Puente Romano Swimming pool
By Jean-Paul Cavalletti
Travel & Restaurant Reviewer at DineWithJP
Independent review • Personally visited
After more than 10 years of exploring hotels and restaurants across the globe, I decided to channel my passion for exceptional experiences into honest, detailed reviews. This blog represents what I genuinely discover—the spectacular, the ordinary, and occasionally, the disappointing. For this Hotel Puente Romano Marbella review, I’ll give you a complete, truthful picture of what to expect at this legendary Marbella property.
My taxi pulled up to Hotel Puente Romano in Marbella just as the sun began its descent over the Mediterranean, casting everything in that particular golden light that only happens in southern Spain. Through the entrance, past the valet stand, I could already hear music drifting from somewhere deeper in the property—a DJ mixing something smooth and sultry. But what stopped me wasn’t the music. It was the Roman bridge.
There it stood, barely ten meters from the modern reception building: an actual 1st-century stone bridge that once carried Roman legions along the Via Augusta from Cádiz to Rome. Moss clung to its weathered arches, and bougainvillea tumbled over nearby walls in violent shades of magenta. It was surreal—like someone had dropped an archaeological site into a five-star resort.
Since Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe transformed this land in 1974, Puente Romano has attracted everyone from Björn Borg (who held his wedding here in 1980 and managed the tennis club) to countless celebrities seeking Marbella’s most sophisticated address. Today it sprawls across 14 acres with over 250 rooms, 20+ restaurants, and a reputation that makes it one of Spain’s most talked-about luxury destinations.
Puente Romano is genuinely exceptional in specific ways. It’s also frustratingly inconsistent in others. After three nights, I understood both why people love it and why some leave disappointed. This is what I actually experienced.
The bridge is real—built during the 1st century AD as part of the Via Augusta and now protected as a heritage site. Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, the visionary who essentially created modern luxury Marbella, commissioned Bolivian architect Melvin Villarroel to design apartments here in the early 1970s. Villarroel’s Andalusian village concept—whitewashed buildings, cobblestone paths, tropical gardens—won international recognition.
In 1979, Syrian entrepreneur Mouaffak Al Midani converted the complex into a hotel. The Shamoon family acquired it in 1995 and began the modernization that continues today, adding British interior designer Andrew Martin’s sophisticated touch. In 2017, Nobu Hotel Marbella opened adjacent to the property, creating a dual-hotel concept sharing all facilities.
The Björn Borg connection runs deep. The Swedish tennis legend managed the property’s tennis club in the early 1980s and married here. The 10-court facility hosted Davis Cup matches and still attracts serious players.
What matters more than history, though, is how it feels now: like a sprawling Andalusian pueblo where buildings bear names of Spanish towns—Torremolinos, Istan, Kenya—and finding anything requires either a pleasant garden stroll or a minor crisis of navigation.
Check-in was smooth. The receptionist offered champagne, upgraded me to a “Deluxe Garden Suite,” and arranged for someone to show me the way via golf cart since, as she put it with a knowing smile, “First-time guests always get lost.”
She wasn’t wrong. The property doesn’t follow any logical grid. It’s intentionally maze-like, with paths winding through botanical gardens that feel genuinely tropical. Towering palms, cascading bougainvillea, the sound of water features—it’s beautiful, but it took me a full day to navigate confidently.
My room sat in a building called “Istan,” about a five-minute walk from reception. The golf cart dropped me at what looked like a small Andalusian townhouse with a terracotta-tiled entrance. Charming from the outside.
Inside? Less charming.
The room itself was spacious—maybe 80 square meters with a separate living area, king bed, private terrace overlooking gardens, and yes, all the expected amenities: Nespresso machine, flat-screen TV, decent Wi-Fi. But the bathroom made me pause. The fixtures looked dated, the tiles had that slightly yellowed grout that speaks of age, and the shower pressure was mediocre. The furniture, while comfortable enough, showed wear—nicks in the wood, cushions losing their shape.
This wasn’t what I expected for €720 per night.
I called the concierge. A woman named Arabella answered, listened patiently, and said, “Unfortunately, we’re at capacity this week, but let me see what I can do.” An hour later, she called back: she’d arranged for me to move to a recently refurbished room the following morning, though it would be in a different building. I appreciated her effort—she clearly cared—but it shouldn’t have been necessary.
The Botanical Gardens: A 14-Acre Paradise
Fourteen acres of botanical paradise, with over 400 plant species from six continents. Not the manicured, soulless landscaping you see at some resorts, but lush, mature plantings that create actual shade and genuine beauty. Winding cobblestone paths led past jasmine so fragrant it stopped me mid-walk, under towering date palms, through archways draped in bougainvillea.
I’m not typically a “garden person,” but these were special. They created pockets of cool escape during the afternoon heat, intimate corners for reading, and enough visual variety that every walk revealed something new. The Roman bridge sat at the heart of it all, looking pleasantly out of time.
The Pools: Finding Your Spot
Five pools dot the property. I tried three. The main pool area got crowded quickly—families, groups, music from the pool bar. The adult-only pool near the beach was better: quieter, better maintained, more attentive service. I claimed a lounger there most mornings after discovering that arriving past 9 AM meant slim pickings for good spots.
The Beach: Mediterranean Access
The beach itself has dark sand—typical of the Costa del Sol, not the white powder of the Caribbean. Loungers, towels, umbrellas, and a beach attendant who took drink orders. Service was hit-or-miss; sometimes drinks arrived promptly, other times I waited 30 minutes. The Mediterranean was right there, though—warm, swimmable, genuinely pleasant for a morning swim.
If Hotel Puente Romano has one undeniable strength, it’s the restaurants. With chefs like Nobu Matsuhisa and three-Michelin-star Dani García on property, the culinary program rivals what you’d find exploring Marbella independently—except you never have to leave.
Nobu: Still Delivering After All These Years
I’ve eaten at Nobu locations around the world, so my expectations were calibrated. Executive Chef Eleni Manousou (Nobu’s first female executive chef) runs the Marbella outpost, and she’s maintained the standard.
I ordered the Black Cod Miso—the dish that made Nobu famous—along with Yellowtail with Jalapeño and their Wagyu Tacos. The cod was perfect: flaky, sweet-savory glaze, that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The yellowtail delivered the expected precision. Nothing revolutionary, but nothing disappointing either.
The six-course “Marbella” tasting menu at €120 felt like reasonable value given the quality and location. Wine, though? A basic bottle of Albariño was €85. A glass was €26. That’s where Puente Romano’s pricing starts to sting.
Leña: Dani García’s Fire-Focused Masterpiece
Leña was my favorite meal of the trip.
Dani García closed his three-Michelin-star flagship to focus on more accessible concepts like this—a steakhouse built around Josper grills and live fire. The interior design is stunning: wood, stone, open flames, a primal cave-like atmosphere that somehow feels sophisticated.
I went with their young beef tomahawk, charcoal-roasted vegetables, and García’s famous croquetas. The steak was excellent—smoky crust, perfectly cooked interior, served simply because it didn’t need anything else. The vegetables, though, were the surprise: carrots, onions, peppers transformed through fire into something almost sweet.
Dinner for one with wine came to €140. High, yes, but justified by the quality.
The Rest: COYA, Cipriani & 15+ More
COYA brought Peruvian energy and excellent pisco sours. Cipriani delivered Italian comfort. Thai Gallery, Sea Grill, Les Jardins du Liban—the variety meant I genuinely never felt dining fatigue, even over three nights.
This diversity is Puente Romano’s smartest feature. You’re essentially staying inside a culinary destination.
The Breakfast Problem: Chaos vs. Calm
And then there was breakfast.
Sea Grill serves a buffet spread with quality ingredients: fresh seafood, Mediterranean staples, hot dishes. The room was packed, acoustics amplified noise into a dull roar, and service seemed perpetually overwhelmed. I found a table after waiting ten minutes, grabbed food, and fled within thirty minutes.
Read my article about the 11 Restaurants in Puente Romano to try
La Plaza: The Social Heart
By evening, La Plaza—the central square ringed by restaurants—transformed into Marbella’s see-and-be-seen venue. A DJ spun from a booth near Nobu, groups gathered at outdoor tables, and Claude’s bar served champagne by the bottle to tables of well-dressed internationals.
The energy was undeniable. Vibrant, sophisticated, cosmopolitan. I enjoyed a drink at the bar, people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere.
But here’s the reality: if your room is anywhere near La Plaza, the music carries until 1-2 AM. Bass lines thumped through my first night (before the room change), making sleep difficult. This is a social resort embracing its role as Marbella’s hub. If you want peace and quiet, request accommodations far from the central square.
Six Senses Spa: Pleasant but Not Groundbreaking
The spa occupies a beachfront building with the expected facilities: hammam, saunas, cold plunge, indoor pool, treatment rooms. I booked their signature “Puente Romano Spa Journey”—180 minutes with two therapists working simultaneously.
It was fine. Not transcendent, not disappointing, just fine. The therapists were professional, products were high-quality (Swissline and Subtle Energies), and the Mediterranean-facing treatment room had lovely views. But at €380 for the treatment, I expected something more memorable.
The thermal area was compact and felt crowded when I visited in the late morning. The indoor pool was pleasant but small. Everything was clean, well-maintained, and unremarkable.
The Gardens and Grounds
This is where Puente Romano justifies its reputation. Fourteen acres of mature botanical beauty creating a genuine oasis. The most photographed, praised, consistently impressive feature. Winding paths through 400+ plant species, the Roman bridge, water features—it’s genuinely special and differentiates this property from conventional luxury hotels.
The Dining Program
Over 20 restaurants with celebrity chefs delivering diverse, high-quality cuisine. The convenience of walking from your room to Michelin-level food in minutes is genuinely valuable. Whether you want Japanese precision at Nobu, Peruvian fire at COYA, or Italian comfort at Cipriani, the variety prevents dining fatigue even during extended stays.
The Location
Positioned between Marbella Old Town (3 km) and Puerto Banús (2 km) with private beach access on the Golden Mile—it’s genuinely convenient without being overrun by tourists. You can explore independently or stay cocooned within the resort.
La Plaza’s Energy
If you value vibrant social scenes, the evening atmosphere is sophisticated and genuinely fun. Top-tier DJs, creative cocktails at Claude’s bar, and an international crowd create that elusive combination of elegance and energy.
Inconsistent Room Quality
This is the deal-breaker. At €600-900+ per night, guests shouldn’t face a quality lottery. Some rooms are beautifully refurbished; others look dated and worn with aging bathrooms, thin walls, and proximity to noise sources. Request recently renovated accommodations explicitly when booking, and confirm in writing.
The Relentless Pricing
Everything feels marked up. €26 glasses of wine. €35-45 breakfast buffets. €15 bicycle rentals. €150+ dinners. Three nights easily costs €3,000-5,000 for a couple, with charges accumulating into territory where the math stops making sense for value-conscious travelers.
Breakfast Execution Failure
Despite quality offerings, the buffet execution is poor—crowded, noisy, disorganized service. For a property at this price point, starting each day in such conditions feels like a significant service gap.
Noise from La Plaza
The social energy that attracts some guests repels others. Music until 1-2 AM carries across portions of the property. Light sleepers and those seeking peaceful retreats will struggle.
Hotel Puente Romano occupies a strange space. It’s genuinely impressive in specific dimensions—those gardens, that dining program, the Golden Mile location. And it’s frustratingly mediocre in others—room inconsistency, breakfast execution, relentless pricing.
Would I return? Maybe, but only if I could guarantee a refurbished room and had a specific reason: a tennis clinic, a food-focused trip where I’d eat at every restaurant, a social weekend with friends. I wouldn’t choose it for a romantic escape or a peaceful retreat.
The resort has earned its reputation through real strengths. But it’s maintained that reputation despite real weaknesses that management seems slow to address. For €3,000-5,000+ over three nights, I expect more consistency across every dimension of the experience.
Go in with clear expectations, request the right accommodations, budget for high costs, and embrace the vibrant atmosphere—and Puente Romano can deliver a memorable Marbella stay. Just don’t expect perfection. This is sophisticated, social, botanical luxury with beautiful highs and frustrating inconsistencies.
This Resort Works For:
Skip It If:
Address & Location
Rates & Best Time to Visit
Booking Advice
What’s Included vs. Extra Costs
Included:
Not Included (Budget Accordingly):
Other Practical Details
Is breakfast included at Puente Romano?
No, breakfast is not automatically included in most room rates. The buffet breakfast at Sea Grill costs €35-45 per person. Some room packages may include breakfast—confirm when booking. I’d recommend ordering room service for a more pleasant morning experience, as the buffet can be chaotic.
Are pets allowed at Puente Romano?
Yes, pets are welcome in specific rooms. Dogs and cats up to 5 kg are allowed for an additional fee of €20 per pet, per night. Pet amenities like bowls and baskets are provided. You must request a pet-friendly room when booking.
Is there a kids club at Puente Romano?
Yes, La Casita Kids Club operates during school holidays (Easter, summer, Christmas, UK half terms). It’s complimentary for children ages 4-10, open Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Activities include treasure hunts, crafts, magic shows, pool parties, and escape room games. Children under 4 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Babysitting is available from €15-25 per hour (24-hour advance booking required).
Is parking available and is it free?
Yes, free self-parking is available on-site with no reservation needed. Valet parking is also offered (tips expected). This is one area where the resort doesn’t charge extra, which is refreshing.
What is the check-in and check-out time?
Standard check-in is 3:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM (noon). Early check-in and late checkout are available upon request based on availability. Late checkout typically costs €150. I paid for early check-in but still waited hours for my room—request confirmation in writing.
Is there a shuttle service to/from Málaga Airport?
Airport shuttle service is available for an additional charge (not complimentary). Expect to pay €80-120 for a private car transfer. The drive takes 35-40 minutes. Shared shuttles cost €25-40 per person. Book through the concierge or arrange independently.
Can I use the facilities if I stay at Nobu Hotel Marbella?
Yes, guests at the adjacent Nobu Hotel Marbella have full access to all Puente Romano facilities, including pools, beach, spa, tennis club, restaurants, and La Plaza. It’s a dual-hotel concept sharing all amenities.
Are there dress codes at the restaurants?
Casual attire is fine during the day. In the evening, smart-casual is expected at restaurants—no beachwear, shorts, or flip-flops at dinner venues like Nobu, Leña, or COYA. You don’t need suits or formal dresses, but elevated casual (nice jeans with smart shoes, summer dresses) fits the atmosphere.
How far is Puente Romano from Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banús?
The resort sits on the Golden Mile, equidistant from both:
Can I book restaurant reservations before arrival?
Yes, and I strongly recommend it. Flagship restaurants like Nobu, Leña, and COYA fill up 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season. Contact the concierge immediately after booking your room to secure preferred dining times.
Is the resort adults-only?
No, Puente Romano welcomes families and children. There’s a dedicated children’s pool, La Casita Kids Club, and family suites. However, there are adult-only pool areas if you’re seeking quieter spaces.
Is the Six Senses Spa included in the room rate?
No, spa access and treatments are not included. Access to basic facilities (sauna, steam room, pools) may be complimentary for hotel guests, but treatments require separate booking and payment. Expect €150-400 for most treatments.
Are there minimum stay requirements?
Yes, during peak summer season (July 7 to August 26), there’s typically a 5-night minimum stay. Other times of year, minimums vary—check when booking.
Jean-Paul Cavalletti is a travel and restaurant reviewer and the founder of
DineWithJP. Based in the UK, he specialises in independent reviews of luxury hotels,
restaurants, bars, food markets, and destination dining across Europe.
All reviews published on DineWithJP are written from first-hand experience, with a focus on food quality,
service, atmosphere, and value — always independently and without editorial influence.
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