Best Boutique Hotels in Marbella

This lovely little boutique hotel is housed in a handsome 17th-century stucco town house that was an artists' club before it opened as a hotel in 2007. Stone walls, exposed beams, and tile floors provide historic character throughout. The seven rooms are arranged around a central courtyard with huge stone columns, brick archways, and iron gates. All rooms are different, but beautifully decorated. Some rooms have vaulted ceilings, which makes them feel more spacious, and all have flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small but lovely, with sandstone tile, antique-style fixtures, rainfall showerheads, and high-end Molton Brown toiletries. There's not much in the way of features, but guests rave about the free breakfast, the dining room, and the rooftop terrace with an honor bar. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, given it's Old World charms -- not surprisingly, couples make up the bulk of guests here.

The seven-room La Villa Marbella is composed of several historic houses that are close together but on different streets. The buildings are charming and beautiful, with wrought iron railings plus greenery and flowers spilling across the stucco facades. Despite its location in the bustling city center, the atmosphere here is quiet and relaxed. Several terraces provide places for guests to sit outside and view the city and mountains. Rooms are individually decorated with quality Asian furniture and artwork, giving them a lot of personality that blends with the hotel's historic architecture. Some rooms have original rustic details, such as exposed wood-beam ceilings and stone walls, and all come with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free WI-Fi, minibars, tea/coffee makers. The hotel is popular with all sorts of travelers, especially couples, which isn't surprising given its romantic style.

The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel is a lovely little three-pearl property with just five rooms. It's located in a quiet residential area up on a hill that provides spectacular views of the countryside and Mediterranean. There's not really anything within walking distance, and getting to the beach and city require short drives, but it's a tranquil alternative to the buzzier locales closer to the coast. Rooms are attractively decorated in Asian style, and they all have nice views, with even more glimpses of the sea from the hotel's pool and outdoor terraces. Travelers who prefer a boutique hotel closer to the action could check out the La Villa Marbella - Charming Hotel, which is within walking distance of most everything in the Old Town.