Marbella has carefully cultivated its image over recent years as Spain's answer to St Tropez, a place for jet-setters and film stars, a glitzy playground for the rich and famous. But, in our opinion, it's much more down-to-earth than that, a town with genuine Spanish character and individuality, a seaside resort par excellence with a lot going for it.
And where better to stay than at "Hotel Finlandia", an unpretentious but friendly little hotel owned and run by a local family in the very heart of the town.
It couldn't be better located. Just a short stroll away are some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, not to mention bars and restaurants galore! In the opposite direction, the main street with its international shops and fashion boutiques is even closer. Cross over this street and you will find yourself in the lovely old part of town, El Casco Antiguo, a labyrinth of traditional buildings, small shops, art galleries and pretty squares. The restaurants and tavernas here are a hub of activity throughout the day and, when they close, some very trendy bars and nightclubs spring into life!
"Hotel Finlandia" is a rare find simply because it's not just another soulless, commercial hotel. José, the owner, was born and bred in Marbella and knows it intimately. But he has also traveled the world, speaks perfect English and was a successful photographer before choosing to return to his home town to bring up his young family. He runs the hotel with the help of his father and a staff of two.
There are just eleven rooms (three double bedded, eight twin bedded). All are neatly furnished, clean and comfortable, and all have TV, WiFi internet connectivity and en-suite bathrooms. The hotel only has one star, so don't expect room or porter services here, just decent accommodation in a friendly environment in the heart of town. There's no restaurant but who needs one when there are are a multitude to choose from in the streets around and about. And breakfast is always best taken in a local cafe / bar which serves local people.
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Here, in the centre of Marbella, homes and shops intermingle to create the atmosphere of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan town. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, ranging from exclusive cordon bleu to little street bars with authentic flavour. International cuisine - indian, chinese, greek, argentinean, persian - you name it, is readily available as are the usual selection of ubiquitous fast food joints. But Marbella comes into its own, above all, for its wonderful fresh fish restaurants. Traditional seafood favourites like sardines on a spit, fried fish and paella should not be missed.
Within five minutes from the hotel, you can take a horse and carriage and travel around town in style, relax in one of Marbella's shady parks or just take a stroll along Avenida del Mar, arguably one of the most delightful promenades on the Costa. Flanked by quality restaurants and bars it is mercifully free of the more crass trappings all to often prevalent in coastal resorts.
Marbella has a marvelous micro-climate, many claim it's the best of all, and a coastline to match, some 26 kilometres of sunny beaches bathed by the Mediterranean Sea. There's something to suit everyone here, with live music, theatre and shows, casinos and clubs, not to mention just about every sporting activity under the sun.
And then there's the ultimate in coastal charisma, Puerto Banús, just west of the town. This is the place to be "seen", yachtside of course. The rest of us can happily watch this world go by or indulge in a little window shopping at one of the fashion houses or boutiques. Needless to say, nightlife is buzzing here with alfresco bars, piano clubs and discos which are open dusk until dawn.
Immediately inland the spectacular "La Concha" mountain towers in the background. Communications are excellent with motorways taking you quickly along the coast, whether east (towards Málaga) or west (to Gibraltar and Tarifa). And spectacular roads climb up into and through the mountains and then on to Ronda and other magical parts of Andalucia's rural hinterland.
When is the best time to come to Marbella? If you want it hot, with all the thrills and spills of the Costa, then come in July and August, but these are busy months with prices usually hiked up to match. Many prefer the calmer, quieter Marbella of Spring and Autumn. And with such a temperate climate, don't rule out the winter months either.
Whatever time of year you prefer, you will always find a courteous and friendly welcome at "Hotel Finlandia", a very reasonably priced and friendly starting point for your adventures in Marbella. These will start as soon as you step outside the front door!
