Ona Alanda Club Marbella

Alanda Club Marbella is composed of multiple whitewashed buildings with tiled roofing and pops of mustard-yellow, all named after cities in Spain. The grounds are gorgeous and well-manicured, with lots of flowers, palm trees, and rock accents around the pools. Interiors are warm and inviting, furnished with a mix of elegant and rustic accents in neutral tones. The charming lobby has white-marble floors, wooden ceiling with a hanging lantern, chic tufted couches, and Asian artwork. The restaurant is a simple affair with a vaulted wood ceiling, dark stone tiling, and olive-green walls, while the cozy yet open bar area has a fireplace, lots of seating, and terra-cotta terrace with occasional live music. The apartment-style rooms and abundant kid-friendly features make the property more popular with families, but the atmosphere is generally relaxing.

The ability to explore the area surrounding the hotel on foot is a big plus for many visitors to Alanda Club Marbella. A rental car isn't absolutely necessary, with so much within walking distance, but for guests who would like to visit neighboring towns and avoid taxi fees, a rental car might be beneficial. Marbella's Old Town is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, Fuengirola is a 20-minute drive, and Puerto Banus is a 17-minute drive. There's plenty to do within a short walking distance, too; Nikki Beach is a 10-minute walk away and Aventura Amazonia, an adventure park nearby, is just a six-minute walk. Of course, there are quite a few bar and restaurant options within easy reach as well. Marbella Airport is a 32-minute drive away, and the hotel can arrange an airport shuttle. Parking is free.

Alanda Club Marbella has 150 spacious apartment-style guest rooms ranging from more old-fashioned to sleek and modern. The apartments are ideal for groups and families, as many can accommodate up to six people and Penthouse Apartments can fit eight. While Comfort Apartments have some dated couches and bedding, most apartments have contemporary, elegant decor that includes hardwood floors, chandeliers, framed art, and sculptures. Most notable is that all have well-equipped kitchens with electric stovetops, microwaves, full-sized refrigerators, dishwashers, coffee- and tea-making facilities, cooking and dining necessities, and even washing machines. Also standard are air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free safes. Wi-Fi is free but slow, and even the paid upgraded options are reportedly spotty. Attractive bathrooms vary slightly from room to room, but all have walk-in showers, bidets, hairdryers, and free bath products, plus some higher-category rooms have jetted tubs. Some rooms have furnished terraces with pleasant views, while others lack balconies and have unexceptional vistas. It's worth noting that check-in is a bit late and check-out is a bit early (4:30 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. during our visit).

The Alanda Club Marbella offers a solid array of on-site features, particularly for families. Most action takes place around the two outdoor pools, which are surrounded by ample loungers and straw umbrellas. There's also a decent-sized indoor pool with an adjacent hot tub, but no loungers. There's no spa, but a sauna and on-site masseuse are available. In addition to squash courts, there's a well-equipped gym with modern cardio and weight-training equipment. Kid-friendly features includes an outdoor playground and kids' club with a ball pit. The on-site restaurant receives mostly positive reviews, serving Spanish, Mediterranean, and international cuisine, while the bar has happy hour specials and occasional live music.