Marbella is the perfect place for a quick getaway – my sisters and I are always heading there to get our fill of Vitamin D. As a frequent holidaymaker there, I love recommending hotels to friends and fellow HELLO! readers.
El Fuerte I’ve been wanting to visit this famous hotel ever since I found out about its €31 million renovation, and when it’s in a perfect location like El Fuerte, nothing beats visiting a shiny new place.
Although this hotel is on the waterfront, it is within walking distance of the charming winding streets of the old town. Built on the site of an old fortress dating back to 1554, this building is steeped in history and is one of the oldest hotels in Marbella.
Since it opened in 1955, it has been a destination for A-list guests, including Walt Disney (who walked his dog Pluto on the nearby beach), poet Rafael Alberti, and actresses Diana Dors and Penélope Cruz.
© El FuerteLet’s take a closer look at each positive aspect, including first impressions, rooms, food, entertainment, and more.
First impressions of El Fuerte
After a 50 minute journey from Malaga airport, we arrived at El Fuerte where we were greeted enthusiastically by lovely staff. As soon as we entered the lobby the scent was amazing and check-in was very quick. We had the impression that we had walked into a 5 star luxury hotel.
© El FuerteNow, let’s head to our room…
El Fuerte Rooms
Just wow! The rooms are amazing. Under the direction of the award-winning Jaime Beriestain Studio, the hotel’s interiors have been pared down to a sleeker, more contemporary design, with Andalusian influences throughout and hand-carved ornaments and artwork by local artisans.
© El FuerteMy sister and I stayed in a room with a sea view on the 4th floor. We loved everything about the room (although the shower was a little tricky to use at first): double sinks, high tech toilet, amazing hot tub, and a great bed. It really felt like a great space to get ready for the night or just relax in the afternoon. We were sad to leave!
© El FuerteThis room gave us exclusive access to the Club Lounge, which is perfect for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine or two with some snacks before dinner. It’s free for all Club guests. Sure, you pay a higher price up front, but it saves you money in the long run. It’s also a great way to meet friends and other vacationers.
© El FuerteEl Fuerte cuisine
When it comes to food, the options are plentiful, including Mediterranean haute cuisine at Le Marché, rooftop Edge by Paco Pérez (a three-star Michelin Spanish chef), Middle Eastern-inspired dishes at Levante, and the hotel’s charming chiringuito, Soleo.
© El FuerteI was extremely impressed with the breakfast, I have stayed in many 5 star hotels and this breakfast area looks beautiful and you can see the team working hard to make sure it feels clean for all guests.
© El FuerteMy favorite restaurant in El Fuerte is Soleo. This beachfront restaurant has it all: sumptuous Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, whispering angels on ice, an Instagram-worthy red and white striped theme, and amazing staff ready to cater to your every need. Oh, and let’s not forget the views!
© El FuerteIs El Fuerte a good hotel for families with children?
Although it’s not exactly a hotel aimed directly at young children, it’s sure to be a lovely place to stay if you do decide to stay there, and many of the reviews I’ve read praise the hotel’s kids club.
The Olive Club is the hotel’s kids’ club, where little ones can enjoy customized entertainment from the hotel’s “animators.” It is aimed at children aged 4 to 12 and runs from July to August.
I didn’t see many children while I was there (it was UK term time), but there were teenagers – that said, I mostly spent time sunbathing in the hotel’s adults-only pool.
El Fuerte Spa
The other place I find myself is the spa – of course!
© El FuerteThere is an amazing spa with hydra pool, sauna, treatment rooms, gym and treatments by Clarins. I couldn’t resist the energy boosting massage and felt so good after it.
lastly
El Fuerte is a great choice if you’re going to Marbella. It’s perfect for those who want a luxury hotel but still have the freedom to explore the surrounding area. The contemporary rooms are very spacious and a pleasure to stay in. The bathroom is stocked with premium Molton Brown products (the best!). Although, I would like a more premium hairdryer and a proper full-length mirror in future. Overall, I’ll definitely come back next summer!
Double rooms start from €468 per night, for the best prices book through booking.com, Thomas Cook or Jet2Holidays.
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