At the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol lies the resort destination of Marbella. With dramatic mountain peaks against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s no wonder that world travellers flock to Marbella for rest and relaxation. The cuisine is fantastic, the weather is good year-round and there is a nice mix of history, culture, and nightlife.

With so many hotels, hostels and villas in Marbella, it can be hard to decide where to stay in Marbella. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best area of Marbella, along with the best hotels in Marbella for every budget and travel style. 

We will cover off all types of Marbella accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Marbella hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Marbella Spain, the best Marbella hotels, best places in Marbella to visit, the best places to stay in Marbella, hotels near Marbella attractions, Marbella neighborhood guide and many more.

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Old Town – Where to stay in Marbella on a budget

Many visitors come to Marbella and miss the Old Town altogether. It’s not far from the city center and has a lot of history to explore. Narrow cobblestone streets lead you to boutiques, vintage stores, cafes, and Spanish restaurants. Orange Square Marbella is the hub of Old Town, where you can grab a coffee at a sidewalk cafe and enjoy the Spanish atmosphere under a grove of orange trees. Old Town happens to be a very budget-friendly neighborhood, with affordable tapas bars and a range of accommodation options. 

Where to stay in Old Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Old Town
Pension Aduar
Hostel Bohemia
Hostal San Ramon

Budget Hotels in Old Town
Alisol Boutique Marbella
Hotel Baviera
Albergue Inturjoven Marbella
Villa Vida Mia

Mid range Hotels in Old Town
B&B Boutique Tribeca
The Town House
Hotel San Cristobal
Hotel La Morada Mas Hermosa

Family Friendly Hotels in Old Town
Monarque El Rodeo
Hotel Fuerte Marbella
Hotel Apartamentos El Faro
Hotel Boutique Villa San Francisco

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Old Town
Amare Beach Hotel Marbella
Gran Melia Don Pepe
Marbella Club Hotel
Nobu Hotel Marbella

Downtown – Where to stay in Marbella for tourists

Closer to the waterfront, you’ll find the city center of Marbella. Just a few minutes’ walk from Old Town, this area is bustling in comparison. Downtown Marbella is the best area for tourists who are visiting for a short time and want to experience all the sights of Marbella.

If you love to shop, you’ll find everything from high street shops to eclectic boutiques, and there are loads of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Downtown Marbella even has its own beach at Playa Fontanilla. When it’s time to choose a Marbella hotel, there are tons of options as this area has the highest concentration of hotels. 

Where to stay in Downtown

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Downtown
Hostal San Ramon
Hostal Tak
Hostel Bohemia

Budget Hotels in Downtown
Alisol Boutique Marbella
Villa Vida Mia
El Tio Mateo
Pension Juan

Mid range Hotels in Downtown
Selin Star Light PB
Lucero 12
The Town House
Princesa Playa Hotel Apartamentos

Family Friendly Hotels in Downtown
Apartamentos Mediterraneo
Marbella Inn
Hapimag Resort Marbella
Hotel Sultan Club Marbella

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Downtown
Amare Beach Hotel Marbella
Los Monteros Spa & Golf Resort GL
Puente Romano Marbella
Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus

Víbora beach – Where to stay in Marbella for beach lovers

One of the many beautiful beaches along the Marbella waterfront is Vibora Beach. This large beach is perfect for watersports and is home to several swanky beach clubs, including Nikki Beach Marbella Restaurant and Beach Club. Away from the beach clubs, the remainder of Playa de la Víbora is actually quiet and serene, making it a great place to escape with the latest chick-lit. If you are looking for a beach hotel in Marbella, there are several nearby. 

Where to stay in Víbora Beach

Budget Hotels in Víbora Beach
Villa Vida Mia
El Tio Mateo

Mid range Hotels in Víbora Beach
Ona Alanda Club Marbella
The Residence by the Beach House Marbella
Aparthotel Greenlife Golf Marbella
El Nacar Bed & Breakfast

Family Friendly Hotels in Víbora Beach
Vime la Reserva de Marbella
Royal Tennis Club
Rio Real Golf Hotel
Jazmines & Moras Boutique Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Víbora Beach
Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Hotel Vincci Seleccion Estrella Del Mar
Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort

Cabopino Beach – Where to stay in Marbella for things to do

Cabopino and the adjacent sand dunes are some of the more natural waterfront areas of Marbella. The beaches here are a bit less touristy, and you will find more locals enjoying the large, pristine beach that is protected by sand dunes. This area has a marina, several restaurants, and a couple of beach clubs.

If you are looking for a nudist beach in Marbella, there is one just west at Playa Artola. The Cabopino Golf Course is also very popular, making this a well-rounded place to stay in Marbella for anyone looking for many activity options. 

Where to stay in Cabopino Beach

Budget Hotels in Cabopino Beach
El Tio Mateo
Villa Vida Mia

Mid range Hotels in Cabopino Beach
Vime la Reserva de Marbella
El Nacar Bed & Breakfast

Family Friendly Hotels in Cabopino Beach
Ona Alanda Club Marbella
The Residence by the Beach House Marbella

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Cabopino Beach
Villa Breeze, Luxury B&B
Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Hotel Vincci Seleccion Estrella Del Mar

Playa Nagueles – Where to stay in Marbella for nightlife

For the luxury traveler, look no further than Playa Nagueles. Situated along the Golden Mile, Marbella nightlife hub, this beach area draws the rich and famous with the best hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs. Some would say this is the best stretch of beach in Marbella, with impeccable maintenance and abundant services. The beach is very family-friendly, with fine sand and shallow water, making Playa Nagueles a great choice if you are wondering where to stay in Marbella with family.

Where to stay in Playa Nagueles

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Playa Nagueles
Pension Aduar
Hostal Paco
Bluebelle by Pillow

Budget Hotels in Playa Nagueles
Albergue Inturjoven Marbella
Hotel Baviera
Hostal El Gallo
Alisol Boutique Marbella

Mid range Hotels in Playa Nagueles
Alanda Hotel Marbella
NH Marbella
Apartamentos Guadalpin Boutique
Coral Beach Aparthotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Playa Nagueles
Aloha Gardens
Jardines De La Reina
Melia Marbella Banus
Guadalpin Suites

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Playa Nagueles
Puente Romano Marbella
Nobu Hotel Marbella
Gran Melia Don Pepe
Marbella Club Hotel

Funny Beach – Where to stay in Marbella with family

Not far from downtown Marbella, is Funny Beach, or Playa el Pinillo. The Funny Beach name comes from the family fun park and go-kart track that used to be located just behind the beach. It has since been replaced by beach clubs, however, the beach remains a family destination. Sun beds are available to rent, as are many watersports activities including pedal boats, jet skis, parasailing, and inflatables. If you are looking for an active day at the beach, Funny Beach is a great choice. 

Where to stay in Funny Beach

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Funny Beach
Hostal San Ramon
Hostal Berlin
Hostal Tak

Budget Hotels in Funny Beach
Alisol Boutique Marbella
Hostal Paco
Hostal El Gallo
Hotel Baviera

Mid range Hotels in Funny Beach
Selin Star Light PB
Lucero 12
The Town House
Hotel La Morada Mas Hermosa

Family Friendly Hotels in Funny Beach
Hotel Fuerte Marbella
Apartamentos Mediterraneo
Hotel Apartamentos El Faro
PYR Marbella Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Funny Beach
Amare Beach Hotel Marbella
Gran Melia Don Pepe
Marbella Club Hotel
Puente Romano Marbella

Puerto Banus – Where to stay in Marbella for luxury travellers

Moving into the suburbs of Marbella, Puerto Banus is another popular resort area along the Golden Mile. Just four kilometers from downtown Marbella, this is one of the safest places to stay in the area, as it’s very posh and expensive.

It’s not exactly a budget-friendly destination, but if you are looking for a quiet area with a lot to offer, you might consider staying here. Puerto Banus has everything a traveler could want, from casinos and golf courses to beaches and shopping malls. The restaurants, bars, and hotels in Puerto Banus cater to luxury travelers as well. 

Where to stay in Puerto Banus

Budget Hotels in Puerto Banus
Villa Vida Mia
El Tio Mateo

Mid range Hotels in Puerto Banus
El Nacar Bed & Breakfast
The Residence by the Beach House Marbella
Royal Tennis Club
Aparthotel Greenlife Golf Marbella

Family Friendly Hotels in Puerto Banus
Vime la Reserva de Marbella
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Ona Alanda Club Marbella
Hotel Vincci Seleccion Estrella Del Mar

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Puerto Banus
Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort
Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa
Villa Breeze, Luxury B&B
El Oceano Beach Hotel

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