Hotel Apartamentos El Faro

With its rather bland, apartment block-style architecture and dated signage, El Faro doesn't make the most exciting first impression. The reception area, however, is pleasant enough, with patterned marble floors, a granite-top front desk, and plenty of potted plants and floral wallpaper that give the space a welcoming feel. The lobby is almost entirely open-plan, with various seating areas that include a small bar and TV lounge corner. The two elevators are old-fashioned with manual doors and can feel cramped with more than a couple guests in each. While the top (fifth) floor has benefitted from an update, the four floors below feel shabby, dated, and in need of renovation. To the rear is a cheerful open terrace, with terra-cotta tiling, rattan seating, and whitewashed walls decorated with traditional ceramics and colorful flowers. Clientele are mostly British visitors, many of them groups of friends here for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and mix of couples and families.

The hotel is located in a residential neighborhood to the west of Marbella's center, a block from leafy Parque de la Constitución and within easy strolling distance of numerous bars and restaurants. It's a three-minute walk from the main N-340 road that runs along the coast and the same distance in the other direction to the pedestrianized seafront promenade, marina, and beaches. Marbella's charming Old Town is a 10-minute walk, with its narrow cobblestone streets and Renaissance-era Plaza de los Naranjos, featuring the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in the city. A 15-minute drive away are the fancy yachts and designer boutiques of Puerto Banus Marina, while Malaga Airport is roughly 40 minutes by car.

The relatively spacious studio and one-bedroom apartments total 70 in all, and are classed as either Standard or Superior. Standard-level are essentially older units with either chunky, traditional-style or dated more modern furniture, with light-wood veneer flooring and uncoordinated patterned fabrics. Superior apartments are more recently updated, with simple, contemporary decor, modern artworks, and plush purple fabrics. All open to furnished balconies, most overlooking the street or pool, with some higher- level room offering sea views. Street noise can be an issue, especially in older rooms with poor-fitting windows. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and safes for a fee, plus in-room Wi-Fi is free of charge (though it can be slow). Separate bedrooms add extra TVs. Most kitchenettes are very basic with just fridges and cooktops, while some larger apartments add ovens and coffee machines. Bathrooms are somewhat dated but clean and functional, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and simple toiletries; updated units feature similarly updated bathrooms. 

Typical of most aparthotels, there's not a huge amount on offer beyond the accommodations. What they do have is a dining room that opens for breakfast, with a decent spread of hot and cold items and self-service coffee, juice, and even carbonated drinks, but it costs extra. A cafe-bar is also open all day, serving reasonably priced drinks and a range of snacks and light meals, which can be enjoyed on the alfresco terrace. A room service menu is available into the evening. Facilities are limited to a small swimming pool lined with loungers that gets sun for most of the day (with some shade toward late afternoon); there's no fitness center on-site. Limited parking is available in front of the hotel for a daily charge, but Wi-Fi is free throughout.