La Villa Marbella- Old Town

This little boutique hotel is composed of several historic houses that are close together but on different streets. The buildings are charming and beautiful, with wrought iron railings plus greenery and flowers spilling across the stucco facades. Guests check in at a small front desk in a compact reception area -- it's less a place to hang out than pass through on the way to the charming rooms. Still, there are a number of places to unwind tucked about the property. Despite its location in the bustling city center, the atmosphere here is quiet and relaxed. Several terraces provide places for guests to sit outside and view the city and mountains. Interiors are a blend of Old-World Spain and Southeast Asian motifs; gilded Buddha statues are tucked into corners alongside iron railings and stone details, and there's a plenty of natural wood throughout. The hotel is popular with all sorts of travelers, especially couples, which isn't surprising given its romantic style.

This hotel is located in the heart of the beautiful historic center of Marbella. It's surrounded by many bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops of all kinds. While there is no parking on-site, a public parking garage is about a five-minute walk from the hotel; staff will assist with luggage. The Plaza de los Naranjos, where some of the city's oldest buildings are located, can be reached in five minutes on foot. Museo del Bonsai, with an impressive collection of miniature trees, also is about five minutes away. The Museo del Grabado Espanol Contemporaneo, with works by artists including Picasso and Miro, is about a 10-minute walk. Expect a 10- to 15-minute walk to the beach and promenade, where there are several more restaurants and bars. The Aeropuerto Malaga-Costa del Sol is about a 35-minute drive northeast, depending on traffic. 

The hotel's seven rooms are individually decorated with quality Asian furniture and artwork, giving them a lot of personality that blends with the hotel's historic architecture. Some rooms have original rustic details, such as exposed wood-beam ceilings and stone walls. While the look varies from room to room, lots of attention has been paid to the aesthetic, and while this theme could look kitschy in the wrong hands, the decor is simple and understated. Some rooms include colorful quilted wall panels, while others have stone and brass figurines sparingly placed throughout. Expect certain rooms -- like the Koh Samui Double Economic Room that we visited -- to be compact. All come with modern conveniences, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free WI-Fi, minibars, tea/coffee makers, and safes. The Shanghai room has its own courtyard and hot tub. The two-level Cherating Double Superior Room has a bedroom downstairs and a living area upstairs; it also has an outdoor hot tub and terrace. Bathrooms are modern and fresh. They come with toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors, vessel sinks, and walk-in showers (some of which have rainfall showerheads). Balconies are dressed up with potted plants and look out onto the street. 

This hotel is a compact property, and as it's run more like a bed-and-breakfast, there aren't a ton of features to be had. Breakfast is served daily, and guests can opt to dine inside or out on the terrace. Offerings include breads, pastries, fruits, and various sandwiches. The small outdoor pool -- not exactly common in central Marbella's historic properties -- is a cozy little space surrounded by stone walls. A few lounge chairs are available poolside. The hotel also has several other terraces where guests can relax outdoors, including one on the rooftop. There's also an indoor sitting room with a sofa and armchairs, and another lounge area with two sofas. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and laundry services can be arranged. There's no on-site parking -- that's available in a public garage nearby and staff will help with luggage.