Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort

This Marriott is a quiet beachfront property offering tons of on-site amenities. Decor is classic and somewhat elegant, though some may find the style a little dated and corporate, especially in the apartments. The building, with a light yellow façade and a boxy shape with towers, is surrounded by lovely manicured grounds dotted with palm trees and ornate stone fountains. The lobby is a bright, two-story space with classic wooden furniture, a crystal chandelier, and exposed wood beams. This decor style extends to the apartments, which have a mix of wooden furniture and somewhat generic touches. However, the overall feel is nice, and the great in-room amenities help make up for any slightly old-fashioned details. With a wide array of features, and spacious, well-equipped suites, the hotel is a solid pick for families an groups looking to spend some relaxing days in the sun.

The hotel is located in a quiet beachfront community between Marbella and Fuengirola. There isn’t much in the immediate neighborhood but for a couple of restaurants and the beach, but guests can take the bus or a cab to Marbella -- located a 15-minute drive away -- which has a cute historic center with quaint shaded squares, and many restaurants and bars. Puerto Banús, with a wide array of high-end boutiques and a hopping nightlife, is a little farther south, a few minutes past Marbella. The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is a 35-minute drive away.

The hotel is an all-suite property offering 288 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for up to eight guests. All units feature fully equipped kitchens with microwaves, Nespresso coffeemakers, cooktops, ovens, and dishwashers; a living and dining area with a double sofa bed; washer/dryers, and furnished terraces offering expansive views of the lovely grounds. Master bedrooms feature a king bed, and a large bathroom with a jetted tub; the other rooms have two singles each, and en-suite bathrooms with either showers or shower/tub combos. Free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs with DVD players, and Acca Kappa toiletries are all standard amenities. Decor is nice enough, but some may find the classic style a little old-fashioned. The property is mostly quiet, yet rooms facing the next-door bar may get some noise in the evenings.

Every apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, but those looking to eat out can find several options on-site, including a Mediterranean restaurant, a beachside grill, and a sports bar serving up burgers, hot dogs, and beer. The main bar features outdoor seating, and a short menu with coffee, small bites, wine, and a few tapas. The on-site supermarket has a wide array of items, but is more expensive than stores outside the resort. The property has four pools -- two of them indoors -- as well as a kiddy pool, several outdoor whirlpools, a playground, and a spa with a whirlpool and a sauna. The fitness center is large and appealing, with tons of up-to-date machines, flat-screen TVs, and natural light. For those looking to stay active during their vacation, there is also a small soccer field and a beach volley court on-site. The beach is narrow but sandy, and features straw umbrellas and loungers that guests can rent for the day. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.