Hotel La Fonda

The hotel is in a classic white-plaster Andalusian building that's filled with terra-cotta tiles and wide archways. It was originally designed by the Spanish artist Cesar Manrique, and features bright, breezy terraces that make the most of the coastal sunshine. The central feature is an airy courtyard with a small pool in the middle. Apart from the sky, the space is dominated by an open staircase and a steel-and-glass elevator that service the three-story building. There's an undeniable romance to it all, especially in the guest rooms, though features like a spa, small pool, and quaint restaurant also help create that vibe. Guests here are, for the most part, older couples looking to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere away from the rowdy bar scene closer to the coast.

The hotel is on a narrow cobbled street in the historic old town of Benalmadena, far from the hordes of tourists that cluster down near the coast. It's close to the A-7, a major highway that provides easy access throughout the region. There are a handful of restaurants and cafes nearby, and the Castillo Monumento Colomares is about a nine-minute walk, but a car is required to get anywhere else. The largest concentration of dining, shops, and nightlife can be found along the waterfront promenade at Puerto Marina, an 18-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a 35-minute drive to Marbella Old Town and just a bit longer to Puerto Banus. Malaga Airport is within a 20-minute drive for those arriving in the region by plane.

The hotel's 28 rooms are far more spacious than is often found in boutique hotels in this region, and all add a bit of extra polish to the style with elegant white marble floors. Decor includes Greek, Arabic, or Andalusian motifs that vary from one room to the next. Greek rooms have a blue-and-white color scheme, while Arabic rooms have Moorish decorative accents. Andalusian rooms have prose from regional poets printed on the walls. Entry-level Classic Rooms have desks and sitting areas with armchairs, while Superior Rooms add sea views. Upgraded rooms also feature private terraces with tables and lounge chairs. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and kettles plus tiled bathrooms with bidets and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. It's worth noting that there are lots of stairs throughout the property and the elevator doesn't reach all floors. 

While this is a tiny property far from the big-box hotels on the coast, the features here are surprisingly diverse. The center of the hotel is an open courtyard with a small outdoor pool and sun deck. The space is somewhat constrained by the size of the courtyard, and it's under shade most of the day. There's also a rooftop terrace with lounge chairs and daybeds that's better for sunbathing. The view from the terrace is excellent, and there's a rainfall shower for rinsing off on hot days. A 2015 renovation added a full-service spa with treatment rooms and an indoor plunge pool. The Escorpio restaurant has an outdoor terrace and serves familiar Mediterranean coastal cuisine, along with traditional Spanish mountain dishes such as Iberian pork with spring onions and Romesco sauce. The free breakfast buffet includes breads and pastries, regional cheeses, jams, local sausages, and fresh fruit. There's also a small cocktail and coffee bar called the Andalusian Patio, with seating in a tiled courtyard under an atrium ceiling. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's free on-site parking.