What Are the Best Cheap Hotels in Marbella?

There’s more than a touch of Las Vegas about the H10 Andalucia Plaza
There’s more than a touch of Las Vegas about the H10 Andalucia Plaza | Courtesy of H10 Andalucia Plaza / Expedia

Cheap hotels in Marbella may sound like a contradiction: when you think of the smart Spanish resort of Marbella, it’s probably not budget-friendly accommodation that first springs to mind. Yet hidden spots for cost-conscious travellers still exist amid the superyachts – and they’re bookable on Culture Trip.

With its glitzy Golden Mile, flashy yacht-studded marina and more luxury shops than you can shake a credit card at, this famous town in southern Spain is hardly known as the most budget-friendly of destinations. But that doesn’t mean visiting this buzzing Costa del Sol resort has to cost a kidney, as there are plenty of affordable places to stay that go easy on your wallet.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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NH Marbella

Hotel

Large guest room at NH Marbella with wooden flooring and a large window with a view of the sea
Courtesy of NH Marbella / Expedia

The NH brand is known for giving good bang for your buck, and the Marbella outpost is no different. Located halfway between the city centre and Puerto Banús, its Golden Mile setting puts it within easy reach of the resort’s swankier spots. The hotel’s centrepiece is a fab freeform pool surrounded by manicured gardens and with a poolside bar. All 163 rooms are smart and modern, reaching onto balconies with many featuring shimmering sea views to the front, or to the sculpted Sierra Blanca to the back.

Hotel Lima

Hotel

Large, smart room at Hotel Lima decorated in shades of grey with wooden flooring and a large bed
Courtesy of Hotel Lima / Expedia
Opened almost 60 years ago, Hotel Lima was around when the resort first shot to fame among the international jet set. There’s still more than a smattering of old-school pizzazz about the place, and nowhere more so than on its rooftop terrace with pool, cocktail bar and fine sierra vistas. Rooms have been tastefully updated with a touch of the retro, and the restaurant is pretty fancy, too. What’s more, it’s a mere three-minute stroll from the lovely sandy strip of Playa de Venus.

Hotel Guadalmina Spa and Golf Resort

Spa Hotel, Golf Hotel

View over the pool and loungers towards the sea at Hotel Guadalmina Spa and Golf Resort
Courtesy of Hotel Guadalmina Spa and Golf Resort / Expedia

With a broad sandy beach on one side and the rolling fairways of an 18-hole course on the other, you might expect a stay at this golf and spa hotel would hit a bogey on your budget. Entry-level rooms, however, are surprisingly affordable, and you might even be treated to a sea-view balcony. It’s a bit of a way outside Marbella, but with a pair of restaurants to choose from and some lush spa facilities, you might find little reason to venture too far from the hotel.

H10 Andalucía Plaza

Hotel

Guest room decorated in cool tones with a bed and desk at H10 Andalucía Plaza
Courtesy of H10 Andalucía Plaza / Expedia

There’s more than a touch of Las Vegas about the H10 Andalucía Plaza, with its palatial Andalusian architecture and sumptuous interiors. The lobby alone is vast, and extends to several restaurants, a deluxe spa and a central sun terrace with a huge freeform pool. Rooms blend old and new elements to eye-pleasing effect, with sleek modern bathrooms and walk-in showers. Free access to the adjoining casino adds to the Vegas vibe.

Vasari Resort

Hotel

Stunning exterior of the pink Vasari Resort set against a blue sky and blue pool
Courtesy of Vasari Resort / Expedia

This self-contained resort comprises numerous impressive terracotta-toned buildings set amid lush Mediterranean gardens. You can get lost among the forest of palms and cacti, and find your own secluded shade-dappled spot to unwind in. Accommodation is spacious and apartment-style, with anything from one to three bedrooms. There’s a multi-sectioned pool, too, with a jacuzzi and kid-friendly areas, plus an all-important poolside bar.

La Morada Mas Hermosa

Hotel

Simple, white room at La Morada mas Hermosa with a bed and chair
Courtesy of La Morada Mas Hermosa / Expedia
This gorgeous Old Town Marbella hotel may have only two stars, but it has all the beauty and charm of a boutique hotel. It’s housed in a charming whitewashed Andalusian townhouse down a tiny cobbled pedestrian street, lined with flowers and overhanging with wrought-iron balconies. The inside is just as picturesque as the outside, painted in light shades of lemon and blue, with romantic double beds and local artworks. Some rooms even have their own private balcony, but there’s a cosy living room and beautiful roof terrace to enjoy, even if your room doesn’t.

Pensión Aduar

Budget Hotel

This budget pension can be found in the heart of Marbella’s Moorish-influenced Old Town. The highlight is the central Andalusian patio, where you can enjoy your breakfast or just sit and relax. They offer single, double, triple and even quadruple rooms, so it’s ideal for a family or a group of friends who want to stay together.

Selin Star Light PB

Budget Hotel

Located right along the main road in Marbella – Avenida Severo Ochoa – one block from the beach, the Selin Star Light offers visitors a collection of budget apartments perfect for those who want the added benefit of basic cooking facilities. The studio apartments are stylish, light and bright, decorated in tones of white, cream and beige and with attached marble bathrooms and kitchenettes within the room.

Bluebelle by Pillow

Budget Hotel

Large room at Bluebelle by Pillow with a bed, Juliet balcony and a sign that reads Reality is wrong; dreams are for real
Courtesy of Bluebelle by Pillow

Bluebelle by Pillow is a budget Marbella hotel situated in the picturesque Old Town. The rooms are dressed in tones of pastel blue and mint green, and boast all the amenities you’d expect, from flat-screen TVs to air conditioning. As well as private doubles, there are family rooms and suites with terraces for even more space. There’s no cafe or restaurant on- site, but you’ll find plenty of places to dine nearby, and the beach is just 600m (1,970ft) away.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Esme Fox.

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