El fuerte Marbella Review

El Fuerte Marbella

Address: Calle El Fuerte s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Website: elfuertemarbella.com

Overview

Originally opening its doors back in 1957, El Fuerte Marbella has truly stood the test of time—and thanks to a major facelift completed around 2022, it now perfectly blends iconic Andalusian charm with sleek, contemporary design courtesy of the brilliant Jaime Beriestain Studio. This 5-star beachfront gem boasts 263 stylish rooms, three inviting pools (including a serene adults-only infinity pool overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean), a Clarins spa to melt your worries away, and a culinary scene that’s hard to beat—especially with the Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, Edge by Paco Pérez, right at your fingertips.Nestled on the Paseo Marítimo, El Fuerte’s location is nothing short of spectacular. You’re literally steps from Marbella’s golden sandy beach and lively marina, with the Old Town’s cobbled streets, flower-draped balconies, and buzzing tapa bars just a pleasant 10-15 minute stroll away—perfect for balancing sun-soaked beach days with a taste of authentic Andalusian life.

Rooms & Suites

Whether you’re after a cosy Standard Room for a quick getaway or a sprawling Selected Suite with wrap-around terraces and exclusive lounge access (because why not?), El Fuerte has you covered. Many rooms treat you to sweeping sea views, letting you wake up to the Mediterranean’s morning sparkle while sipping your coffee on your terrace. The Superior Doubles strike a perfect balance—elegantly designed, bright, and inviting for couples or solo travellers who appreciate style with comfort.

Pools

There’s no shortage of places to cool off here: three outdoor pools await, including that dreamy adults-only infinity pool perched to soak up uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean horizon. Plenty of sun loungers mean you can secure your spot early and settle in for some serious relaxation.

Dining

Foodies rejoice. The culinary lineup is a highlight in itself: start with Edge by Paco Pérez, the rooftop Michelin-starred haven where fusion cuisine meets unforgettable views. For more casual beachfront vibes, Soleo offers fresh Mediterranean dishes just steps from the sand. And if you fancy a hearty start to your day, Le Marché spoils you with buffet breakfast options and à la carte delights—basically, breakfast dreams come true.

Spa & Wellness

The Clarins Spa is a sanctuary of calm, offering massages starting around €60, along with a sauna, Turkish bath, and a full menu of holistic wellness treatments. Need to keep active? The fully equipped gym overlooks the sea, making your workout a little less torturous and a lot more scenic.

Additional Facilities

Families are well catered for with a supervised kids’ splash pool and playground, plus babysitting available on request (always best to double-check availability). Business travellers won’t feel left out either, thanks to fully equipped meeting rooms. For those driving, secure valet parking is offered, complete with EV charging for about €20 a day. Bike hire is also on hand if you want to explore Marbella like a local.

Insider Tip

If you crave peace and stunning views, I recommend booking one of the high-floor Selected Suites tucked away from the promenade buzz. And here’s a little insider secret: booking directly with the hotel often nets you perks like free breakfast and early check-in—always worth it, right? “From sunrise coffee on my terrace to sunset sangria at Soleo, every moment felt curated for relaxation.”