Fodor's Expert Review Marbella Club

The grande dame of Marbella hotels offers luxurious rooms, tropical grounds, and sky-high rates; the sense of seclusion is emphasized by its lofty palm trees, dazzling flower beds, and a beachside tropical pool area. It was a creation of the late Alfonso von Hohenlohe, a Mexican-Austrian aristocrat who helped turn the town into a playground for the rich and famous. The bungalow rooms vary in size, but come with fully fitted kitchens and their own gardens, and some have private pools. The main restaurant has a classy, eclectic menu of modern Mediterranean cuisine; if you don't want to eat here, stop by for a cocktail in the piano bar (open in the summer).