Amare Beach Hotel Marbella

Formerly the Fuerte Miramar Hotel, a remodeling and rebranding in 2015 transformed this previously rather dated property into the polished, contemporary Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel. While from the outside it still appears a little more apartment block than upscale hotel, stepping into the airy, sunlit reception area reveals a combination of swish minimalist styling and on-trend design. A wavy, gold reception desk adds a playful touch, while bamboo and a vertical garden soften the look with some natural elements. A bright and roomy lounge continues the fresh feel, with patchwork-patterned tiling and retro chairs. Other public spaces include a wood-decked pool terrace and a private, chilled-out beach club. There's also a rooftop bar that offers spectacular, panoramic views over the sea, city, and surrounding mountains, and has a buzzy vibe, with live music during the warmer months. As an adults-only hotel, the atmosphere is grown-up, laid-back, and generally peaceful -- things can pick up with regular pool parties and performances. The hotel attracts younger couples, and is a popular pick for honeymooners, mostly from the UK.

The Amàre Marbella Beach Hotel has a prime location sandwiched between the main N-340 road that runs along the coast and Marbella's beachfront promenade. This pedestrian-only path is lined with restaurants and bars, and connects to Alameda Park and port area in under 10 minutes. It takes about the same time to reach Marbella's Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and Renaissance-era Plaza de los Naranjos, featuring the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in the city. The beach across from the hotel isn't the finest stretch, with better beaches a 10- to 15-minutes' walk in either direction. Malaga Airport is roughly a 40-minute drive.

The hotel's 236 guest rooms break down into five rather unusually named categories, starting with the entry-level "I Was Here" rooms, then "My Way," "Dolce Vita," "Make It Happen," and top-end "Oh La La." Decor in all tends toward bright and contemporary, with wood floors, clean-lined furnishings, and crisp whites with metallic accents. Cheaper rooms are small and lack outside space, though most provide adequate room and open to furnished balconies -- most with fabulous sea views. Good soundproofing also means noise from traffic isn't a problem. Units are all air-conditioned, with high-end 42-inch flat-screen TVs (with video on demand) and well-stocked minibars, plus bedding is quality, Nordic-style duvets with a choice of pillows. Upgraded rooms add speaker systems, Nespresso coffee machines, and thick bathrobes. Most bathrooms are open-plan, with walk-in showers (so privacy might be an issue for some) and luxury Molton Brown toiletries; some complain that the hairdryers are poor quality. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and generally fast and reliable. "The One" units also provide an extra level of luxury, with free spa access and drinks throughout the day in a private lounge. 

Breakfast is a highlight, served in the hotel's Mare Nostrum restaurant, with an excellent spread of hot and cold items, a live cooking station, and made-to-order eggs, waffles, and churros, plus coffee and freshly squeeze orange juice served at your table. There's also an outdoor terrace that overlooks the pool and beach beyond. Breakfast, however, doesn't come standard, and isn't particularly cheap. Half-board plans are available, and cover an evening Mediterranean buffet of healthy, locally-sourced dishes. Part of the beach club is the Amàre Beach Restaurant, which also serves Mediterranean fare a la carte, or snacks and drinks with waiter service at the touch of a button from cushioned loungers. A rooftop bar provides cocktails and live music (in the summer) accompanied by spectacular views. The hotel throws various pool parties and beach barbecues, and has acrobat shows and DJs. While smart and stylish, the pool terrace can get crowded and shady in the afternoon, plus the pool itself is on the small side. There's limited free entry to the spa (with unlimited access included in some room plans), which has a small heated pool, sauna and steam rooms, whirlpool tubs, and high-end massage and beauty treatments -- often with free Cava and chocolate thrown in. A small gym offers a modest selection of modern machines and weights. Parking is available on-site (for a fee) and bicycles can be rented. Wi-Fi is free throughout, with a signal the reaches as far as the beach.