1. HOTEL MAISON ARDOIS
The first hotel by La Ciudadela Marbella, Hotel Maison Ardois sits in the central Calle Ancha in an old manor house that dates back to 1929, with a lookout tower and Mudejar architectural elements. Its eight rooms are full of charm, with clean modern lines that complement the elegant, cosy ambience, and large glass bathrooms. It’s a haven of peace in the city, where locals and travellers converge to sit on the panoramic terrace and sip cocktails whilst enjoying one of the most beautiful views of Marbella.
There are two restaurants, Thaissence and Afuego; the former takes diners around the world without leaving Marbella, with Asian and Peruvian cuisine, and the latter serves the best cuts of grilled meat and fish, along with the freshest vegetables, in an intimate, relaxed setting.
2. HOTEL SANTO CRISTO
Situated in a truly unique 1920’s building in the charming Plaza Santo Cristo, this hotel, the second in La Ciudadela’s trilogy, is known for its architecture and handcrafted attention to detail. The interior courtyard, which the 15 rooms are distributed around, recreates a Muslim funduq and offers a haven of peace and tranquillity. The rooms are designed with a ‘home away from home’ vibe, inviting guests to unpack and really settle in.
There’s natural wood, esparto glass and wicker throughout the rooms, as well as 500-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and a pillow menu to promote optimum sleep. For food, La Bouganvilla blends haute cuisine with market products, giving importance to local, kilometre zero and seasonal ingredients, complemented with one of the city’s most exclusive wine lists, too. Venture to the rooftop for sundowners over the city, or for the perfect cocktail any time of day.
3. HOTEL EL CASTILLO
Nestled within the historic walls of Marbella’s old fortress, in Plaza de San Bernabé, Hotel El Castillo is the only abode within this space to be considered a Site of Cultural Interest, meaning those checking in will be staying in a local monument. With just 13 rooms, the experience is serene and exclusive, with its interior design, at the hands of Miguel Cerván, an ode to pared-back rustic luxury.
A hotel of curiosities, old world-meets-modern art installations pop up on every wall and at every turn – a true eye-catcher the human figures that climb through the interior patio and up through the two-storey atrium to the sunlight above. The rooms are light and welcoming, combining the city’s past and present. The Rooftop bar and lounge is the jewel in El Castillo’s crown with panoramic views of the city, the Mediterranean and the Sierra Blanca mountains.