Best Andalucia Beach Hotels

The upscale Vincci Seleccion Aleysa Hotel Boutique & Spa is on Benalmadena's beach and promenade, within walking distance of bars and restaurants. It's one of the sharpest properties in the area, with 35 chic rooms with sea views (and welcome bottles of cava). Some rooms have large balconies, while others offer direct access to the pool. The hotel's Mediterranean restaurant draws praise, and there are bars by the sleek pool and in the lobby. Lounge chairs are spaced so that there's plenty of privacy on the beach, and features include a spa, fitness center, and yoga and Pilates classes. Free bikes and courtesy cars are also available. There are plenty of less expensive hotels in this area, but none match the level of luxury and sophistication found here. 

Open for spring, summer, and fall, this Iberostar outpost with direct access to the beach is a big draw for families and tourists looking for a warm weather getaway. The hotel has gorgeous views of Playa de la Barrosa -- one of the best beaches in southern Spain -- from its poolside bar and most of its 274 rooms. All rooms have minibars, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with garden, partial sea, or full sea views (usually the preferred option); some rooms come with direct access to the outdoor pool, and Suites have panoramic beach views. All-inclusive or half-board booking options include meals at the three restaurants and three bars (including the beach bar), but charges still apply for extras like in-room safes and sunbeds. The town center requires a car to reach, but tennis lessons, live shows, and kids’ sports provide plenty of on-site entertainment.

The 413-room, all-inclusive Iberostar Royal Andalus has a prime spot overlooking the dunes of Playa de la Barrosa, one of the nicest, longest stretches of sand in the region. It's well suited for golfers, as plenty are within walking distance or a quick shuttle ride, and the hotel also has direct access to the stunning beach below. Rooms are low-key and mostly contemporary, with reliable amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and furnished terraces. However, while many of them do offer spectacular ocean views, some look a bit worn and dated. Wellness is king here: there’s a large gym, a golf course, and multiple pools, including one with a bar. Other features include a nice spa, a beauty salon, and several restaurants, ranging from casual to formal.

Offering direct access to beautiful Playa de la Barrosa, Valentin Sancti Petri Chiclana is a good pick for those who want sun, beach, and a mix of relaxation and fun. The 549 sunny rooms have balconies (some with sea views), free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, but decor is dated and bland. On-site dining options are good and varied, and include two buffets and three a la carte restaurants, one of which serves a solid tapas menu. The beach club was renovated in 2017 and serves light meals and a long list of drinks. Other perks include three outdoor pools (plus a smaller indoor pool for colder months), a robust entertainment program, and a spa.

There's a lot to like at the 193-room Gran Melia Don Pepe, set on the bustling Paseo Maritimo promenade overlooking the beach. The luxury resort has a lovely beach with lounge chairs and a beach club cafe serving international dishes, snacks, and cocktails. Water sports -- paddleboarding, kite-surfing, scuba diving, and yachting -- are available here or nearby. On-site, there are several restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, a children's pool, and a kids' club. The attractive spa offers a range of treatments, and bright fitness center has modern equipment and tennis courts. The rooms feature elegant contemporary decor, marble bathrooms, and modern comforts like minibars, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- but some can be a bit small for a hotel of this caliber. 

Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa is a lavish luxury resort located a 10-minute drive from Marbella's Old Town. The hotel has lush grounds and superb facilities like a beach club, two outdoor pools and a children's pool, a full-service spa, tennis club, and several restaurants and bars. Its 243 modern rooms come with plush beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- though some can be small and the decor in a few is a bit dated. Spacious villas and Oasis Rooms come with extras like personal butlers and high-end sound systems. 

The upscale El Oceano Beach Hotel has an excellent beachfront location between Marbella (17-minute drive) and Fuengirola (14-minute drive). The sits right on the restaurant- and bar-packed beach boardwalk, and on-site, there are a fine-dining restaurant, cocktail lounge, and outdoor pool with swim-up bar. Previous guests have recommend reserving a spot at the popular Sunday lunch that features live music and dancing. Well-sized guest rooms are contemporary and equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Most rooms have lovely sea views, but some lack a balcony. Aside from direct beach access, the highlight is the beach-facing outdoor pool.

A favorite among families and groups, this hotel is a quiet beachfront property with tons of on-site amenities. There are several sports facilities, four lovely pools (two of them indoors), three restaurants, and a nice spa. The beach is narrow but sandy, and features a waterfront grill and straw umbrellas and loungers that guests can rent for the day. The 288 rooms are large one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, washer/dryers, furnished terraces, jetted tubs, and free Wi-Fi. 

This upscale, adults-only property has a prime position overlooking Marbella's beachfront promenade, within strolling distance of its pretty Old Town. Chic and contemporary throughout, the hotel features three distinct common areas -- a swish and stylish lounge, wood-decked pool terrace, and chilled-out beach club with push-button waiter service. Most of its 236 guest rooms open to balconies with superb sea views, and top-end perks include Nespresso coffee machines. Regular pool parties and barbecues add to the youthful vibe, with quality dining (with half-board option available) and a decent spa completing an impressive amenities package. The hotel's Wi-Fi is free, fast, and reaches the beach. The main shortcomings are the small pool that's prone to afternoon shade, and the fact that beach across from the hotel isn't the finest stretch; there are better beaches a 10- to 15-minutes' walk in either direction.