Rodrigo Soldon via Flickr

In the 60s the Costa del Sol was the Spanish package holiday destination. While it's still has the sun, sandy beaches, friendly Mediterranean climate and lively resorts, these days the Costa del Sol has also begun to promote its culture just as much as the idyllic weather. And there's definitely light under this bushel. The Costa del Sol's accommodation options have also expanded beyond package resorts and these days some of the best hotels on the Costa del Sol include chic boutique options, eco fincas and charming guesthouses.

Andrew Hurley via Flickr

Capital of the region, Málaga is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you're here for the culture and history as well as the sunshine. Don't be put off by the 'airport hub' first impression, at Málaga's heart is a beautiful historic centre and all the wonderful history you might expect from an old Mediterranean port city. There has been a lot of investment in recent years and this has meant the opening of several new museums and extensive restoration of 'the pretty bits'. Málaga also has some of the region's best tapas bars.

Flickr user Ian

It's not just Málaga, many of the Costa del Sol's resorts have charming old town centres - much maligned Marbella included. Once a whitewashed fishing village, Marbella's Old Town is a fascinating blend of Andalucían and Moorish cultures which is especially obvious in the colourful floral displays and narrow streets.

This part of Andalucía is also known for its numerous, pretty, white hilltop villages, including the old 'white village' of Mijas. All these villages and old town centres have fantastic regular markets, one of the most notable at Benahavis.

Flickr user Kamyar Adl

If you're looking for a glitzy break, Puerto Banus is marketed as Spain's St. Tropez. The area around a luxury marina, just south of Marbella, this is the best place to stay in the Costa del Sol if you want to be wowed by super-yachts and sports cars. This is the patch where the wealthy, famous and royal have been papped. They're here for the sun, endless rows of high-end designer boutiques and the endless supply of excellent restaurants and strip of famous bars and clubs.

Flickr user Tomas Fano

If you want to appreciate the area's natural beauty beyond the coastline take a trip on the Benalmádena Aerial Cable Car, which takes visitors 800 meters over Costa del Sol, soaring through the air to Mount Calamorro. Or you could visit the El Torcal Natural Area, a striking landscape of bizarre limestone formations from 150 million years ago.

If you're looking for some of the Costa del Sol's more unique cultural offerings, the Picasso Museum in the Los Condes de Buenavista and the Royal Riding School of Ronda are two institutions worth visiting.
And if you're looking for something even more unique you're only a short drive from the monkeys of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Robert Pittman via Flickr

Just don't forget that this is a very popular destination, especially during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol during July or August, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The 15 Best Hotels on the Costa del Sol, Spain

The Best Hotels on the Costa del Sol for a City Break

The Hotel Carabeo is a decadently decorated hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea. There are some lovely antiques, as well as four poster beds. And several of the seven rooms have private terraces. The food is excellent, and very Spanish.

The Town House is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you like things whitewashed and unfussy. It's very close to Marbella's Plaza de los Naranjos and the Old Town.

Room Mate Larios in central Málaga is a lovely townhouse with a sunny outlook and a fantastic rooftop terrace and bar. It's a short stroll from all the highlights and consistently excellent.

The Best Beach Hotels on the Costa del Sol

The Hotel Puente Romano is a Grand Andalucian seafront luxury hotel, with pretty much everything you need for the perfect beach break: a private beach, tennis courts, a spa, a kid's club and a choice of restaurants. And of course bright, but luxurious interiors.

The Posada del Patio is a good five star hotel close to all Málaga's highlights. It also has rooms with private balconies and a fabulous rooftop terrace and an excellent restaurant. So you have great views and great beach access.

The Best Luxury Hotels on the Costa del Sol

Hotel Claude is a beautifully restored 17th Century townhouse converted into just seven suites. One of the first really nice boutique-y hotels in Marbella, the Hotel Claude is also one of the most romantic places to stay on the Costa del Sol.

As well as having its own golf course and spa, the Marbella Club also offers tennis and horse riding. And it has its own beach, so this is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you're looking for the perfect resort holiday. In the summer there's a kid's club.

Finca Cortesin is a truly magnificent stay - boasting gorgeous accommodation, a golf course, extensive spa facilities and wonderful cuisine - including one Michelin-starred option.

The Best Family Hotels on the Costa del Sol

Casa la Concha is a set of chic, little B&B cottages set on a hilltop above Marbella. Quiet, relaxed and green, with lovely views of the Mediterranean, this is a great place for families because you have your own cottage to yourself.

The Petit Palace Plaza in central Málaga is a lovely old townhouse on a charming cobbled street, but inside its rooms are modern and brightly decorated. And its got views of the cathedral.

Hotel Palacio Blanco offers whitewashed suites furnished in a contemporary style - ideal for family getaways. Plus, there are a range of spa treatments on offer and an outdoor pool by which to relax during the day.

The Best Hotels on the Costa del Sol to Relax

Located in the hilltop village of Benahavis, Amanhavis Hotel offers 9 charming rooms with wooden four posters and rustic decor. With an outdoor pool and restaurant serving up lovely regional cuisine, it's a top choice for a quiet retreat.

The Best Value Hotels on the Costa del Sol

La Villa Marbella is a charming boutique hotel tucked away in the city's old town. Featuring lovely rooms and a gorgeous roof terrace, it's a great place to unwind in the heart of Marbella.

Room Mate Larios in central Málaga is a lovely townhouse with a sunny outlook and a fantastic rooftop terrace and bar. It's a short stroll from all the highlights and consistently excellent.

If you haven't found your idea of the best hotels on the Costa del Sol on our Guru's list of the 15 Best Hotels on the Costa del Sol, Spain, you could:

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in the Costa de la Luz? or the best seaside hotels in Andalucía? or all the best places to stay in Andalucia?
• Or you could refine your search to just the best places to stay in Málaga? or the best places to stay in Marbella?
• Alternatively, feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

The 15 Best Hotels on the Costa del Sol, Spain

 

Written by Sarah Empson

posted Tuesday, 7th May 2019