Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach

The hotel is housed in a low white building surrounded by lush tropical gardens with stone paths and little ponds. At a first glance, the hotel is just another upscale beach hotel with contemporary decor. However, on a closer look, guests will discover beautiful Arab-inspired details throughout. Outside, small coffee tables, wall lamps, and candle holders have shapes and styles that could very well be found in a Moroccan bazaar. Inside, wall mosaics, doors and furniture show similar style influences without being too obvious or overwhelming. Couples like the quiet vibe, as well as the lovely beach club. 

The hotel is located in a quiet beach community home to several buildings of private condos. There isn’t much in the immediate neighborhood, but guests can find a few restaurants and bars along the beach. Puerto Banús, known for its hopping nightlife and wide array of top-notch boutiques, is a 15-minute walk away. Marbella has a cute historic center with quaint shaded squares lined with small restaurants and bars, and can be reached by car in just 15 minutes. There is a bus stop right outside the hotel.

The hotel offers 170 rooms, including doubles, junior suites, suites, and family rooms. They all have similar decor in a white and beige palette with slight Arab influences, and all the amenities expected of a hotel in this price range, including flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. But some guests may miss having a coffeemaker in the room. All units feature at least a small sitting area, and furnished balconies or terraces with relaxing views. Suites have a slightly darker decor, jetted tubs, and huge terraces with a private whirlpool. Most junior suites and suites have ocean views; all other rooms overlook the pool, or the lovely tropical gardens. The hotel has 20 adjoining rooms for groups.

The lovely Sea Soul Beach Club features a small pool, a restaurant serving tasty (but somewhat expensive) food, and a cocktail bar with lounge music. It’s a quiet, relaxing spot overlooking the beach, but there is a fee for use of the loungers and the pool. The hotel features a larger free-form pool that is a little farther from the ocean but just as nice and free for all guests. There are plenty of loungers, and a few Balinese beds, as well as a snack bar. Free towel service is offered to all guests. The fitness center features many up-to-date machines and is always clean, but its location in the basement means it gets little natural light. The hotel also features a small spa complete with three treatment rooms, a whirlpool and a sauna, however, it is closed as of summer 2017. Guests can arrange in-room massages in the meantime. Those looking to dine in can choose between the beach club and the hotel’s main restaurant, serving buffet and a la carte items.