Marriott Marbella Beach Resort
 

My husband and I are trying to plan a trip for the beginning of August and we'd like to use Marriott rewards points. I was in Malaga several years ago and spent time on the Costa del Sol. I went to Nerja, Marbella, Torremolinos, Granada, etc. and remember loving the trip. So...we're considering staying at the Marriott in Marbella mainly to just relax at the beach, drink sangria, and eat Paella...and then also possibly take a few day trips. I remember loving Nerja, but unfortunately there is no Marriott there. I remember Marbella and the beautiful yaghts but I'm worried that it's too much of a scene there. I know it's definitely more expensive then some of the neighboring towns, but I'm wondering if we're going to be able to relax and just enjoy the beach in Spain if we stay in Marbella. Anyone know what the scene is like and what we might expect? Thanks!

Yachts :)

Marriott has it's own beach, you wouldn't be on the 'city' beach so to speak.

It's a lovely resort. But, I was there in February one year (and it was warm enough to go buy some shorts to sit on the beach), don't know what August would be like...

I guess if you like Miami Beach you'll love the Marbella Beach Resort and the surrounding area.

It will be very hot in August and crowded.

We were there last year. Did all day trips, Tangier (private guide) Gibraltar to see the apes, Mijas, Granada, great to come back to the beach every day. Loved having so much space.

what other beaches would you recommend and Spain and from those locations what other areas could be explored for day trips etc. Also considering a trip to Spain in which I would like to split a week sight seeing, perhaps at several locations ending with 4 days at a beautiful beach that we can swim in and lay out by.

I presume you checked to see if there was point availability. Both properties in Marbella are timeshare vacation clubs. As it is high season, if you haven't already reserved on points it may difficult.

We've stayed at Marriots Marbella Beach Resort twice. The beach is narrow but well maintained. It is also near the largest of several swimming pools if you prefer to swim in fresh water.

There is a small shop which offers fresh croissants, plain and chocolate, and other pastries every morning. Just across the highway, there is a small shopping center with a supermarket and bakery.

It is but a half an hour drive to Porto Banus. We highly recommend Pizza Picasso. There is a large Corte Ingles there, with additional food and specialty shopping (27 kinds of ham) as well clothing and other goods.

The staff will arrange tours of the Alhambra if you wish. That can be done with a bus or you can drive yourself. A car is an essential. We have driven to Seville for a day trip, but I think that was too much driving in one day. It is an easy day trip to Ronda and a short drive to Mijas. NOT Mijas Costa. You can also do an easy day trip to Malaga, which has an interesting old city as well as a comprehensive Picasso Museum.

If you are into historical sights, you may want to make a trip to Gibraltar. That is the only reason to go. We found it interesting but have no intention of ever going back. The food on the peninsula is typical of English food of 30 years ago. We sustained ourselves with ice cream.

Two other day trips to consider are Cordoba and Cadiz.