Travel dollars stretch surprisingly far in southern Spain's Costa del Sol region, especially at all-inclusive resorts where many expenditures are built into the rates. Here are our favorite all-inclusive hotels in the charming beach town of Marbella.
The upscale, family-friendly Iberostar Marbella Coral Beach is on a small beach a short walk from Puerto Banus. The beautiful beach club and the inviting pool are probably the hotel’s main draws, but the hotel also features a solid restaurant, a relaxing spa, and several amenities for families. Rooms are big and spotless, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and furnished balconies. But the shingle beach isn’t the prettiest, and the neighborhood may be a little too quiet for some. Still, this is a great pick for families and couples looking to spend some relaxing days in the sun.
This sprawling beachfront resort feels like a tropical oasis, with lush landscaping and towering palms lining the pathways and surrounding the property’s many stately fountains. The family-friendly, all-inclusive resort (its rates are competitive considering the category and location) has a beautiful stretch of beach located 20 minutes east of Marabella's Old Town. It’s quiet and somewhat isolated, with little in reasonable walking distance, which may not suit all travelers. Buffet and a la carte dining are available at two on-site restaurants, and there are two bars as well. The 331 rooms are clean and comfortable, with air-conditioning and optional minibars, but no Wi-Fi. Lush tropical landscaping surrounds the large pool complex that includes two pools and a bar. Among the recreational facilities are beach volleyball and mini-golf, plus supervised children’s activities.