Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional and friendly staff
Outstanding, varied breakfast
Excellent location on the promenade/near old town and beach
Clean, well-furnished rooms and comfortable beds
Strong pool/amenity offering (sunbeds, pool deck, beach access)
Cons:
Perceived as expensive / value for money concerns
Some rooms are small or have small beds for larger guests
Unexpected additional charges (e.g., parking)
Occasional issues with drink service around the pool and isolated service lapses (e.g., children served alcoholic drinks)

Categories

Cleanliness
9.8
Multiple reviewers described rooms as immaculate and very clean; general consistent praise for housekeeping and room presentation.
Service
9.8
Staff repeatedly described as exceptional, friendly and helpful across many reviews (reception, pool and general hotel staff praised).
Location
9.7
Excellent location repeatedly noted — on the promenade, close to the old town, beach and good views; many reviewers praised proximity to restaurants and sights.
Room Quality
8.9
Rooms are generally clean and well furnished with comfortable beds, but several mentions of smaller rooms, a small window in some rooms and bed size/comfort issues for larger guests; one review asked for a full-length mirror.
Amenities
9.5
Strong amenities: pool complex, pool deck, beach loungers/parasols (noted free), easy promenade access; pool staff attentive about sunbeds though there were a few service notes about drink ordering at the pool.
Value for Money
7.5
Several comments mention the hotel being expensive or not offering full value for the price (unexpected parking fees, one reviewer felt underwhelmed for the price).
Food and Beverage
9.6
Breakfast repeatedly described as exceptional, varied and delicious; cocktails and food praised, though isolated issues noted (e.g., drinks service around pool and one report of children being served alcoholic pina coladas).
Overall Experience
9.6
Predominantly very positive overall stays, many reviewers saying they would return and recommending the hotel; common words: fantastic, perfect, fabulous.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-07-03 07:27

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation
Experience casual luxury at El Fuerte, a 5-star historic hotel on the Costa del Sol. Indulge in the exclusive and welcoming atmosphere while enjoying stunning sea views from the beachfront location.

Elegant Design and Gastronomy
Designed by Jaime Beriestain's prestigious studio, the classic interior reflects warm Mediterranean character. Taste first-class gastronomy and enjoy professional service that focuses on the finest details.

Exclusive Experience
Discover the refurbished image and significant improvements at Hotel El Fuerte. Embrace the destination you've always loved, now offering an even more exclusive experience. Book now for an unforgettable stay.

Important information:

Please note the published rates for half board stays on December 24th and 31st include a mandatory fee for the gala dinner held on that evening.

Please note that guests must present the credit card used to make the reservation on arrival. If you are not the owner of the credit card used to make the reservation, please contact the property in advance.

Please note that when booking a rate where payment is due before arrival, the property will provide detailed payment instructions, for example a link to a secured payment platform.

When traveling with pets, please note that maximum 1 per pet, per room is allowed and incur an additional charge of 70 EUR per stay. Pets weighing upto 5 kgs are allowed.In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.
When booking half board, note that drinks are not included.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: AGP

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs EUR 25 per day.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 13 years old to 17 years old stay for € 1,000 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.3
Based on 1400 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.8
Service: 9.8
Location: 9.7
Room Quality: 8.9
Amenities: 9.5
Value for Money: 7.5
Food and Beverage: 9.6
Overall Experience: 9.6
R
Ruth couple gb
10
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
M
Martyna couple pl
10
Pros:

Beautiful rooms, very friendly staff, delicious breakfast, and a lovely pool area. I would definitely recommend it and would happily stay here again

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
K
Karina couple ua
10
Amazing hotel
Pros:

An amazing hotel that makes you want to come back again and again! The location is perfect, right on the beachfront with its own sunbeds and a beautiful beach. There is never any problem finding a sunbed. The staff are always happy to help you find the best spot, set up your umbrella, and they do it all with a smile. The beach restaurant also deserves a special mention. The food is delicious, and the sea view makes every lunch or dinner even more enjoyable.

What impressed me the most was the service. I honestly can’t remember staying at another hotel where the staff were so friendly, attentive, and genuinely caring. From the reception team to the beach staff, everyone goes out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible. They are always ready to help, recommend the best table, and make sure everything is perfect. I would especially like to mention the lovely lady who prepares the fresh fruit every morning. She always greets guests with a warm smile, asks how we are doing, and wishes everyone a wonderful day. It is these little gestures that create such a welcoming atmosphere.

Breakfast is outstanding. There is an incredible selection of food including fresh salmon, champagne, premium jamón, a wide variety of cheeses, fresh pastries, desserts, and an impressive selection of fresh fruit and berries. Everything is fresh, delicious, and of excellent quality. The variety of fruit and berries was particularly impressive.

The rooms are modern, spacious, and very comfortable, with excellent soundproofing. The entire hotel is spotlessly clean, and it is clear that great attention has been paid to every detail. It is also a lovely touch that the staff leave small sweet treats as complimentary gifts. These thoughtful gestures make you feel truly welcome.

I would also highly recommend the Kena rooftop restaurant. The food is excellent, the service is wonderful, and the panoramic views over the sea are absolutely breathtaking.

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
B
bruce solo_traveller gb
10
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
I
Illia couple ua
8
Pros:

The staff and service are excellent. Hotel has a beach club right under it that provides direct access to the sea and normally isn’t fully occupied which creates a very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, so you can really enjoy the sea vacations with the high level of service.

Cons:

The hotel’s restaurants were overpriced but the tastes didn’t match this price. That’s the main disadvantage and the reason why we ate outside of the hotel.

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
B
bruce extended_group gb
10
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
A
Andra couple ro
10
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
A
Abdellah couple ma
8
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
C
Callum couple gb
7
Good but could be better
Pros:

Superb location

Cons:

The wing that did not have the bathrooms re modernised

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
S
S.Nll couple de
10
Ein grandioses Hotel
Pros:

Das Frühstück war herausragend - eines der besten Frühstückbuffets, die wir je hatten. Die Auswahl, Anrichtung und Sauberkeit des Buffets war bemerkenswert. Da ich derzeit schwanger bin, bin ich hinsichtlich der Hygiene (etwa bei geschnittenem Obst) deutlich kritischer. Die vielfältige Obstauswahl wurde frisch vor den Augen geschnitten. Eierspeisen wurden durch die freundlichen Damen genau nach Wunsch zubereitet. Die frischen Backwaren (Croissants bis Brötchen) waren nicht nur für spanische/südländische Verhältnisse extrem gut. Ein kleiner Bereich des Buffets wechselte täglich und nach verschiedenen Themen. Wir hatten das Premium DZ mit seitl. Meerblick, welches wir wieder nehmen würden. Es war nicht zu klein oder groß, das Bett war sehr bequem (weich genug) und das Zimmer wurde perfekt gereinigt. Durch die etwas seltsame Anordnung des Badezimmers (das eigentlich der Eingangsbereich/Flur ist), hatte man viel Platz zu zweit im Bad. Wir lagen sowohl am Pool als auch am Strand. Dort war immer Service gegeben. Das Personal war durchwegs sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Hervorzuheben ist das Gym im 6. Stock. Dort kann man mit einer tollen Aussicht an modernen Geräten richtig trainieren. Es gibt auch genug Geräte (jeweils 2 Hantelbänke, Laufbänder und Räder). Die Lage des Hotels ist sehr gut. Direkt an der Promenade gelegen kann man in beide Richtungen weit laufen. Viele Geschäfte (Supermärkte, Einkaufsgeschäfte) befinden sich in direkter Nähe. Wir haben mittags und abends hauptsächlich in den Restaurants des Hotels gegessen, was durchweg gut war.

Cons:

Das einzige, was uns nicht gefiel war Marbella selbst. Das Hotel mit seiner wunderschönen Außenanlage ist eine Oase der Ruhe und Sauberkeit. Marbella selbst ist in die Jahre gekommen und sehr schmutzig, das Publikum durchmischt. Die vielen Verkäufer und Masseure, die einen den ganzen Tag umwerben stören.

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
O
Oleh solo_traveller pt
10
2026-06-30 via Nuitee
C
Claire extended_group gb
7
2026-06-29 via Nuitee
H
Harriet couple fi
10
2026-06-29 via Nuitee
A
Ahmad solo_traveller ae
10
2026-06-29 via Nuitee
R
Rosemary extended_group gb
9
Really great place
Pros:

The location

Cons:

N/a

2026-06-29 via Nuitee
D
Dick en Astrid couple nl
9
Heerlijk genoten van de luxe
Pros:

We hebben tien dagen genoten van dit hotel. Het is luxe en je wordt er goed verzorgd. De kamers zijn netjes. De airco werkt goed en geruisloos. We hebben heerlijk geslapen in het kingsize bed. De badkamer was ruim en we hadden een Japans toilet die je helemaal schoonspoot.

L

Cons:

Wat we wel miste in zowel het toilet in de kamer als in de openbare ruimtes was een toiletborstel. Je wilt het toch netjes achterlaten voor je nakomende gast. Een lekker lichtverfrisser is ook geen overbodige luxe. In de kamer is er voldoende koffie en thee. We missen alleen een klein afval emmertje om het vuil in te doen in de kast zelf. Twee keer per dag wordt er vers water op de kamer gezet en op verzoek bij de conciërge vaker. Dat was fijn!
Wel missen we een weegschaal die eigenlijk altijd aanwezig is in hotels met gelijke sterren.

De avond service komt wel erg vroeg langs. Als wij van het strand kwamen en nog lekker op het balkon van het uitzicht wilde genieten waren de gordijnen al dicht en de kamer klaargemaakt voor de nacht. Dat kan we wat later wat ons betreft.

Waar we het hotel ondermeer op uitgekozen hebben was de rooftop. Helaas was deze gesloten ivm overgang naar een andere restaurant uitbater. Het was netjes geweest als dat op Booking.com was vermeld.

De grootste ergenis is toch altijd weer waar je ook komt de strandbedden bij het zwembad. Mensen leggen in de ochtend hun handdoek al net en gaan vervolgens ontbijten. Er werd ook aan meegewerkt. Er wordt een bordje “even lunchen” neergelegd. We zagen dat er drie Japanners aankwamen. Het personeel zorgde ervoor dat alle handdoeken werden neergelegd en vervolgens waren ze uren weg. We vinden dat niet kunnen en daar kan beter op gestuurd worden.

Ondanks wat kritische noten was het een geweldige ervaring en komen snel weer terug.

2026-06-28 via Nuitee
E
Eve couple ug
9
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
S
SAMI couple ma
9
The stay was so good.
Pros:

The property is just amazing.

Cons:

The room service is very expensive.

2026-06-28 via Nuitee
N
Nenad couple hr
10
Sve je bilo odlično 🥰
Pros:

Vrhunski smještaj, sadržaji, bazenski kompleks i osoblje!

2026-06-27 via Nuitee
S
Shane Eamonn solo_traveller ie
10
2026-06-27 via Nuitee