Marbella Club hotel review: luxe oasis on the Andalusian coast
Spain's sun-drenched Costa del Sol is famed for its ritzy resorts and golden beaches, and nestled along its exclusive Golden Mile lies the glamorous Marbella Club. Founded in 1954 by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe-Langenburg, this formerly humble finca quickly evolved into the jet-set playground of Europe's elite (the hotel's star-studded guest book includes the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Cary Grant), becoming synonymous with Marbella's glitzy reputation. Today, the hotel continues to be the stuff of legend, exuding old-world charm within its storied walls. Its lush gardens and world-class amenities are continually evolving, and with seamless service to match, Marbella Club remains a go-to, uber-chic base for experiencing the glamour of the Andalusian coast.
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Score 8/10Mirroring the layout of a typical Andalusian village, the hotel's 115 bedrooms are scattered across the estate rather than nestled within a single section, with meandering pathways leading to whitewashed villas framed by bougainvillea and trickling fountains. Natural fabrics, rattan and terracotta form the foundations, with crisp, neutral interiors offset by pistachio-toned prints. There's plenty of space to sprawl out and rooms are kitted out with all the usual mod cons: expect foliage-covered balconies for lolling on, and complimentary minibars restocked with caviar-flavoured crisps and artisan chocolates each day. Spacious bathrooms are draped in gold-hued marble, with separate bathtubs and walk-in showers. Despite the elegant interiors throughout the hotel (think bold patterns and colourful strokes in the main clubhouse), there's a distinctly homely feel, with the lobby outfitted like Prince Alfonso's own living room — all set against a backdrop of towering cypress trees, tropical flora, and majestic La Concha mountain.
Score 9/10There's zero possibility of going hungry here, with eight bars and restaurants. Subtly inspired by Prince Alfonso's travels around the globe, each reflects a different chapter from his explorations: tuck into farm-to-table, Californian-style fare at El Patio (curl up underneath ivy-framed cloisters and mop up silky baba ganoush and wood-fired meats) or nibble fish tacos and guacamole (smashed tableside for you) at the Beach Club, the Mexican-inspired poolside restaurant. There's nutritious, nourishing salads by the garden pool at El Olivar; freshly-fished seafood at the beachside chiringuito; and elegant suppers at the Grill — all followed by live music and cocktails at the fabulously kitsch Rudi's bar. At breakfast, recount the previous evening's antics over a generous buffet of pastries, charcuterie, and fresh fruit.
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Score 10/10There are outdoor pools to lounge by, and a private beach club perched right by the hotel's pier. Unwind further at the spa and beauty studio, where pampering treatments take centre stage (think scalp massages and cryotherapy facials). There's plenty for active types too: the wellness centre runs complimentary yoga, meditation and fitness classes, and for seriously working up a sweat, there's tennis, horse riding, golf, and padel. Multi-generational families flock here every summer, thanks in part to the extensive kids club, which offers everything from gazpacho-making to gardening. For retail therapy, browse the hotel's clutch of in-house designer stores (from Loewe to Louis Vuitton) and two boutiques. The hotel also opened Finca Ana Maria in May 2025, a plot of land that sprawls next door to the original estate, with rambling kitchen gardens to explore ( 300 types of fruits and vegetables grown on-site), event spaces and saunas, cold plunge pools and a huge yoga pavilion dangling along the coastline.
Score 8/10Placed along Andalusia's Golden Mile, Marbella is the glittering jewel of Costa del Sol. This curve of the coast is buzzing with beach clubs and bougie restaurants (there's even a Nobu), and a traipse through the Old Town will reveal a slew of luxury boutiques. To the west, Puerto Banus beckons with its flashy marina, where monied travellers dock their yachts, and to the east — and the closest airport to fly into — is Malaga.
Price room-only doubles from £405Restaurant mains from £27Family-friendly YAccessible N
Gina Jackson was a guest of Marbella Club (marbellaclub.com)
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