Nobu Hotel Marbella

The Marbella city transfer is a joke, at best. We communicated with the hotel regarding a location from downtown Marbella back to the hotel, but: the driver was late, the location was a bus station full of toxic smoke, and the indications were not clear. The cleaning staff doesn't fill up the refrigerator as it should. The room wasn't that large either. On the plus side there are plenty of dinning options in the resort, breakfast Chiringuito was great.

Overall there was nothing wrong with this hotel. The room, decor, gardens, adults pool and overall place were stunning. However, the place is full of rich people - some obviously multi-millionaires and the prices reflect this €8 a Coke at the pool for example. And the staff tend to show greater care and attention to those who obviously have the greatest wealth. Rooms - really well appointed, gorgeous bathrooms and free water, inc. turn-down service. There were a few things that needed improving: it wasn’t possible to completely turn off the bathroom light as it’s sensored. This wasn’t a problem other than waking for the toilet in the night and every light in the place coming on. The pillows were also awful - one normal pillow and one square one. The bed was also two singles put together. At €700+ a night, I expect a proper large bed, not a makeshift one. Breakfast - it wasn’t completed clear that breakfast was all included, but it thankfully was (this would probably have been €50+ per person had it not been included). It was stunning. Beautiful fruit, gorgeous overnight oats, and really lovely cooked items too. Tasty, healthy options and really beautifully presented. The staff were fantastic too. Reception - check-in was superb. We had an issue twice with our key not opening the gate and had cause to go back to reception. The lady seemed somewhat disturbed by my problem and not particularly empathetic. This would be improved. Other food/drink - pricey as hell. The overall cost of drinks is prohibitively expensive (€15+ for a simple beer in some places). There are around 25-26 restaurants across the site which all look amazing - the prices were amazing too. And we couldn’t help to feel it was all a bit ‘Disney-land’. Beautiful surroundings in the Costa del Sol but everyone going to the same restaurants in the same resort with the same rich people. It was genuinely like a 6-7* all inclusive but paying for everything individually! Finally, it was our anniversary. The hotel contacted me beforehand by email and I told them about this. They said they would put something small in the room. Nothing had arrived by the day before our departure, so I reminded them. They apologised that they had forgotten and said they would arrange that day: nothing arrived. I guess this is probably playing into my view that it’s a rich resort for very well-off guests. If you save up to go, don’t expect the same treatment. Diamond Hhonors isn’t even mentioned, so if you do have this level with Hilton, I wouldn’t go to this resort anticipating any upgrade/special treatment.

Overall we had a lovely time but please be aware this hotel is not at the level of luxury that it advertises. The bathrooms are not marble as advertised and are very dated. The bathtub was cracked and there was staining and mold in the shower. The bedside tables had bubbling and water damage. It was difficult to get help with things like housekeeping etc. Did not refresh coffee or tea or water on a daily basis. We also ordered an early breakfast for our early departure and it never arrived. When we called they said they never received our order. The concierge was very helpful booking restaurants etc but if you are going during a busy season be advised to make reservations before arrival as many restaurants book up. Also, be advised the other pools at the resort required a 100- per person charge to use the chairs. There is a small pool for Nobu guests which we enjoyed. There is also a small beach area but had a lot of seaweed on the beach and was rocky and not good for swimming.

I’ve stayed here annually for many years. It’s always perfect. Mr. Romero and his team are extremely professional. Special shout out to Este (spelling ?) who always recognizes me and offers her assistance. Micheal out front is a rock star for his guidance. Thank you and see you soon.

Stunning hotel with impeccable service, we especially liked the reception greeting and tour round the hotel on our way to our room. We enjoyed the nobu pool, it would be lovely if their menu was a bit bigger. It would be great if there was a small shop with necessities on site as we had to find somewhere. Also we found the drinks very expensive. Our room and the service though were exceptional.