Hotel Claude Marbella

This lovely little boutique hotel is housed in a handsome 17th-century stucco town house that was previously an artists' club. The owners restored the building and opened it as a hotel in 2007. Check-in takes place seated at a desk in a cozy reception room with a red sofa and leather armchairs. A lounge next to reception looks more like a homey living room than a hotel, and it displays a stylish mix of modern and ancient elements. Comfy velvet sofas and chairs are grouped in front of bookcases stocked with books for guests to borrow. Stone walls, exposed beams, and tile floors provide historic character throughout. Rooms are arranged around a central courtyard with huge stone columns, brick archways, and iron gates. Benches covered in a plush purple velvet provide seating in the center, and a skylight above allows the sun to shine in. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, given it's Old World charms -- not surprisingly, couples make up the bulk of guests here.

The hotel is located in the historic center of Marbella surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops. The main avenue of Marbella, lined with shops of all kinds, restaurants, and taxi and bus service, is about a five-minute walk, as is the city's main plaza. The city's oldest church, Ermita de Santiago and Alameda Park are just a minute farther on foot. Expect a 10-minute walk to the beach. The closest airport, Aeropuerto de Malaga Costa del Sol, is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. 

This hotel has just seven rooms, and they are all different. They are all beautifully decorated with common elements that may include travertine marble floors, warm color palettes, high headboards, and lounge chairs or sofas. Colors include deep reds and handsome olive greens, and wall art is kept to a minimum in favor of larger architectural flourishes, like Moorish arches and mosaic-tiled pieces of furniture. The pitched, exposed-wood ceiling that we saw in the Suite that we visited was particularly lovely. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall, and all rooms have iPod docking stations, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have vaulted ceilings, which makes them feel more spacious. Bathrooms are small but lovely, with sandstone tile, antique-style fixtures, rainfall showerheads, and high-end Molton Brown toiletries. Some have just showers, while others also have a soaking tub. Hairdryers and robes and slippers are provided. Some rooms have a small balcony, though they may simply overlook the hotel's courtyard.  

The hotel has few features, but its restaurant serves a free breakfast daily, as well as tapas and Mediterranean snacks. Dinner is by prior arrangement only. The dining room is a cozy little space with black-and-white table cloths and striped drapery. Guests also can have breakfast and snacks on the rooftop terrace, a popular spot. The hotel is equipped to host private functions and can accommodate up to 30 for dinner or 60 for receptions when the entire place is rented.