded, and the good hotels get booked before you know it!
¡Vamos!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Check out the best hotels along Marbella’s Golden Mile:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Use this handy map to visualize the 3 top areas to stay in Marbella:
1. Golden Mile – where to stay in Marbella, Spain, for beach vacation
Are you coming to Marbella to enjoy the warm Andalusian sun and chill by the beaches? If so, the Golden Mile is the best place to stay for first time visitors! It’s a 5 km (3 mi) long stretch of beaches that starts from Marbella Town and spreads further West. It’s lined with cafés, restaurants, luxury villas, hotels, but also cheap accommodations.
Basically, along the Golden Mile, you’ll find everything you need for a beachside vacation but without the noise pollution of the neighboring districts where most of the nightlife happens (yup, I’m talking about Puerto Banus and Downtown, but more on those later).
Enjoy casual walks along Paseo Maritimo (map), the sights of the nice villas on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, and then sit in one of the many seafront restaurants for delicious food!
I can recommend SO MANY restaurants here, but let me just satisfy your imagination with these ones: Chiringuito Puente Romano (map) right on the beach and CIBO Italiano (map) for the giant pasta portions and romantic live music.
Now since this is a prime beach destination in town, let me say a few words about their majesties. Beaches in Marbella are public, but you also have nice beach bars and private options with some resorts. Expect to pay from €8 to €10 for a beach chair and umbrella for the day, but you can also bring your own towel.
There’s very little to no shade on the beaches so definitely consider an umbrella (your own or a rented one from your hotel/beach bar) if staying under the sun for longer! And sunscreen and a hat are a must!
NOTE: Marbella coast can get jellyfish (they’re pinkish/red in color), so use this site to track the status daily and rather avoid the beaches where there is jellyfish presence (red flags are a definite no-no). Some of my friends here had to get a shot because their jellyfish burn was so bad!
Luxury hotel
One of Marbella’s most upscale resorts awaits with 4 swimming pools, a private beach area, lavishly decorated rooms, and stunning outdoor space. The place is planned in a typical Anadalusian style, there’s free parking and even tennis courts, and the location is ideal, just next to the beach!
Other accommodation options in the Golden Mile
Mid-range
This 4-star hotel comes with 2 swimming pools, cute rooms with balconies, and an amazing breakfast
Budget
Enjoy both vicinity to Downtown and the best beaches in this excellent value-for-money hotel
Airbnb
Possibly the best location in Golden Mile, this modern and clean condo is the perfect vacation rental for couples
BONUS: Hungry for more luxury resorts in Golden Mile? Nobu Hotel Marbella and Boho Club are absolutely stunning!
Things to do in the Golden Mile
- Walk along Paseo Maritimo seaside promenade and enjoy the views
- Chill on the soft, golden sands of Playa de Nagueles (map)
- Have a little fine dining experience in Puente Romano’s restaurants (map)
- Go partying in La Suite nightclub (map)
- Join a fun day tour of Gibraltar
2. Puerto Banus – where to stay in Marbella for nightlife + luxury
Coming for the beaches AND partying? Well, my friend, then your Marbella holiday can’t get any better in Puerto Banus! This area lies some 7 km (4 mi) West of Downtown Marbella, and it basically marks the end of the Golden Mile.
The hotspot for night activity on the coast awaits with vibrant nightclubs, amazing beach bars, but also stunning beaches and plenty of delicious eateries.
With all the designer boutiques, shopping malls, and high-end spas, Puerto Banus is the ultimate destination for a luxury holiday.
I mean, just take a quick stroll by the marina on Ribera Street (map) and you’ll see what I’m talking about: sights of luxury yachts on one side, and Dolce & Gabbana, Guess, Gucci, and other brands aligned on the other, waiting for their happy customers. It’s no wonder they compare this promenade with the French Riviera! So much glamor!
Walking along the Puerto Banus marina after sunset, you’ll come across several high-end dance clubs where you can dance to your heart’s content to some of the grooviest beats all night long.
NOTE: The traffic is INSANE in Puerto Banus in the early evening, and finding a parking spot is virtually impossible. If you’re coming here to party from another area, Uber, Cabify, and Bolt are your safest bet. It’s what most locals do.
INSIDER TIP: If the ride is suddenly too expensive, just wait a bit and try again. Or try another app, you can often find a better deal!
But even though Puerto Banus is known for its luxury, don’t let this fool you. You can still find accommodation for all budgets and travel needs!
Planning a stay with the whole crowd? Villa Marina is just what you need! Fancy staying on a yacht? Say no more! Now let’s see some other amazing properties in Puerto Banus:
Luxury hotel
Talk about Mediterranean-style elegance and charm! These villas have the perfect mix of luxury, coziness, and comfort to make your stay in Marbella memorable! Ideal for couples but also suitable for families and large groups, Anfitrion villas are so worth it!
Other accommodation options in Puerto Banus
Mid-Range
A popular stay for Hard Rock Café fans with colorful rooms, 4 restaurants, and a really cool pool
Budget
2-star hotel next to the marina and old town, serving daily breakfast and featuring a nice outdoor pool
Airbnb
Beautiful apartment near the beach, shops, cafes, and restaurants of the area
Things to do in Puerto Banus
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3. Marbella Town – where to stay in Marbella for city hopping
Now those of you who are more into city vibes and would only like to enjoy the beaches occasionally, stick to Marbella Downtown! The town is super close to the sea anyways!
The best part of staying here is you can literally find accommodation for any budget: from cheap hotels for around €30 per night, to luxury 5-star options. And much like with the Golden Mile, I recommend the town for all types of travelers, from couples to families to singles!
The Marbella city area is pretty small, you can walk around everywhere! Tour the Old Town with its cobbled streets and quaint shops around Plaza de las Naranjos (map), the central square. Or if you’re a sucker for history like me, maybe even get yourself a nice accommodation here! There are tons of nice places to stay!
And in Downtown Marbella, go for a scenic walk in the Parque de la Alameda (map, this one will feel like a tropical forest), capture some cool Dali statues on Avenida del Mar (map), and then head straight for the town beaches to catch that sunset! Playa de Venus (map) is just steps from all these attractions.
Don’t get me started on all the delicious churrerias and Andalucian restaurants in the Old Town! Try Churreria Ramon (map) for the amazing churros that spin in circles, and have the best tapas at Bodegas La Venecia (map) which is right next to the Venus beach!
TIP: Book a table in advance or consider yourself lucky to find a place in restaurants across Marbella! Locals here gather for dinner from 9 PM and casually take all the places until after midnight, when they head to local clubs for some more fun. You’ll definitely want to beat them by reserving a spot in a restaurant that catches your eye!
Last but not least, on Avenida Ricardo (map), you’ll find endless opportunities for shopping and then some more great restaurants. And if you’re into flea markets, the central one (map) takes place on Mondays!
NOTE: A walk from Old Town to the city center takes no more than 5 minutes, and it won’t take you longer than 2 hours to tour the entire Old Town. For this reason, it makes very little difference where you stay (Old Town vs. Downtown), it all comes down to personal preference.
My friend lived in Downtown and she’d walk to the beaches every day, so that’s totally doable too. Venus Beach (map) is basically in Downtown!
Luxury hotel
Can I have the drumrolls for Marbella’s most upscale hotel in town, please! Amare is ideally set in town but just a quick walk from the beach, it’s adult-only, and even has a club on-site! Get a spa treatment, relax in their lounge area, go food tasting in the 4 restaurants, or just enjoy those captivating views from the rooftop bar!
Other accommodation options in Marbella Town
Mid-range
Top-rated hotel with cozy rooms, and AC, buffet breakfast, a short walk from Plaza de los Naranjos
Budget
Lovely, spacious rooms in one of Old Town’s famous cobblestoned streets, ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers
Airbnb
Hardwood floored terrace, and whitewashed floor tiles coupled with a lively interior for an all-around inviting look
I couldn’t resist ending the accommodation list here since there are SO MANY good options in the city. Check out these 3 adorable stays in case the ones above are sold out:
- El Fuerte Marbella ($$$) – Another super popular luxury hotel with an amazing rooftop pool overlooking the sea and the city, plus 2 other pools, a fancy spa, and lovely Spanish rooms. This is a great option if you’re traveling with family, too.
- Ona Princesa Playa ($$) – Yet another excellent option between the beach and town featuring a rooftop pool and a 24-hour front desk.
- Hostal Enriqueta ($) – This hostel with private rooms sits just steps from the main square in Old Town and it’s walkable to all the attractions!
Things to do in Downtown Marbella
- Explore the Old Town starting from Plaza de los Naranjos independently or on a tour
- See Dali and Picasso works at Museo del Grabado Español
- Admire the Dali Scriptures at Avenida del Mar
- Stroll along Avenida Ricardo (map), Marbella’s main shopping street
- Chill out in the Playa Padre Beach Club and Restaurant (map)
- Catch a 19th-century flamenco show in the evening
- Soak up the sun at Venus Beach
BONUS: Best places to visit near Marbella
Now Marbella is a pretty small town, and its seaside promenade can only keep you entertained for so long. Before you know it, you’ll be eager for some new sights. And you’re in luck, because within an hour’s drive from Marbella, you’ll stumble upon some lovely, picturesque villages that will perfectly fill your schedule!
Even if you’re staying for less than 5 days, you’ll still have plenty of time to get to these places. And they are, trust me when I say this, some of the most charming little towns you’ll have ever seen!
TIP: It’s best to take Cabify/Uber/Bolt to the towns to avoid the mess with the parking, especially if you’re traveling as a group and you can split costs. If you’re traveling by yourself or are looking to save money, use a bus instead. Car rentals only make sense in Marbella if you’re staying for a month or so.
- Benalmadena (map) – a lovely town some 30 minutes away from Marbella, great for families, with a huge aqua park, but also one of the main nightlife spots in the region; prepare for huge crowds after the sunset, especially on the road leading from Marbella to here – everyone flocks here at night! There’s also a cute cable car and the impressive Colomares castle (map), a must visit!
TIP: Seriously consider this place as your base if nightlife is your main focus! Hotel Benalmadena Beach is an excellent choice.
- Ronda (map) – impressive village an hour’s drive from Marbella, situated on top of a dramatic gorge with its fascinating Ponte Nuevo bridge (map) and tons of cafés for enjoying the views. It’s a windy road up there but it’s so worth it.
- Mijas (map) – the cutest, typical Andalusian village with narrow streets, absolutely beautiful white-washed homes, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, just a 30-minute ride from Marbella.
- Malaga (map) – ideal for a day trip (a 50-minute ride away) but also worth staying for longer if you’re into a big city vibe by the sea, more budget-friendly accommodations, and more variety for things to do. Malaga is Spain’s sixth-largest city, after all! Check our guide on the best places to stay in Malaga for more inspo!
- La Concha (map) – consider this one a bonus for hiking enthusiasts. La Concha is Marbella’s most famous mountain and if you’re a serious hiker, you can climb to the top and enjoy views that spread all the way to Gibraltar! But plan ahead.
FAQs about the best places to stay in Marbella
💰 Where to stay in Marbella on a budget?
🌴 Where to stay in Marbella for a luxury holiday?
🥂 What’s the best area to stay in Marbella for nightlife?
Puerto Banus is the main party area in Marbella. It has some of the best casinos, bars, and dance clubs that are open till the wee hours of the morning. Alternately, some 30 minutes away, you have Benalmadena with slightly cheaper accommodation but just as wild of a nightlife!
👨👩👦 Where is the best place to stay in Marbella with family?
🚂 What is the main train station in Marbella?
Unfortunately, Marbella doesn’t have a train station. The town is connected to the rest of Spain with buses. You can also use ride-hailing apps to travel short distances, or consider a car rental for longer stays.
🎯 Where is the best area in Marbella?
If you’re coming for city hopping, stay in Downtown Marbella. For beach lovers, Golden Mile and Puerto Banus are the best areas!
🏖️ What are the best beach hotels in Marbella?
🏨 What are the best resorts in Marbella?
❤️ What’s the best place in Marbella to stay for couples?
🚕 Do I need a car in Marbella or can I walk?
You don’t need a car in Marbella! The town and beaches are completely walkable, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Cabify, and Uber work great for traveling larger distances.
Final thoughts on the best areas to stay in Marbella
A vacation in Marbella will be one that you will remember for many years to You’ve reached el final of our article on where to stay in Marbella! Hopefully, my tips and hotel recommendations helped you plan your perfect stay and decide on accommodation. If you ask me, for the ultimate experience, plan at least 5 days and try to see as many surrounding villages as possible! You’ll love it!
If you’re still indecisive about hotels though, these are my 2 favorite options:
Again a reminder to please book your hotels in Marbella in advance. The competition is fierce here, I can tell you that much!
Do you have any questions for me regarding your upcoming stay? Do ask in the comments below, I’ll be happy to answer!
Darija
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