Stayed on the Costa del Sol, Spain | October 2026
After a month of boutique villas and spa hotels in Part 1, October took me through three more very different places to stay: a beachfront 3-star in Torremolinos, a renovated 4-star on Marbella's Golden Mile, and a colonial-style resort tucked into the quiet Guadalmina district.
It was a good reminder that the Costa del Sol has something for every kind of traveller. A hotel doesn't have to be the most expensive to be the right one. It just needs to suit your plans, give you a great night's sleep and make exploring easy.
If you're planning a trip this year, these are the three hotels I'd happily recommend in Part 2 of this series.
1. Hotel Tarik: A Beachfront Stay with Andalusian Charm
Image courtesy of Hotel Tarik
Torremolinos, Costa del Sol, Spain | Stayed beginning of October
My October stay began on the western side of Torremolinos, right on the Paseo Marítimo and directly beside Playamar Beach, one of the longest and widest beaches on the Costa del Sol. It's about 12 minutes by car from Málaga Airport, which makes it an easy first stop.
Hotel Tarik is a 3-star hotel with around 95 rooms, and it has plenty of character. The whitewashed walls, terracotta roof tiles and colourful ceramic details give it a traditional Andalusian feel, while the recently renovated rooms keep things comfortable and modern.
Images courtesy of Hotel Tarik
My room was bright, clean and comfortable, with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a terrace overlooking the sea. A morning coffee on the terrace quickly became my favourite part of the day.
There is an outdoor pool surrounded by gardens, a restaurant serving a daily buffet breakfast, a pizza restaurant and the relaxed Tarik Café for drinks and snacks. The 24-hour reception can also help with bike rentals and tours, and the team were friendly and helpful throughout my stay.
The location is a big plus. The beach is on the doorstep, the promenade is full of restaurants and shops, and the Parador Málaga Golf Club is only about 10 minutes away by taxi.
Stayed: Beginning of October
Best for: Beach lovers, budget-conscious travellers and anyone who wants an easy stay close to Málaga Airport.
Would I stay again?
Absolutely.
It's proof that a well-run 3-star can feel like much more.
2. NH Collection Marbella: A Renovated Base on the Golden Mile
Image courtesy of NH Collection Marbella
Avenida Conde de Rudi, Marbella, Spain | Stayed mid October
From Torremolinos, I headed down the coast to the heart of Marbella. NH Collection Marbella sits on the famous Golden Mile, roughly halfway between Marbella town and Puerto Banús, which makes it a very convenient base for exploring both.
The hotel was renovated in 2025, and it shows. The public areas feel fresh and stylish, the staff were welcoming from the moment I arrived, and the whole place has a polished, relaxed atmosphere.
Images courtesy of NH Collection Marbella
My room was spacious, modern and quiet, with a very comfortable bed and everything I needed for a restful stay.
Outside, there is an outdoor pool with a poolside bar, a terrace and a garden, plus a sauna and a gym that is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and the hotel restaurant offers regional and international dishes. I enjoyed finishing the evening with a drink at the bar.
The location is excellent. The beach and seafront promenade are less than 10 minutes on foot, the Marbella Congress and Exhibition Palace is about 5 minutes away, and the shops, bars and restaurants of the Golden Mile are all close by. If you're driving, on-site parking is available for a small daily fee.
Stayed: Mid October
Best for: Couples, city-and-beach breaks and travellers who want to explore both Marbella and Puerto Banús.
Would I stay again?
Definitely.
It's a stylish, well-located hotel that makes exploring Marbella effortless.
3. Barceló Marbella: A Peaceful Colonial-Style Retreat in Guadalmina
Image courtesy of Barceló Marbella
Guadalmina, Marbella, Spain | Stayed mid October
My final stay was a complete change of pace. Barceló Marbella is set in Guadalmina, one of the quietest and most elegant districts of Marbella, and the moment I arrived I could feel myself slowing down.
The hotel has a colonial-style design and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. With around 206 rooms, it is bigger than the boutique places I stayed in earlier, but it still feels calm and well looked after.
Images courtesy of Barceló Marbella
My room was comfortable, light and beautifully kept, with a peaceful setting and a great night's sleep. Some rooms in the Premium Level even include an in-room whirlpool bath, which is a lovely touch if you want to treat yourself.
Wellness is a real highlight. The hotel has a spa and wellness centre with a sauna and Turkish bath, a gym, a tennis court, an outdoor pool and a children's pool, all set among green gardens. Some rates include all-inclusive meals, which makes it easy to relax without planning every meal.
Golfers will love the location too. Real Club de Golf Guadalmina is about a 15-minute walk away, and Atalaya Golf and Country Club is just a few minutes by car. Marbella's beaches and old town are an easy drive, and Málaga Airport is about 45 minutes away.
Stayed: Mid October
Best for: Families, golfers, couples and anyone looking for a quiet, spa-focused stay.
Would I stay again?
Without question.
It was the perfect, relaxing way to finish my time on the Costa del Sol.
Three Hotels, Three Different Experiences
Looking back, each of these hotels gave me something different. Hotel Tarik offered an easy, characterful beachfront stay. NH Collection Marbella gave me a stylish, convenient base on the Golden Mile. And Barceló Marbella was the peaceful, wellness-focused finish I was hoping for.
Together, they reminded me that a great stay isn't about stars alone. It's about comfort after a long day, friendly staff and feeling happy to come back at night.
I'd happily recommend all three to anyone planning a trip to Marbella and the Costa del Sol in 2026. If you missed it, don't forget to read Part 1 for more of my favourite places to stay.
