Marbella Playa Hotel

This sprawling, beachfront resort has the feel of a tropical oasis, with lush landscaping and towering palms lining the pathways and surrounding the property’s many stately fountains. Exteriors are painted in brilliant colors, such as the bright-orange entrance that frames the beautiful tile steps. Vibrant-orange walls and tropical plants also greet guests inside the spacious lobby that showcases a large terrazzo floor of quartz, granite, and marble. An expansive skylight illuminates the space and features a wrought iron chandelier with suspended lanterns. Another notable touch is the large painting in a colorful Spanish tile pattern behind the front desk. While the style here isn't particularly swank or trendy, this property is a busy place that attracts sun-seeking families from around the world. Indeed, numerous languages can be heard, and many past English-speaking guests report communication challenges. The beach and large pool complex are especially popular, with food and drink service in high season. 

The Marbella Playa Hotel is located in a quiet spot directly on the beach, a few minutes' drive to the N-340, the main road that runs through Marbella and along the coast. The bus stop (with the 220 bus running every half-hour for trips into town and beyond) and a restaurant, pharmacy, and grocery store are about an eight-minute walk. There are also a few seasonal restaurants and bars on the beach. Otherwise, the location is somewhat isolated, with little else within reasonable walking distance. But, it’s only a 15- to 20-minute drive to Marbella’s bustling Old Town. Attractions there include Alameda Park with its tropical gardens and the Contemporary Spanish Engraving Museum, featuring works from Picasso and Dali. Other Old Town sights include the Plaza de los Naranjos, a square of Castilian Renaissance design, and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in the city. The Bonsai Museum and the Plaza de Toros bullfighting ring can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, while Puerto Banus Marina is a 22-minute drive. Selwo Marina Delfinarium, with its dolphin shows and penguin exhibits, is about 30 minutes' drive. It takes about 35 minutes to reach Malaga Airport. 

Guest rooms at Marbella Playa Hotel are clean, well maintained, and have ample room for comfort. Decor is simple but dated, with light-yellow painted walls, and brown-tile or gray-marble floors. Beds have gold-and green-striped bedspreads, and solid wood furniture in a natural finish includes desks and armoires in rooms that have them (some have closets). It's worth noting that Double Rooms feature two double beds pushed together. All rooms have patios or balconies with tables and chairs, many with ocean views. Some have mini-fridges while minibars are available for a fee. There are flat-screen TVs but no Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are average in size but nicely decorated with white and gray marble floors, walls, and vanities and shower/tub combos. Playa brand toiletries are stocked.

Room options include standard Singles and Doubles, some with sea views. Junior Suites and beach-facing bungalows are also available. Junior Suites have a different motif with bright-blue walls and decorative tile headboards. They have coffeemakers, additional space for sleeper sofas, and granite-framed whirlpool tubs in the bedroom areas. Bathrooms have marble-lined walk-in showers, granite floors, and white ceramic vanities, plus bathrobes. The bungalows have their own entrances and views of the tropical garden area facing the beach. Each has two double beds pushed together, and a granite and white-tile bathroom with a shower/tub combo.  Electronic safes are provided but require a daily surcharge. 

This sprawling beachfront hotel offers a true tropical-resort setting with a comprehensive amenities package. All-inclusive packages are available for food and beverages, as well as partial packages that include a breakfast buffet. The main restaurant is buffet-style for dinner, lunch, and breakfast, which includes over 120 items. An a la carte restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine is open for dinner during the high season, as is a beach club that serves light fare and drinks. The poolside bar is open seasonally, and the pub in the main building has nightly entertainment. Room service is also available.

The property faces a narrow stretch of sand outfitted with several palapa umbrellas and blue loungers. The main outdoor pool is large and includes a waterfall. Seasonal rentals of lounge chairs and umbrellas are offered for daily rent. A smaller pool adjacent to it has a slide for children. A whirlpool also is outside in the palm-lined pool complex that includes a playground and sand volleyball court. Mini-golf, ping-pong, and a giant chess board are also outside and available to guests. The indoor pool also has a waterfall and adjacent whirlpool, but they are not open during the summer months. The fitness center has cardio and weight-training equipment. Various exercise classes are offered during high season, including yoga, Zumba, and Pilates. Supervised children’s activities are customized for various age groups, and bicycle rentals are on-site. 

The hotel has a beauty salon with massages, as well as guest laundry facilities. Services include concierge, babysitting, currency exchange, and valet laundry/dry cleaning. Meeting space for up to 250 people is available. The computer with Internet access that serves as the business center requires a surcharge payment before using. Self-parking is on-site, but it’s not free. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, but not accessible in the rooms. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.