Rooms

There are just 6 rooms and 1 suite. Each has a distinctly individual feel and takes its decorative cue from whichever Andalucian province it's named after, but a bottom line of top-notch comfort is present in all of them. We really liked our room, Marismas, with its striking crane wallpaper and the history of the area etched onto the (glass) bathroom door.

In general, there are high rattan or padded velvet headboards, designer armchairs, mid-Century style writing desks and bedside tables, and plenty of wardrobe space. Colour schemes vary, as do floors, which are made of terracotta, Turkish marble or dark parquet. Beds are of kingsize proportions with a double bank of embroidered pillows and sheets of the finest Egyptian cotton.

You're treated to all kinds of nifty gadgetry: 32" plasma screen TV, individually controlled air-conditioning, universal sockets, espresso coffee makers and buttons that control the curtains. Other treats include fresh fruit, nuts and chocolates, plus super soft pyjamas left on the bed after turndown service.

All rooms bar one have open-plan bathrooms; some with rain showers, others with claw-footed bathtubs and all have handsome polished sandstone floors and stucco walls. A whole stack of NUXE goodies awaits you, including suncream and after sun, shampoo and body fragrance, along with fluffy towels and flannels, bathrobes and slippers. You'll also get a beach bag with towels and a hat.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Minibar
• Safe box
• Satellite TV
• WiFi

Eating

À la carte breakfasts are included in the rates, and can be taken any time from 8 through to 11am: you may find that you'll be turning in late, especially if you visit the flamenco club just along the street! In warmer weather you eat on the rooftop terrace, which grabs a distant sea view, while to the north, La Concha - Marbella's magic mountain - rises volcano-like above you. Choose from a selection of fresh fruit, fresh pastries, eggs cooked to order, freshly squeezed juice and unlimited tea or coffee. You may need to be a little patient while the dishes are prepared and brought up to the roof terrace.

Although full lunches and dinners are not currently offered, there's a snack menu available throughout the day - sandwiches, Spanish cheeses, jabugo ham, pitta and humus, gambas al pil-pil, crepes and ice cream, that sort of thing. If you're in the mood for a tipple, there's an honesty bar in the library and a minibar in each room. We think the roof terrace is the perfect spot for a sundowner.

Marbella's streets are lined with tantalising choices for lunch and dinner. You're only a minute's walk away from a lovely bistrot with fresh market food called Casanis; or a bit further from double Michelin-starred Skina for modern Spanish cuisine. Down on the beach you'll find Trocadero, whose authentic menus, kiddies' playground and sunbeds make it perfect for a lazy Sunday lunch; or the slightly kitschy but deservedly popular Altamirano for family-run fresh fish.

If you really want to eat in (if you're arriving late, for example), give the staff a day's notice and they can arrange a chef to come and rustle up a simple kitchen-style dinner for you.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Marbella is a playground of the rich and beautiful; hit the beach and watch them on parade
  
• Wander the narrow streets of the old town, stopping for an alfresco drink or meal beneath the orange trees in one of its tiny squares
  
• Have a leisurely lunch in the Puerto Banus marina and watch the comings and goings of the glitterati's yachts and ocean cruisers
  
• Drive up the snaking mountain road to Ronda and visit its extraordinary bridge and gorge, as well as the famous bullring
  
• Put one evening aside to see a show of flamenco dance and music at Ana Maria's peña (a club). Nightly performances begin at 11.30pm, later in summer
  
• Drive to Málaga (50 minutes away) and visit the wonderful Picasso museum
  
• Head west along the coast to Gibraltar and if you've got time, drive on to the Tarifa beaches (approx 90 minutes from Claude and well worth it to watch the windsurfers)

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming

Kids

Children are welcome at Claude, babysitting can be arranged and cots are free to borrow. The stairs could be a problem for toddlers though (but there is a lift) and the overall vibe of the place is pretty grown up. Kids would get a lot of mileage out of the nearby water parks, Selwo (a kind of Andalusian Whipsnade) and, of course, the beach.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Two rooms have space for a rollaway bed suitable for a child.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 1 hour
• Shops: 5 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Hotel Claude Marbella is set in Marbella's old town, just an hour's drive from Málaga airport, a little bit more from Gibraltar.

By Air
Fly into Málaga Pablo Ruiz Picasso (55km) or Gibraltar Airport (65km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
The hotel offers a transfer service from Malaga airport - see Rates - and there are lots of taxis at Malaga airport. There is also a direct bus from the airport to central Marbella.

By Car
If you want to hire a car to drive here, see our car rental recommendations.

By Train
If you'd prefer to travel overland, why not hop on a train? See Seat 61 for detailed directions of how to get from London to Málaga train station (the nearest one to Hotel Claude). From there you can grab a taxi.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Andalucia and getting around