Is it hot enough mid/late june in Marbella to swim? Can anyone recommend a fantastic hotel in Marbella? 4-5 star on the beach is preferred, or a really fantastic apartment complex i should look to rent in?
Thanks. We are also interested in Puerto Banus and would prefer to stay on the beach rather than in the golf resorts as we dont golf. Thanks

We were in Marbella in late April and it was warm enough to swim - low/mid 80's. The two luxe resorts I know in the area are the Puente Romano and the Marbella Club - but have not been there in 4/5 years. (These are not in Marbella proper - but on the coast road towards Puerto Banus.)

Puerto Banus seemd to be primarily apartments and a deluxe marina - and while a cute area to eat/shop - I don;t know if I would stay there.

We prefer to stay in the Elveria section of Marbella, rather than Puerto Banus, because it is a quieter, less congested area. Its beach is very nice. As with all Spanish beaches, topless is standard.

That said, there are hundreds of apartments that are avaiable to rent and this is the way I would go. Naturally the most expensive will be the "first line beach", with the next lines being more affordable. Almost all of them will have a magnificent pool, if you prefer fresh to salt water. Anything on the south side of the motorway will always be a less than 5 minute walk to the beach. On the north side of the highway are tons of places, with much lower rates, but a longer walk, and in some cases, a drive to the beach.

One caveat, is that many of these rentals follow the European holiday schedule by requiring a 2 week rental. You can usually find a one week, but your choices narrow. In almost all cases, the rental will be saturday to saturday.

If you can't do the standard schedule, you may have to default to a hotel. I would suggest the Hotel Don Carlos.

thank you very much for the information. How far is it from Marbella to puerto banus? Is the distance very near so that if you want to go to dinner or shop/tour around during the day it is easy?

I strongly advise you to stay at the Puente Romano Hotel. I have stayed there often and love it. Don't miss their buffet lunch in the restaurant overlooking the ocean. Absolutely amazing and delicious! Also, be sure to rent a car while there, you will need it.You will get wonderful weather in June, not excessively hot but very good usually. My advice is not staying in Marbella city, no good 5 stars hotels and very touristic.
Have a wonderful stay!

grylgrl, I agree with Tere about renting a car. Its easy driving, especially in June (high season is July/August). Last summer we got a great rate from: http://spain.auto-rental.net/ at the Malaga airport.

This link takes you to a series of maps that I found helpfull. You'll see ver detailed maps of Puerto Banus, Marbella and the specific link for the area east of Marbella, where Elveria is: http://properties-select.com/Spain/C...opmapeast.html

I don't know anything about the Puente Romano Hotel though.

thanks for the recommendation as well as the car rental link. i think renting a car will definitely be the way to go. I appreciate the recommendations and am starting to be excited about my trip! One last question how far is the alhambra from marbella area, or is there any other side trip you highly recommend.

does anyone know las dunas hotel in the area.. it looks great from the site.

Hi -

We stayed at Las Dunas two years ago, before it was taken over by Sofitel and it was excellent! The rooms were very nice, the hotel great and the beach/pool/garden were fabulous!! It is as gorgeous in person as it is online. Don't forget to try their sangria - top notch!!

Is the location central? easy to airport, puerto banus/marbella to go do things or is it pretty remote? thanks for the recommendation. It looks really really beautiful

The location is in Estepona, which is west of Marbella/Puerto Banus. We had rented a car, but took taxis to Puerto Banus & Marbella since we wanted to be able to have a couple drinks. I don't remember the taxis being too much....totally worth it to be able to relax and enjoy ourselves.

We've stayed at the Marriott Marbella Beach Resort twice and LOVED it. It's on the beach, goregeous facility, very helpful staff, and is a great location for day trips to the wonderful sites in the area. You would need a car at this location as it's out of town.