Where to Stay in Marbella – 3 BEST Areas from Experience

Coastal view of a city with tall buildings, a lighthouse, palm trees, and a rocky shore along a calm blue sea.

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:

luxury hotel
A hotel room with a double bed, patterned pillows, a decorative headboard, and a textured wall mural featuring palm leaves.
mid-range hotel
Modern interior with a bar counter, blue stools, and large pendant lights. The space features wooden accents, patterned walls, and seating areas with cushions.

Eurostar Oasis

Best value for money

budget hotel
Outdoor pool with clear water, surrounded by greenery and palm trees, with modern residential buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

NH Marbella

Best affordable accommodation in the center

Use this handy map to visualize the 3 top areas to stay in Marbella:

Map highlighting best areas to stay in Marbella, Spain: Golden Mile (1), Puerto Banus (2), Marbella Town (3).
  1. Golden Mile: for beach vacation
  2. Puerto Banus: for nightlife
  3. Marbella Town: for city adventures

1. Golden Mile – where to stay in Marbella, Spain, for beach vacation

Aerial view of a coastal town with white buildings, a sandy beach, and a mountainous backdrop under a clear blue sky.

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.

A sunny beach promenade lined with palm trees, outdoor café tables, and distant beachgoers under umbrellas, with a view of the sea and buildings in the background.

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
A luxurious resort featuring a spacious living room and bedroom with elegant decor, and an aerial view of the pool area surrounded by palm trees.

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
Spacious modern lounge with high ceilings, a central bar with blue chairs, decorative wooden panels, and hanging pendant lights.

This 4-star hotel comes with 2 swimming pools, cute rooms with balconies, and an amazing breakfast

Budget
Outdoor hotel pool with surrounding greenery and sun loungers, adjacent to a multi-story building under clear blue sky.

Enjoy both vicinity to Downtown and the best beaches in this excellent value-for-money hotel 

Airbnb
A cozy bedroom with a double bed, decorative pillows, and a patterned blanket. There's a large mirror on the wooden headboard and a sliding door leading to a sunlit patio with greenery.

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

Beachfront with gentle waves, sandy shore, and a line of palm trees. White buildings with balconies overlook the ocean under a clear blue sky.

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!

Boats docked in a marina with white buildings and a palm tree in the background under a clear blue sky.

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
Collage of a hotel: poolside area with two lounge chairs, a bedroom with a large bed, and a living room with a sofa and abstract art.

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 luxurious hotel with a curved façade, featuring a large outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, under a clear blue sky.

A popular stay for Hard Rock Café fans with colorful rooms, 4 restaurants, and a really cool pool

Budget
Modern living room and dining area with a wine bottle in an ice bucket, glasses on a glass table, cream sofa, and a view of the ocean. Bedroom visible through open door.

2-star hotel next to the marina and old town, serving daily breakfast and featuring a nice outdoor pool

Airbnb
Bedroom with a large bed and red accents. A car-themed artwork hangs above the headboard. Two side tables and a dresser are also visible.

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

People sitting on a raised platform surrounded by trees in a sunny plaza with nearby shops.

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.

Outdoor café with tables and chairs on a sunny day, next to a rustic building with vines. Two people sitting under large umbrellas. Sign reads "Secret Garden.

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
Beachfront resort with pool and lounge chairs, indoor bar and dining area, and a couple relaxing in a modern, bright hotel room with a sea view.

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
Modern hotel room with a king-size bed, white bedding, wall-mounted bedside lights, a large mirror, and a black chair on a light wooden floor.

Top-rated hotel with cozy rooms, and AC, buffet breakfast, a short walk from Plaza de los Naranjos

Budget
A narrow street lined with white buildings featuring balconies and outdoor seating. Plants and flowers adorn the facades. A sign reads "Hostal Restaurante El Gallo.

Lovely, spacious rooms in one of Old Town’s famous cobblestoned streets, ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers

Airbnb
Rooftop terrace with chairs, tables, and a large umbrella. View of a church tower and mountain in the background. Clear blue sky.

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!
A stone fountain with a cross stands in a sunny courtyard surrounded by trees and historic buildings. People sit and walk nearby.

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
👑 Luxury price:€250
💵 Mid-range:€180
🛏️ Budget:€100
📍 Best area:Old Town
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:Puente Romano Beach Resort
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:Eurostar Oasis
👛 Best budget hotel:NH Marbella

BONUS: Best places to visit near Marbella

A detailed, whimsical brick and stone castle with ornate towers and lush greenery, set against a partly cloudy sky. People walk along the path in front.

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.

White houses perched on a cliff under a clear blue sky in Ronda, Spain.
  • 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

A vibrant bush of red and pink flowers in the foreground with a small shrine featuring a religious icon in the background, set in a garden with buildings partially visible.

💰 Where to stay in Marbella on a budget?

Old Town offers some of the most diverse and pleasant options for budget stays. Hostal El Gallo and Hostal Enriqueta are two great hostels.

🌴 Where to stay in Marbella for a luxury holiday?

The Golden Mile and Puerto Banus are top destinations for a luxury holiday in Marbella. Puente Romano Beach Resort and Boho Club are just amazing, check them out!

🥂 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? 

All of them! Marbella is super family-friendly, and all the areas will work just fine as long as you don’t go for hotels that are located next to clubs. Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort and Marbella Club Hotel are some amazing resorts for families.

🚂 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?

Hotel Amare Marbella, Puente Romano Beach Resort, and Iberostar Selection Marbella are my favorite top-rated beach hotels in Marbella!

🏨 What are the best resorts in Marbella?

Puente Romano Beach Resort and Marbella Club Hotel are some of the best resorts for your Marbella holiday! They’re both located on the Golden Mile, Marbella’s popular beach stretch known for exclusive resorts!

❤️ What’s the best place in Marbella to stay for couples?

There are so many great places for couples, from the Puente Romano Beach Resort on the Golden Mile with all its luxury amenities to the super romantic Anfitrion Villas & Suites in Puerto Banus!

🚕 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 serene evening view of a marina with yachts docked, buildings illuminated, and a crescent moon in the sky, reflecting on the calm water.

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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Ornate brick and stone castle-like structure surrounded by greenery, with a sign promoting top places to stay in Marbella, Spain.

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A coastal view featuring buildings and palm trees in Marbella, Spain. Text overlay: "Personal recommendations: 3 best areas to stay in Marbella, Spain.

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