Don Carlos Marbella

Absolutely love this hotel. So much so, we couldn’t wait to come back again, five months later. We last visited at the end of last season in October and have returned at the start of this season in March.

Catching up with the best team at the Don Carlos hotel is like reuniting with dear friends. Most of whom have also just returned from their off-season breaks. We received the warmest welcome from everyone. Patricia from guest experiences and Luz from breakfast are so cheery and helpful each morning. The best poolside team, Nahuel, Facundo, Paul the barman, the life guard and all the guys at the poolside restaurant, Sol y Sombra.

We were thrilled with a room upgrade to an amazing spa suite with south facing ocean views! The spa is definitely worth a visit to relax the body and mind. It is fully equipped and a bliss experience. A facial with Sonia comes with the highest recommendations. Wow, such a wonderful experience. It is clear she is highly skilled, with a wealth of knowledge to create a fully holistic experience that your body and skin will thank you for. I had an Inhibit facial, chosen by Hollywood stars prior to the Oscars!

We have thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtful upgrades the hotel has made since our last trip. The welcome sweet treats and champagne for guests at check-in and the expansion of the Manero bar.

The Manero bar is set in a beautiful courtyard. Such a wonderful setting, it is truly an oasis within an oasis. Thoughtful landscaped and elegantly furnished. We recommend going for lunch and allowing Francesco to design you a mini tasting menu, showcasing the local region’s finest cuisine. Big shoutouts to the rest of the Manero team who take pride in making all their guests have a wonderful experience: Alpredo (another familiar face from last season), Mila, Ester and Patricia. Compliments to the chefs Maicos, Desiree, Italy and Antonio, who really know what they are doing!

Manero is also an excellent setting for an aperitif and dinner. When the sun goes down and the courtyard lights up with outdoor fire heaters, tea lights and fairy lights to showcase the stunning horticulture: lemon, kumquat and olive trees, climbing wisteria, palm trees and a huge array of plantation. This venue is worth a trip even for guests visiting from outside the hotel.

We observed further hotel developments for us to look forward to during our next visit. With the hotly anticipated opening of the Manero restaurant, with its ocean facing terrace. In addition to a new large, state of the art gym, and children’s outdoor area, complete with a water park and kids playground.

This hotel is very guest centric, so much focus is put on ensuring their guests are well taken care of. Can’t wait to come back!

First things first: this is not a sponsored or "bought" 5-star review, but a genuine account of a long-time returning guest. Having frequented the Don Carlos Resort and The Oasis for years, I was deeply saddened by its long closure for renovations. However, returning this March 2026, I can safely say it was worth the wait.

The transformation is a complete success. The rooms are more beautiful than ever, balancing luxury with comfort. The redesigned lobby is an absolute dream, and the hotel bar has evolved into a modern masterpiece—it's the perfect "jewelry box" of the resort.

What impressed me most wasn't the new paint or furniture, but the fact that the hotel managed to retain its wonderful staff after such a long hiatus. Seeing those familiar faces again is what creates that special "Don Carlos charm."

The warm, genuine, and "refreshingly normal" way the staff interacts with guests is unique in the world of luxury hospitality. It’s a heartfelt togetherness that makes you feel at home rather than just another booking number.

After all these years, the Don Carlos remains my number one destination for perfect service in a first-class ambiance. It has successfully preserved its soul while modernizing its look.

The only downside to mention is the significant price increase following the renovation. While the rates now align with high-end international standards, it is certainly an investment. You have to be able to afford it, but perhaps that is the price for something truly extraordinary.

Verdict: If you are looking for excellence and a "home away from home" feeling, this is it. It’s good to have you back!

We booked a paddle court for an hour. The staff were very helpful and welcoming..The facilities were excellent and nothing was any problem for them, especially Maggie who explained everything and showed us around. Great facilities and great staff!

Have played Tennis regularly over the winter here, good facilities and well kept clay courts. Prices have gone up ridiculously recently, totally out of sync to other comparable nearby clubs. Up to 4 times more expensive to rent a court!! So, I give 4 stars to the club and the 5th is for the staff. I regularly dealt with Maggie who I’ve always found to be very professional, warm and attentive!

I came to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre and it was a brilliant experience from start to finish. Maggy was fantastic in helping me book a lesson and tailoring it to exactly what I was looking for.

The lesson itself was excellent - David was a great coach and I learned so much in a short space of time. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Marbella, whether you’re a beginner or already play regularly.

We had a fantastic stay at the Don Carlos Hotel. The property has been recently upgraded and everything about it is completely on point – from the beautiful rooms to the pools and overall facilities.

What really makes this hotel really special, however, is the staff. A very sincere thank you to the “Guest Relations Team” and all the other staff in the hotel. They are without doubt the best part of the experience. The service was exceptional and nothing was ever a problem for them.

Wonderful hotel and very high quality service!
I had such a great experience at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Marbella !
The atmosphere is so welcoming (thank you Maggy), the facilities are fantastic, and the coaching was truly top-level. Special thanks to David, who brilliantly managed to fix my very original one-hand backhand. 🙂
The tips I got made an immediate difference, and the sessions felt fun, motivating, and super professional!
"Under the ball" will definitely stay with me! 🙂
It’s a place that makes you want to come back, and that says everything.

My husband and I just returned from a week at Rafa Nadal’s Tennis Academy at the Don Carlos Resort in Marbella, Spain. We highly recommend the facility and coaching. David was our instructor for most of the week but we also had lessons from Yohan and Enrique. The coaching staff are excellent. The two hour lessons were fast-paced and challenging and a lot of fun. The coaches had high expectations and sequenced the lessons to build on previous learning. The facilities are beautiful and the clay is perfect. The fitness are is spacious and fully equipped.
Shout out to all of the welcoming reception staff including Maggy and Roman.

Having stayed at the Beachhouse 2 years previous we decided to try the Don Carlos thinking there would be more dining options for lunch or snacks so we didn’t have to leave the hotel however we were wrong. Dinner in the restaurant on our first evening was incredible, the food the view and the staff were exceptional. The lunchtime options however were snacks around the pool which may have worked if there had been enough staff to meet the demand of everyone around the pool. One day I waited over 30 mins to try and catch someone just to get some water, I went to the bar and the said they’d send someone over, I waited another 10 mins then went back to the bar as I was so dehydrated and they eventually gave me a drink. This was the same daily trying to get drinks around the pool area was a nightmare. Due to this we had to go into the poolside restaurant daily for food which wasn’t that successful either. Day 1 I was brought the wrong drink but that wasnt an issue, day 2 I was brought the wrong drink and wrong meal meaning I waited 30 mins after my husband had finished before my correct meal was brought out. Day 3 my husband got the wrong meal and it was replaced quickly but with a meal completely covered in onions which was the one request he made when he ordered his lunch, no onions. The staff throughout the hotel are great, always cheerful and helpful that was the most positive part of our stay. The location is also good but in comparison to the experience we had at the beachhouse for a similar cost there is no comparison at all. The service, atmosphere and service at the beach house are second to none, something to consider before booking a short break at the Don Carlos.

I have to say that I have been highly impressed with the remodel that this hotel has done. It has a modern and sophisticated feel to it. All the staff is extremely kind and professional but there is one area that overcomes the rest in my opinion which is the pastry-dessert section. From the welcome chocolate and orange ice cream, room amenities, coffee cookies...and the night time desserts are out of this world. I feel that they are much more elaborated, redefined, modern, Michelin star presentations with an explosion of deep and wonderful flavors. My favorite is the mango and passion fruit dessert...Probably the best I have seen in any 5 star hotels and many Michelin star restaurants. I have stayed here several times and this is for sure an area that I feel the hotel has elevated the experience to a point that I would come back just for it. Congrats

I stayed in the Don Carlos hotel for 3 weeks 3 years ago. They couldn't do enough to help you.
I returned to the Rafa Nadal academy for some training this week and it's still as friendly, efficient and professional as ever.
Maggie was there with her usual smile to welcome you.
They coaches were amazing, tailoring the advice given according to your game.
I highly recommend this academy and hotel.

We stayed at Don Carlos Marbella for a week in Feb-March 2026 as a family of 5. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, nothing is too much trouble, and team members went out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home. The heated pool is wonderful - even though the weather wasn't that warm we could still swim daily, and the views are lovely. Our room was quiet, clean, housekeeping service excellent, beds were the best I've slept in for a long time! Plenty of restaurants and things to do in short driving distance. Hotel restaurant also served great food, including a nice kids menu. Overall, a wonderful stay, and we leave feeling super relaxed and wanting to come back!

The Don Carlos Resort in Marbella truly is paradise. The rooms and their views are stunningly beautiful. Share this extraordinary experience with your family or your business clients. Revel in their meticulously kept landscaping! Paradise! Forget your troubles in their gorgeous spa or at poolside. Make your tennis dreams come true at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center and don't miss DC's fine dining. Breakfast is breathtaking!

Could it be any better? Yes! Don Carlos' finest asset is their delightful staff. This is where the resort takes a step ahead of all the others. Carefree life and contentment begins as you check in. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted as if you are a treasured family member. Any request or concern is always met with value added. During our stay we were befriended by Patricia and Manu at the concierge desk. They know everyone at the resort and have exceptional knowledge of all of Marbella. Tell them what you wish and they will make it come true! Great fun awaits!

Don Carlos is what you are looking for. More than a special vacation - this is where memories are made. Can't wait to return! Highly recommended.

The staff at Rafa Nadal tennis center were brilliant especially Maggy, David and Enrique. They were Personable, fun with the coaching tailored to my ability and goals. Highly recommended, thank you.

What a great set up , fantastic tennis and padel courts and the most helpful staff especially Serhiy and Antonio who let us also watch the rugby in the clubhouse !

A big thank you to Manolo and his team - Jorge, Gleici and Sergiy for organising the Mix In Tennis.
A very positive and inspiring environment dedicated to all players. Such fantastic teamwork. Omega Malta.

Returning to The Club Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Hotel Don Carlos has been much more than just coming back to a tennis club… it has felt like coming home.
I have been a client for many years, and seeing how the club has been renovated and improved is truly a joy. The facilities are outstanding, but what really makes the difference — and what made me happiest when I returned — was seeing the familiar faces again.
Magy and Tania, my longtime receptionists: thank you, thank you, and thank you again. You always go above and beyond. Your warmth, professionalism, and the genuine care with which you welcome guests make the experience special from the very first moment. Without your attention and dedication, I honestly would not come back. You are the heart of this club.
I also had a lesson with Coach Kike, and he was spectacular. Professional, motivating, and full of positive energy. I left the court with a huge smile and already looking forward to the next session.
I leave feeling happy and grateful, knowing that I will definitely return. Thank you for making every visit even better than the last. I absolutely loved the experience. 🎾✨

Excellent hotel with fantastic facilities and incredibly friendly staff !

We enjoyed our time at the hotel. The Rafa Nadal academy is amazing. Maggy was very helpful and booked my son in with the junior group. David was an excellent coach. We had a wonderful holiday. Staff very helpful and everything is done with a smile

Amazing Service ! Amazing hotel, amazing atmosphere, amazing breakfast, we will definitely be coming back i highly recommend this hotel ! Such a lovely get away for me and my husband which we thoroughly enjoyed especially the spa services.