Alanda Hotel Marbella

Alanda Hotel Marbella has a simple, low-key vibe that's -- in part -- created by it's halal policies, which prohibit any alcohol from being served. Depending on the guest, this is a big pro or a big con, but in any case it has a decidedly relaxing effect on the vibe throughout the property. When it comes to style, things are similarly low-key. The hotel is housed in a series of modern white buildings, with nondescript interiors surrounded by towering palm trees and green lawns. The lobby is roomy and simple, with cream-colored tile floors paired with white walls and wooden paneling. Faded red sofas and black chairs provide seating around wooden coffee tables at the center of the space, amid columns and planters sprouting greenery. Most of the socializing takes place around the pool and in the cafe and restaurant, but don't come here looking for a party. The hotel mostly sees couples and small groups of friends, though a few families pass through as well.

Alanda Hotel Marbella is on the N-340, the main road that runs along the coast in the residential Golden Mile area of Marbella. The beach is the main draw in this part of town, and it's only five minutes away on foot. There are a few restaurants and shops just across the road and along the way to the beach, and the area is safe and quiet. Otherwise, guests will probably want a car to explore the region. Puerto Banus Marina is a five-minute drive from the hotel, while the Marbella bus station is a seven-minute drive. It's also seven minutes by car to reach Marbella's Old Town, which is home to the leafy Alameda Park, the Spanish Contemporary Engraving Museum (featuring artwork from the likes of Picasso and Dali), Plaza de los Naranjos (a square of Castilian Renaissance design), and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in the city. It's a seven-minute drive to the Plaza de Toros and the Bonsai Museum as well, and a 30-minute drive to reach Selwo Marin Delfinarium, with its dolphin shows and penguin exhibits. The Malaga Airport is about a 35-minute drive, while Malaga can be reached in around 45 minutes by car.

Set throughout a series of buildings scattered across the grounds, there are a number of categories to choose from, but decor will be the same across the board. The look is uncluttered, and done in white, beige, tan, and brown, with blue armchairs and/or striped sofas providing more modern details.

All rooms come with air-conditioning, work desks, safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and TVs with a limited selection of international and English channels. However, rooms lack electric kettles or coffeemakers. Rooms range from 269 to 592 square feet (25 to 55 square meters), so all are fairly spacious, and they're clean and get good natural light. The furnished balconies are a big plus as well. Suites have separate living rooms with sofas, tables, and chairs, while Superior Rooms have living areas.

The spacious bathrooms feature wood floors and paneling, and double wash basins with ample counter space. Bathrooms are well lighted and clean, and all have magnifying mirrors, bidets, and showers/tub combos -- some include bathrobes and slippers. Non-smoking rooms are available, and pets are allowed upon request for an additional fee. Underground parking is available but comes at a pretty hefty fee.

The hotel's halal policies are really only notable in its dining and drinking selection. No alcohol or pork products are available anywhere, though non-alcoholic beer may be on offer and guests are permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages and consume them in the privacy of their rooms. The hotel has a restaurant serving international cuisine for lunch and dinner, and the breakfast buffet includes a cooked-to-order egg station, chicken sausages, beef bacon, fresh hot bread, pastries, and more. Keep in mind that breakfast is not included in room rates. The poolside cafe serves snacks, light meals, and beverages. Room service is also available.

The Alanda offers a good range of leisure facilities, including an 82-foot (25-meter) long outdoor pool that's suitable for lap swimming. The indoor pool has a jetted section, plus there's an adjacent hot tub. The hotel also has a steam room, sauna, beauty salon, and full-service spa with a good range of thalassotherapy massages, facials, and other treatments. The fitness center has a wide range of cardio and weight machines as well as free weights packed into a well-lit space that offers a better workout than most area hotels. For families traveling with young children, there is a playground, but nothing else in the way of kids' entertainment. The hotel has a library and meeting rooms, plus a business center and free Wi-Fi throughout. There is a dedicated concierge and bicycle rentals are also available.