Hotel Sultan Club Marbella

Bright white and surrounded by palm trees, the six-floor Hotel Sultan Club Marbella is hard to miss from the street. Arched windows, wooden pergolas, and tiled roofing along the exterior, plus columns and Andalusian details -- such as intricate tiles overhead and terra-cotta pavers -- at the entryway, add character. Inside, the style changes drastically, though. Since opening its doors in 1996, it seems that the hotel hasn't seen much of a decor update. Interiors have a '90s modern feel with white marble floors featuring black marble trim, mixed pattern sofas, and blonde-wood furniture. Grounds are more attractive thanks to lush lawns lined with palm trees, freeform pools, and stone tiling. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, though occasional bachelor and bachelorette groups can be noisy. 

Marbella is well-known for its beaches and nightlife -- mainly what's happening on the Golden Mile. Guests of Hotel Sultan Club Marbella are perfectly situated to enjoy all that the city has to offer. From the hotel, guests can reach a beach five minutes on foot, or the Trocadero Playa is also a 20-minute walk away. The old town is also 20 minutes away on foot. There are plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance, too. Nearby Puerto Banus, and the infamous Golden Mile are a quick drive from the hotel, too, just 15 minutes. 

All of the 76 apartment-style rooms are spacious and well-equipped with separate sleeping and sitting areas. Room styles and color palettes vary, but all have white-marble flooring, wrought-iron furniture, orange walls, and dated upholstery and linens in mismatched patterns. The overall look is pleasant, but fabrics are in need of an update. All rooms have air-conditioning, furnished private terraces, daily housekeeping, and flat-screen TVs. Also standard are contemporary kitchens for easy self-catering, with ovens, stoves, microwaves, toasters, dishwashers, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and even washing machines. Bathrooms are well-sized and have attractive floor-to-ceiling gray marble, which makes them feel sleek and modern. All are outfitted with shower/tub combos, bidets, free bath products, and hairdryers. Note that some guests have complainted of noise from neighbors and outside traffic. 

The Hotel Sultan Club Marbella has a solid list of features, though not a ton for kids. The outdoor pool is set in a lush area, though it tends to catch quite a bit of shade. There are plenty of sunbeds available for guests, and to there's a separate children's pool. Alternatively, there is an indoor pool as well, though the pool is small and designed more for aqua-therapy than recreational use. Though a bit dated, the spa facilities on-site are a nice feature, and there are various private treatment room, saunas, and two whirlpools. Like the spa, the fitness center appears dated, but it has a decent amount of equipment. Wi-Fi is free but can be spotty. There are two dining options on-site, one casual all-day cafe and a well-reviewed restaurant.