As part of our trip to Spain next October, we wil be meeting some friends in the Malaga area but do not have to stay in Malaga. We would like to stay in a town or resort that if possible has some Spanish character. We would like to stay west of Malaga somewhat on the ocean or close to. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as this was not originally planned when we originally planned our trip. Thank you.

Hi kakiebell,
What level of hotel would you like? A 5 or a 4 star? Boutique hotel or a resort?
There still a bit of Spanish character in Marbella's Old Quarter and some boutique properties there. In Puerto Banús (not nearly as posh these days as it used to be) there are just international type resort hotels-ditto to Estepona. (and I just read today that the staff at Las Dunas was planning to strike because they had not been paid since last November!!, so I certainly wouldn't recommend that luxury resort!

And does it need to be ON the coast or would you be willing to go up into the hills above Estepona to find that Spanish flavor, what little of it remains.

We are open to either a resort or a boutique hotel and do not have to be on the coast. Actually going into the hills might be more relaxing and not as crowded I am assuming?
I have no idea of the cost along the costa del sol area but something around 300 Euro a day. If the place would be a one in a lifetime place, we would pay more. Marbella might be a nice place to settle and do some day trips.
Thank you for your quick response.

We really enjoyed Marbella. We were lucky enough to be invited to someone's fantastic home with pool, etc.. short walk to beach.
But, Old Town is so much fun! Great restaurants, the marina has some fantastic options too. There are large chain Hotels such as Marriott properties and some nice smaller boutique Hotels so you have options.
It is a great place to People watch....

If I were to choose any hotel in Marbella's Old Town, I'd choose the Claude Marbella that would fit your price range. It's a member of Chic Retreats.
www.hotelclaudemarbella.com

Others like the Villa Marbella and The Town House.
www.townhouse.nu
www.lavillamarbella.com

As for international type resort hotels just west of Marbella, on the "Golden Mile", there's the legendary Marbella Club, a Leading Hotel of the World. Don't know how it's faring these days, but it's been "THE Golden Mile jetsetter resort for decades. And lots of celebrities now flock to another Leading Hotel of the World, the Gran Hotel Guadalpín Byblos Spa.
www.lhw.com

If you're willing to get out of the congestion of the coastal area and go up to the hills, you might consider the Fountainhead Retreat Hotel which is also represented by
www.chicretreats.com, www.i-escape.com, and www.innsofspain.com

kakiebell,
As annesherrod notes, Marbella would be more lively and certainly with plenty of nice dining options so that you're not confined to dining at your resort hotel.

Just a note, La Villa Marbella, despite its Trip Advisor popularity, may be more modest than what you're seeking.

The area's very best gastronomic dining venue can be found at Calima (chef Dani García, formerly of Ronda's Tragabuches) inside the Gran Meliá Don Pepe, a 5 star Grand Lux property.
www.solmelia.com