Calle San Francisco No. 5, Casco Antiguo, Marbella, Spain | 34 952 900 840
Historic city-center location near restaurants, shops, bars, and attractions
Lovely rooms with historic charm, air-conditioning, and high-end toiletries
In-room tech includes flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
Rooftop terrace with honor bar
Free breakfast, plus coffee, tea, and snacks all day
24/7 room service
Relaxing lounge space with books and games
Free Wi-Fi
No on-site parking
Soundproofing can be weak
No amenities such as fitness or business center, spa, or pool
No tea/coffee makers or mini-fridges in rooms
The three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Claude Marbella is a gem of a boutique hotel in the historic city center, near numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions. The handsome property dates back to the 17th century, and it's packed with charm and character. There's not much in the way of features, but guests rave about the free breakfast, the dining room, and the rooftop terrace with an honor bar. The seven rooms have a lot of personality, with a blend of antique and contemporary design details, plus iPod docks and flat-screen TVs. The vibe here is like staying in a wealthy friend's home, rather than a hotel. It's worth checking out the Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel as well, which is around the corner and has a pool and spa room.
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Scene
Lovely boutique hotel located in historic town house and packed with charm
This lovely little boutique hotel is housed in a handsome 17th-century stucco town house that was previously an artists' club. The owners restored the building and opened it as a hotel in 2007. Check-in takes place seated at a desk in a cozy reception room with a red sofa and leather armchairs. A lounge next to reception looks more like a homey living room than a hotel, and it displays a stylish mix of modern and ancient elements. Comfy velvet sofas and chairs are grouped in front of bookcases stocked with books for guests to borrow. Stone walls, exposed beams, and tile floors provide historic character throughout. Rooms are arranged around a central courtyard with huge stone columns, brick archways, and iron gates. Benches covered in a plush purple velvet provide seating in the center, and a skylight above allows the sun to shine in. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, given it's Old World charms -- not surprisingly, couples make up the bulk of guests here.
Location
A five-minute walk to Marbella's main square, surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions
The hotel is located in the historic center of Marbella surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops. The main avenue of Marbella, lined with shops of all kinds, restaurants, and taxi and bus service, is about a five-minute walk, as is the city's main plaza. The city's oldest church, Ermita de Santiago and Alameda Park are just a minute farther on foot. Expect a 10-minute walk to the beach. The closest airport, Aeropuerto de Malaga Costa del Sol, is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Stylish rooms mixing contemporary elements with historic features, some with balconies
This hotel has just seven rooms, and they are all different. They are all beautifully decorated with common elements that may include travertine marble floors, warm color palettes, high headboards, and lounge chairs or sofas. Colors include deep reds and handsome olive greens, and wall art is kept to a minimum in favor of larger architectural flourishes, like Moorish arches and mosaic-tiled pieces of furniture. The pitched, exposed-wood ceiling that we saw in the Suite that we visited was particularly lovely. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall, and all rooms have iPod docking stations, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have vaulted ceilings, which makes them feel more spacious. Bathrooms are small but lovely, with sandstone tile, antique-style fixtures, rainfall showerheads, and high-end Molton Brown toiletries. Some have just showers, while others also have a soaking tub. Hairdryers and robes and slippers are provided. Some rooms have a small balcony, though they may simply overlook the hotel's courtyard.
Features
Free breakfast, snacks, coffee and tea, rooftop terrace
The hotel has few features, but its restaurant serves a free breakfast daily, as well as tapas and Mediterranean snacks. Dinner is by prior arrangement only. The dining room is a cozy little space with black-and-white table cloths and striped drapery. Guests also can have breakfast and snacks on the rooftop terrace, a popular spot. The hotel is equipped to host private functions and can accommodate up to 30 for dinner or 60 for receptions when the entire place is rented.
