Princesa Playa Hotel Apartamentos

The modest lobby at this residence-style hotel is bright and airy, despite its rather low ceilings. Lots of windows allow the potted tropical plants to thrive here, and white marble floors add brightness. Accent colors of red and pink are featured  in the lobby furniture, which includes comfortable upholstered sofas and matching chairs, while the face of the curved front desk is salmon with black granite. Some walls are painted bright yellow, while others have white marble panels. Rich, solid wood doors and banisters on the marble stairs lend an upscale feel, as do the polished steel elevator doors. The rooftop pool and restaurant are the main gathering places for guests here, as they take in the fantastic views and soak up the sun. This is typically a quiet place for families on beach vacations, but it also hosts fun-loving groups of adults on short getaways. 

Location is a big plus for this beachfront hotel that’s located on N-340, the main road that runs along the coast. It’s surrounded by restaurants, shops, groceries, and bars along the bustling Marbella Promenade. Alameda Park, with tropical gardens and a fountain, is a five-minute walk away, and it takes about the same amount of time to reach Marbella's Old Town. Once there, the narrow cobblestone streets are home to the Contemporary Spanish Engraving Museum (featuring works from Picasso, Miro, and Dali), as well as the Renaissance-era Plaza de los Naranjos and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in the city. It's about a 20-minute walk to the Plaza de Toros bullfighting ring. Puerto Banus Marina can be reached in 15 minutes by car, while the dolphin shows and penguin exhibits at Selwo Marina Delfinarium are a 35-minute drive. The Malaga Airport is around a 40-minute drive.

The styling in the 36 apartments and 64 studios is basic, but pleasant nonetheless, and the rooms are clean, well maintained, and spacious. The floors are nice hardwood in a light finish, and walls are painted in light shades of yellow, beige, or white, while rust or navy accents -- courtesy of bedspreads, drapes, upholstered sofas, and chairs -- provide contrast. All units have kitchens with fridges, microwaves, stovetops, sinks, coffeemakers, and cookware. Sleeper sofas and small dining tables are included as well. Apartments have separate bedroom and living areas and include flat-screen TVs in each area. Bedding options typically are two doubles or two singles. Every room includes a small balcony furnished with tables and chairs, with many featuring great coastline views -- though some overlook adjacent buildings. Bathrooms are clean and pleasant, though a bit small, with white marble vanities, toilets, bidets, and either shower/tub combos with clear glass half-doors or small oval shower stalls. Standard room amenities include room service, hairdryers, toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. Electronic safes are available, but they require a fee to use. Past guests have reported that room-to-room noise can be readily heard. 

This hotel takes full advantage of its proximity to the beach by offering fantastic views from its public spaces. The rooftop pool on the eighth floor is a bit small, but has sweeping coastal views and lounge chairs. It’s heated and open in the winter months. The restaurant is also on the eighth floor, offering great views, a small bar, and outdoor seating options. It serves a hot breakfast buffet daily (not included in room rates) and lunch. A spacious game room with several tables is on the same floor and includes a lending library. The front desk is staffed 24/7 and can help arrange tours and transportation. Valet laundry and dry cleaning is offered, as is babysitting. The lobby has a computer station with Internet access, plus free Wi-Fi is available throughout, but past guests have reported it to be spotty. Parking is available in an adjacent garage, and though it’s independent from the hotel, guests receive a modest discount on the pricey rates.