My LL Experience in Marbella - Los Monterros & The Westin La Quinta

[maylinglai1]

I just got back from Marbella and it is absolutely gorgeous. For those that have not mastered the Spanish language, you should be fine if you are considering this destination. For those that what to find a good place to practice, Marbella is good for that as well.

I stayed at Hotel Los Monteros. It was not offered as a package, I used the LL discount which was far below any other website. Sadly, I had lost an auction for the Westin La Quinta (but I have details on that for those of you considering). While the La Quinta is quite nice, I am very happy to have stayed at Los Monteros.

Marbella is a place of considerable night life and a place of relaxation and fun. Los Monteros is near Bano Beach. It is pretty convenient to down town marbella (Puerto Banus). It is highly regarded by pretty much everyone. I started out in Madrid chatting with a stranger on the plane who had heard of the hotel. I was delighted when she told me it was very luxury, hard to get a reservation at times, and rally quite nice. It did live up to this expectation, though I would pay a little extra and try to get a true view.

The Restaurants in Los Monteros are nice. They are known for their brunch and their lunch by the beach. However, Marbella really has some wonderful restaurants, so I do not recommend eating at the hotel too often.

The price I paid even on the LL a la carte, was a complete bargain by any measurement. The rooms were some of the nicest layouts I have seen with stairs leading to the bedroom and a very pretty bathroom. It is definitely luxury. If I had 1 complaint it is only that wireless is spotty in the hotel and I had to bring my laptop to the lobby to be sure to get a signal. Otherwise, I was very happy. The other thing is don't bother with the van that takes you to their beach area. Just enjoy the short walk.

I did meet some friends who ironically were staying at the Westin La Quinta. They enjoyed it emmensely, but did not know about LL so paid far more than the auctioned price here. Despite their starwood discount, they paid almost 3x the openning bid of the auction on this site. I do think I preferred the Los Monterros location as it was easier to cab around. The Westin is a little farther out. However, if you rent a car, which I would recommend if you are not there to enjoy the nightlife, you would not care so much. The Westin is quite nice and Marbella is easy to get around. They loved the pool and golfing at La Quinta so overall I recommend that hotel given their postive experiences.

One note if you do decide to drive, do not drink and definitely do not speed. As a measure to control drunk driving in this resort area, they regularly conduct random car checks. Another acquaintance of mine paid what we lovely called a "tourist fee" of I think around $600Euros as he was slightly over their drunk driving limit. If for some reason you must drive (I would in no way advocate this as cabs are easy enough), at a minimum try to ask the locals for where the check points are if you wish to avoid this fee.

Incidentally, for those of you who enjoy shopping, Marbella is a thumbs up in my book. I hope this helps those considering this package. For those that have other experience in Marbella whether similar or different, please do feel free to post.

Happy travels to all!

[Mountie]

maylinglai1, I've noticed you have recently joined the community and have also become a regular contributor. I enjoy reading your information and hope you continue to find time to participate.

[CMDAVILACLI]

Hi Maylinglai1,



I just read your review on Los Monterros/Marbella and "darn", here's another place I will now need to add to my list ofmust see/visit! Your comments were delightful and well appreciated. Thanks for the info.

cmdavilacli

[maylinglai1]

Thanks cmdavilacli! I will make sure to keep posting. There are so many amazing places on LL. It's so much fun to go and then review them and read what others have experienced.