El Fuerte Marbella

The hotel has undergone an extensive renovation and now is absolutely first class. Having stayed many times previously we noted that some of the charm and character of the hotel has been lost but compensated by the new modern styling. The hotel is excellently placed for the beach and the old town. Previously the hotel had sun loungers on the beach but they weren’t there this visit. We stayed in a jacaranda selected room which was extremely stylish and comfortable with front sea views. The selected option allows access between 11-9 to an area where complimentary snacks and drinks are available. There is inside and outside seating and provides a pleasant area to enjoy the sun and relax. Breakfast in the selected area was relaxed and buffet was substantial. Bar food was excellent too. The staff were in the main very helpful, knowledgeable and polite with unfortunately a few who were less helpful. Overall very impressed and hope to return soon.

I cannot say enough good things about our stay here. The staff were so friendly, accommodating and helpful. The room was absolutley stunning. Breakfast was top notch. We had an amazing stay thanks to the wonderful staff and the room. Thank you.

We watched with great interest as this hotel was being renovated, having stayed a few times previously, so we were very excited to come back. They’ve done a great job - it looks really modern and fresh and I loved the decor. However, we upgraded to a side sea view double and were astonished to find the original brown marble bathroom, untouched from our last stay, with an awkward shower over a tiny, narrow bath. Really? In 2024? This is why we decamped to the Amare hotel down the road 12 years ago. Unless I’m mistaken, I couldn’t see anything on website room categories about rooms with bathtub only as I would have totally avoided. The wing we were allocated to has changed little, apart from a lick of paint and new furniture/flooring so roomwise, we were disappointed. Having said that, lots of things were amazing: the bed, toiletries, breakfast, and all staff super friendly and helpful. Pool area, sunbeds and parasols definitely 5 star. Went to Soleo beach restaurant twice with 2 very different experiences service wise, but the food is lovely.

The refurbished EL Fuerte Hotel has lost its charm and style. It looks cold and uninteresting from the outside. In side very modern and clean.We hade asked for a room with full seaview on the 2nd or 3rd floor in the building above reception some 3 months ago but were given a room on the 5th floor in the building above the dining area. In this part you do not get any sun on your balcony all day. Rooms with side seaview get the sun on their balcony. Food in Marche Restaurant very poor. We stayed half board. I cannot believe that in a 5 star hotel food can be that bad. Soleo restaurant was also very poor. Cheap quality food. Only potatoes on offer were badly cooked chips, no vegetables. I suggest Maria Antunez Corrales orders the "Lobster" and see for herself what is being offered. She is no longer in charge it seems. A great shame. The hotel has of course a splendid position with good sun loungers etc. And the sun shines!

Came back to El Fuerte again having been for first time in October last year... was just as good and just as welcoming.... Hotel was not quite fully open (Soleo beach restaurant not open in evening) but everything else was just as it was.. Fantastic breakfast buffet and the "Selected Club" option is well worth the extra for access to the club lounge at any time from 11am-9pm... This hotel is so well run and they staff are so professional... You can see it making a difference... For sure will be back again at the end of this season...

This is the best hotel that I’ve ever stayed at in Europe! It’s a top top 5* hotel! Everything’s was close to perfect! The place was so clean at all times, staff were fantastic, and breakfast was great. The pool areas are amazing! Huge comfy loungers, and waiter service around the pool. We paid £2200 for 4 nights so it wasn’t cheap, and even a Diet Coke is £4, but it’s worth it for the setting and service. The guy at the pool bar with the lint tail was brilliant, and Juan Manuel was great at check in and check out with our luggage. We can’t wait to return

A superb hotel with an amazing team of staff. They couldn’t have been more helpful! Beautiful surroundings on the sea front. Excellent location. Special shout out to Carlos on concierge and to the breakfast team whose warmth lit up the day. Thank you

Don't stay too long at a hotel Newly refurbished hotel in a great location. So all looks and feels very nice. The hotel has a few issues I feel from my vast experience of hotels around the world and this area. Rooms are ok size. It's newly decorated in a mustard colour, which, to be honest, is terrible. The furniture is basic. Not utilising the space in the rooms. But the worst thing is wardrobe space. There isn't much room at all. It's only good for a weekend stay. There are no mirrors in the rooms, only the bathroom. We'll that doesn't work out well. Think whoever designed the room's the hotel should get their money back. It's just awful. Which is a real shame. The garden and restaurant area are lovely. The pool area is nice as well, maybe a little packed in. There is no adult area thou which is a must. There is a pool that says no children. But between 12 noon and 4 pm they can swim in this pool... drrrr. So it's full of kids with toys all day. Not what everyone wants. So don't advertise no children area. The bar and restaurant are nice. A rooftop restaurant and bar is lovely with great views. The staff are generally very good. Maybe overworked. Need more staff around the pool areas and definitely for breakfast. The breakfasts morning is a zoo. In high season, forget it. The beach restaurant is very nice and has nice beds on the beach. We were thinking of coming in summer for 2 weeks but think the hotel will be too stressful and rooms not able to cope with 2 weeks of summer clothes etc. Repaint rooms and add some extra hanging space and draws. I felt like I was at my sons Uni accommodation where u have to think carefully where you put everything.

Booked a one night stay, a computer glitch was the only down side to our visit. Upon arrival the reservation was in limbo, not to worry we were told , ushered to the patio where we were provided complimentary drinks and munchies. Three hours later everything cleared up and we were taken to our room. Other than the computer problem it was a delightful experience. Every person must have been carefully pick by management , and sent to the same training classes. Have never experienced the treatment that we received in any hotel The staff could not do enough to make the stay a warm comfortable experience The food was very nice and the setting outstanding, my compliments to El Fuerte , most certainly will return.