My Marbella Stay: 5-Star Hotels That Actually Deserve Their Stars

During my time in Marbella, I stayed in a mix of hotels - some four-star, some five - and honestly, the four-star ones already set the bar pretty high. They were stylish, comfortable, and had that relaxed Mediterranean vibe I love. So naturally, when it came to the five-star ones, my expectations were sky-high. But trust me, they didn’t just live up to the hype - they completely redefined what a stay in Marbella can feel like.

METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella - Estepona

Google Rating: 4.7/5

METT Marbella feels like a little slice of modern Mediterranean luxury tucked between the sea and the Andalusian hills. It’s one of those places that immediately puts you in a good mood - think warm colors, soft blues, natural wood touches, and sunlight pouring through every corner.

The hotel sits right on the beach, so the mornings start with that salty sea air drifting in. I stayed in a Deluxe Room, which had a small balcony - perfect for that first coffee of the day. And the curtains did a great job of keeping the light out when I wanted to sleep in (which happened more than once). Everything about the space felt calm and well thought out: clean lines, airy tones, and just enough character to feel cozy.

The bathroom deserves its own moment. METT partners with Botanyc, offering their Bal Tropical scent line - a blend of bergamot, lychee, and jasmine that instantly reminded me of summers on the Riviera. All the products are made in the French Riviera and are 100% vegan, which I love. It’s one of those small details that quietly elevate the stay.

Outside the room, the energy shifts - it’s stylish, social, and buzzing in the best way. The pool area is the heart of it all: music playing, people lounging with cocktails, and that golden Marbella light bouncing off the water. It can get lively, especially when the DJ sets start, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re looking for a quiet, tucked-away resort, this might not be your scene, but if you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with a touch of glam, you’ll feel right at home.

There’s also a spa and a gym worth mentioning. The spa uses botanical oils and marine actives in its treatments - I didn’t have time for a full session, but I did peek in, and it looked serene. The gym, on the other hand, has a stunning view and all Technogym equipment. Sleek, high-tech, and surprisingly motivating.

Breakfast was another highlight. The buffet had everything you could possibly want - fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and great coffee. The food in general is top-notch, but fair warning - dining here isn’t cheap. Expect to pay over €150 for a dinner for two, but at least the quality matches the price.

What makes METT stand out is its personality. The staff genuinely add warmth to the place. Natalia and Leola were especially kind and professional, always smiling, which made the stay feel effortless.

If you’re into sports or experiences, there’s plenty nearby too. You’ve got the Villa Padierna Racquet Club just around the corner, with tennis and paddle courts practically on the beach. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Ascari Drive Adventure near Ronda offers a private motorsports experience - over 5 km of pure adrenaline for anyone who loves cars and speed.

Overall, METT Marbella is ideal for travelers who want a mix of beachside relaxation, great design, and that lively, social energy Marbella is known for. It’s not the quietest or the cheapest, but it’s effortlessly stylish and full of good vibes (exactly what you’d want from a five-star coastal escape).

Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Heaven on Earth. That was the first thing that came to mind when I saw how this place was designed. Honestly, it could easily pass for a set in the next season of The White Lotus - just swap the cast and roll the cameras. The entire hotel is a visual feast: geometric prints, bold colors, perfectly symmetrical details.

Kimpton Los Monteros feels like a tribute to Marbella’s golden years - the kind of glamour that’s cool, not flashy. It has that mix of 1970s nostalgia and modern design that somehow makes you want to trade your T-shirt for a linen shirt and sunglasses you probably can’t afford.

The Essential Room I stayed in was far from basic. Spacious, beautifully designed, with a king-sized bed that looked like it could host a small summit. There’s a Bluetooth speaker, Nespresso machine, and a minibar stocked with local gourmet snacks (dangerous combination, trust me). The design is clean and contemporary but still warm - Mediterranean textures, natural tones, and those subtle pops of color that make everything feel curated.

And then there’s that “wine o’clock” social hour - easily one of my favorite touches. Every evening, guests gather for complimentary wine and good conversation. It’s casual, unpretentious, and feels like a mini community. Though there’s always that one guy who takes it as a wine-tasting competition :)

Breakfast? Excellent. Fresh, varied, and clearly done with care. I even found myself lingering longer than I planned, which says a lot. Lunch by the pool was the only slightly disappointing moment - I ordered a Caesar salad that didn’t exactly blow my mind. But in fairness, that’s about the only complaint I could dig up in an otherwise flawless stay.

Now, let’s talk about the people, because the service here is top-tier. Everyone’s warm and professional without feeling rehearsed. There’s one man in particular, Conrado, the director of operations, who somehow seems to be everywhere at once - always smiling, shaking hands, making sure everyone’s looked after. You can tell the place runs smoothly because of him.

The hotel’s location is another win. It is right in the heart of Marbella’s Golf Mile, just a few minutes from the old town and a quick ride to Puerto Banús. You’ve got the beach only 400 meters away, a taxi rank at the door, and even a bus stop across the street. Basically, you’re in the middle of everything but still feel tucked away.

What really impressed me, though, were the amenities. There’s a full spa with a hammam, sauna, and sensory showers. A gym surrounded by Mediterranean gardens (which makes working out feel less like punishment). And if that’s not enough, they’ve got three pools: an outdoor one, a heated saltwater pool in the spa, and an infinity pool on the rooftop. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Speaking of rooftops - Escondido Bar deserves its own spotlight. The sunsets up there are unreal. Picture this: sea views, a warm breeze, golden light, and a drink in hand. The vibe is part Mediterranean, part Pacific surf culture, and 100% “I’m not leaving.”

Then there’s La Cabane by Dolce & Gabbana, the beach club just a few steps away. Infinity pool blending into the sea, Balinese beds, cocktails that feel like they should come with a soundtrack. 

For the more active crowd, Kimpton also offers yoga and pilates sessions, and if golf or tennis is your thing, you’ve got plenty of options nearby with special guest access. And yes - it’s pet friendly, so even your dog can join your Marbella moment.

By the time I checked out, I genuinely didn’t want to leave. Everything from the staff to the design to the energy of the place just clicked. 

Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Gran Marbella Resort is what I’d call quiet luxury done right - the kind that doesn’t need to show off. Tucked along one of Marbella’s most peaceful stretches of beach, it’s the perfect balance between sophistication and calm.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear this place had a different energy. A glass of cava appeared in my hand before I even checked in - a small touch, but it instantly set the tone. The lobby feels airy and timeless, with subtle Andalusian arches, earthy tones, and just the right amount of modern polish. You can tell the design here was made to relax your mind without trying to impress it.

I stayed in a Premium King Room, and it was exactly what I hoped for: clean lines, warm neutral colors, and a private terrace that opened to peaceful resort views. The bed was enormous and dangerously comfortable - the kind of bed that makes you consider cancelling plans. The bathroom was beautifully designed too, complete with double sinks, a rainfall shower, and a separate toilet with a bidet (always a win in my book). My only tiny complaint? No drawers for clothes, but that’s how you know I’m really stretching to find faults.

The pool area is the heart of the hotel - large, calm, and sun-drenched. There’s a great pool bar for when you want something cold without moving more than a few steps. And from there, you can walk straight out onto the beach and into Amù Beach Club, which honestly feels like a world of its own. It’s all white and beige tones, smooth beats playing in the background, waiters gliding around with trays of cocktails.

The Amù Beach Club restaurant is worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel. It’s all about local, Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a view that does half the talking. 

Inside the resort, evenings come alive with Noches con Alma - live flamenco or violin performances in the garden bar that add just the right amount of soul to those warm Marbella nights. It’s elegant, not performative, and that’s what makes it special.

Breakfast deserves its own praise. It’s one of those spreads that reminds you why mornings can be enjoyable - local fruits, fresh pastries, a good coffee, and plenty of gluten-free options (a rare find that didn’t disappoint).

The service, though, is what truly stands out. Every interaction feels personal - staff greet you like they’ve actually been waiting for you to arrive. Whether it’s helping with taxis (which they somehow always get faster than any app) or remembering your coffee order by day two, the team makes you feel genuinely looked after.

As for location - yes, it’s about a 10–15 minute taxi ride to Marbella centre, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. You’re close enough to dip into the buzz whenever you want, but far enough to escape it when you don’t.

Gran Marbella isn’t loud or flashy. It’s all about balance - the calm between luxury and comfort, elegance and ease.

Hotel MIM Sotogrande

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Last but definitely not least - Hotel MIM Sotogrande, a sleek new five-star addition to the Costa del Sol and part of Lionel Messi’s collection, in collaboration with Majestic Hotel Group. I’d heard about it before arriving, and honestly, I was curious. A luxury hotel designed by Messi? That’s not something you see every day. But this place isn’t about celebrity names - it’s about atmosphere. And they’ve nailed it.

The hotel sits right in Puerto Deportivo, Sotogrande’s elegant marina, surrounded by yachts, sea air, and that soft sound of masts clinking in the wind. From the terrace, you can see Gibraltar and even the outline of the African coast on a clear day. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and think, yep, this is exactly why people fall in love with southern Spain.

I stayed in a Cozy Room, which turned out to be the perfect name for it. It’s warm and minimal in the best way - pale woods, creamy fabrics, and soft light filtering through the curtains. The king-size bed was unbelievably comfortable, the kind that makes you want to sleep in even when the sun outside is begging you to explore. The design has that effortless Mediterranean balance between modern and calming - just simple, peaceful, and quietly elegant.

And yes, everything here feels thoughtful. From the Japanese-style toilets (a luxury I never knew I needed) to the perfectly organized storage space - every detail has been considered. You can really feel that sense of calm they talk about in their concept.

The hotel’s spa is another highlight. It is a beautifully designed sanctuary where time actually slows down. Their hydrotherapy circuit is like a full reset button: two jacuzzis, an ice fountain, a dry sauna, and sensory showers that make you feel like you’re walking through a rain forest. It’s not one of those spas that just looks pretty in photos - it genuinely helps you unwind.

For those who like to stay active, the gym is impressive (well-equipped, bright, and clean). You can tell they’ve thought of people who actually work out, not just those who like the idea of working out on holiday.

Now, the food. The HINCHA restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany, is reason enough to stay here. It’s one of those rare hotel restaurants that completely stands on its own. Fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours, a glass of something crisp - everything perfectly balanced. The cocktails deserve a special mention too. They were genuinely some of the best I’ve had on the coast.

But what truly makes MIM Sotogrande special is the service. Every single person I met was warm, attentive, and genuinely proud of where they work. 

The design deserves its own note - bright whites and soft blues, with touches that reflect the sea and the marina just outside. 

If you’re planning a trip to the Costa del Sol and want to stay somewhere that feels modern yet intimate, calm yet full of life, Hotel MIM Sotogrande is exactly that.