Marbella, SpainOld Town
Hotel Claude Marbella
Restored Andalusian townhouse
Restored Andalusian townhouse
Seven bedrooms surround a quiet central courtyard, giving this seventeenth-century townhouse the easy rhythm of a private home.
“Public spaces impress with wrought iron railings, stacks of books and magazines in several languages, and plush sofas.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Peaked timbered ceilings and Moorish arches set above sleek modern bathroom fixtures.
Notable
A restored seventeenth-century townhouse that once hosted French empress Eugénie de Montijo.
Notable
Rooms detailed with Arabic-style tiling and green palettes honoring Jaén olive groves.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
It occupies a 17th-century mansion, and it’s been extensively renovated in a style that seems uniquely Spanish.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Cobbled alleys twist outward from Calle San Francisco, leading past whitewashed walls to nearby Plaza Santo Cristo.
The rooms
Peaked timber ceilings rise over Moorish arches, and bathrooms are tiled in deep olive greens.
Restaurant
The Dining Room
Marble tables sit beneath coffered timber ceilings, where the kitchen turns out Mediterranean tapas and dinners booked in advance.
At the table
Guests mix drinks at the library honesty bar. Upstairs, breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace beneath striped awnings.
How it began
French opera singer Claude Devoize bought the house in the 1970s, hosting music salons that gave the hotel its name.
Marbella
More like this
La Fonda Heritage Hotel, Relais & Châteaux
“Restored Andalusian heirloom”
El Fuerte Marbella
“Beachfront fortress resort”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.