Photography: Nobu Hotel Marbella
Nobu Hotel Marbella
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
Exuding a serene vibe that perfectly mirrors the charm of its fabled beachside location, the Nobu Hotel in Marbella has a pleasurable ambiance that attracts upscale travelers and couples seeking silent refuge within the hustle and bustle of Marbella.
Stunning aesthetics seamlessly blend with traditional Spanish architecture to create an environment that is at once contemporary and deeply rooted in its heritage. The tranquil surroundings are tastefully punctuated with well-appointed communal spots inviting you to socialize while also respecting your need for privacy. Showcasing an exotic synthesis of European elegance and Eastern tranquility, the hotel's aura creates an inspiring scenery that leaves visitors basking in the glow of the dreamy Marbella sun.
What can we expect in our room
Stepping into one of the 81 sleek, modern rooms at the Nobu Hotel in Marbella, you'll immediately sense a unique blend of contemporary sophistication and traditional Andalusian touches. The rooms are flawlessly designed with hardwood and marble, offering you an instant feeling of luxurious living. Rich textures and soft neutral tones dominate the palette, complimented with vibrant artworks that can turn a mundane day colorful.
The Bedouin-styled furnishings, draped with delicate fabrics suggest a touch of Spanish history, subtly entwined with modern amenities. When it comes to tech, Nobu delivers in spades, with features such as a 65 inch Smart TV, Nespresso machines, and Bluetooth sound system in every room. Ultra-modern bathrooms furnished with rainfall showers and Natura Bissé amenities enhance your relaxation experience. And, if you fancy lazing under the Spanish sun, the private terraces with views of the lush gardens or the shimmering Mediterranean sea are just a few steps away.
How about the food and drinks at the Nobu Hotel in Marbella
The Michelin-starred Nobu Restaurant sets the stage for a captivating dining experience with delights that tantalizes your taste buds. The menu presents a unique blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with a distinct Mediterranean twist, keeping even the most discerning palate intrigued. Unique dishes like Black Cod with Miso and Sashimi Salad have visitors raving about the exquisite flavors that are impossible to forget.
Drinks, you ask? The Nobu Hotel in Marbella lets you dive into an elevated drinking escapade. The hotel’s Nobu Lounge is a stylish space offering a sophisticated selection from the world's best wineries and breweries that is sure to impress all wine and beer enthusiasts. In addition, their signature cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists are not just beverages, but works of art that provide a feast for the eyes as much as they gratify the senses.
What is the service like
The fusion of Japanese efficiency with Andalusian warm cordiality perfectly characterizes the staff professionalism and attention to detail. Ready to assist at any moment, the staff operates with the foresight and brilliance one seeks when on a leisurely vacation or busy business trip.
In diverse areas such as arranging dinner reservations, coordinating on-site activities, or addressing individual concerns, the service is nothing short of five-star. The concierge team matches the splendid facilities with their knowledge, responsiveness, and readiness to go the extra mile.
What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
Stepping out of the sumptuous realm of the Nobu Hotel in Marbella, you find yourself immersed in the heart of the exclusive Puente Romano Resort–a world-renowned site for luxury, leisure, and vibrant nightlife. Just a stone’s throw away lies the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and the pristine sands of Playa de Nagüeles. Meanwhile, the iconic Marbella Old Town, a hub of quaint shops, eateries, and streets adorned with vibrant flowers, is only a short drive away.
The bustling neighborhood scene presents an eclectic mix of upscale stores, trendy boutiques, and Michelin Star Marbella restaurants. By night, the party scene is unrivaled–just minutes from your doorstep you can find yourself at the throbbing heart of Puerto Banús, Marbella's star-studded marina, where luxury yachts glow under the moonlit sky and where the nights are electric. For golf enthusiasts, the 'Costa del Golf' as the locals call the coast, houses over a dozen premier golf clubs, offering a great way to unwind amidst the backdrop of spectacular coastal views.
What’s the backstory
The Nobu Hotel Marbella effectively borrows its name from the world-renowned chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, and his celebrated cuisine. The popular culinary brand transformed into an international hospitality chain when Robert De Niro teamed up with Meir Teper and Matsuhisa himself. The trio's approach to travel offered a unique blend of luxury, craft, and comfort;setting the stage for an entirely new breed of hotel experience. Their vision was to improve traditional service by infusing it with their distinct culture of laid-back sophistication.
Marbella, a city known for its glamour and glitz, was chosen as the perfect location for such a venture. Basking in the warm Andalusian sun, this high-end establishment officially opened its doors in 2018, offering an oasis in the heart of Spain's Costa Del Sol. Offering much more than just a place to rest, the Nobu Hotel Marbella is a manifestation of the visionaries' embrace of the otium - a place where work, play, and relaxation find a harmonious balance.
Price Range
The price range of the Nobu Hotel in Marbella can vary quite widely depending on the time of year, type of room or suite you opt for, and the specific package you choose. For instance, during the months of peak tourism, a standard room at this luxurious outpost might set you back anywhere between €400 to €700 per night. However, those looking to indulge in one of the more opulent suites could find themselves paying a rate that far surpasses this range.
Amenities & Facilities
Each room is equipped with an in-room cocktail kit, yoga mats, and a Nespresso machine for your caffeine needs. The marble-clad bathrooms, complete with soothing rain showers and Natura Bissé toiletries, will make your daily routine feel like a spa experience.
Step outside your lavish room, and the facilities continue to astonish. Dive into the exceptional beauty of the outdoor pool area, surrounded by lush greenery, comfortable sun loungers, and the murmur of the sea waves in the background. Fitness enthusiasts are not overlooked, with an on-site state-of-the-art gym equipped with advanced equipment to maintain your workout schedule.
The splendid Six Senses Spa is an oasis of tranquility, offering a wide range of healing treatments for balance and rejuvenation. Lastly, for your business needs, the hotel provides versatile meeting rooms fitted with the latest tech amenities.
How to get to the Nobu Hotel in Marbella
If you're opting for public transport, board the Avanza-Portillo bus line from the airport. This line will take you directly to Marbella’s city center. From here, the hotel is a short 5-minute walk away. It's a pleasant journey that offers scenic views of the picturesque Andalusian coast and also provides an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle.
On the other hand, if convenience and time efficiency are paramount, taking a taxi may be the ideal choice. Taxis are readily available at the airport in Malaga and it’s roughly a 45-minute ride to the hotel. This option, perhaps less adventurous but undoubtedly swifter and more comfortable, whisks you directly from the airport terminal to the doorstep of the Nobu Hotel Marbella.
What Customers Have To Say
If you stay at Nobu Hotel or Puente Romano
you can use all the facilities of both hotels. Great !
Attention to detail is very important in this hotel. The service was exceptional! The room was excellent. Housekeeping came twice a day.
The check in procedure was seamless and really well looked after at reception especially by Alejandro Mingo
Highly recommend Nobu Hotel..will visit again for sure
We were three travellers, 2 adults and 1 toddler.
Pros:
- Beautiful looking resort which feels like walking through a rain forest and location is right at the beach
- Most of the staff was extremely polite and helpful, especially the ones that fall more in the utility category (housekeeping, gardeners, DYI). They always greeted you with a smile and were super friendly
- Our food experience was exceptional (bar 1 which I’ll come to). The breakfast at Chiringuito or Sea Grill were absolutely fantastic
- The room was very spacious with a lovely minimalistic but comfy décor. We asked for a quiet room which we got
- E-concierge and shuttle service. This was very handy as you can literally just whatsapp for anything that you need and response times were generally acceptable. The shuttle service to local sights works on first come first serve basis.
Cons:
- We had 1 very bad experience with staff and another one which was in the same vein but not as bad (more detail below)
- The hotel is not kids “friendly”, it’s kids accepted. Although most of the pools are kids “friendly” there are no toys or slides or anything. I subsequently was told that there is a specific kids pool on the Puente Romano side of the property but nobody ever pointed that out to us when we were there. We did ask specifically when we checked in. You should certainly clarify that before you book and in case this is important for you.
- Everything is very expensive. The prices are just absurd and although the quality is generally very good it leaves a bad taste in your mouth (no pun intended). That said there is a wide selection of famous chain restaurants that are all very Instagram worthy if that is your thing.
- Don’t eat at the Nobu. I hate to be that frank but it was just disappointing quality of food. The scallops and toro tuna sashimi was literally tasteless. If you ever had toro tuna you know that’s actually quite difficult to do. We didn’t order a lot as we had a sandwich just before we went but the bill still came to just under EUR 400. It’s a total rip off in my view. If I had my name on that restaurant I’d scratch it off quickly.
We had 1 very bad experience with staff were we were literally accused of lying. My wife ordered a juice at the hotel pool which came in a half full glass. She asked if it could be filled up a bit more to which she received a disgruntled nod. Nobody came back for 15min. In the meantime our cobb salad arrived but without dressing. We’ve ordered that same salad the last 2 days in a row and each time it came with a dijon dressing and a blue cheese dressing. After some more waiting my wife went up to the bar to ask for the dressing and the rest of her juice. She was told that this salad doesn’t come with any dressing and she also can’t have more juice. She took a picture of her juice when it initially arrived which she showed to the manager. In the background was my drink (mint julip) which I got 30min earlier and from which I’d drunken a few times. He basically said that my drink was also only half full and as such she must have either drunken from hers (accused her of lying) or both of them were delivered like that (also bad as no drink should come in a half full glass). Either way it was an awful response for such an easy problem to fix. In the end he apologised and gave her more juice and the dressing but the way this very small problem was handled was flat our appalling.
In my view this hotel is what the Land Rover Velar is to cars. It’s beautiful and (fairly) brand new, comes with the right name batch, looks great and makes you feel a bit special. But once you’ve driven it for a few weeks/months you just notice that the overall quality and attention to detail isn’t up to scratch (or the price you paid for it). You end up going back to the dealership (in this case hotel reception) multiple times and they batch it up and send you your way again.
From the incredible location, the amazing gastronomic experiences, fabulous room, and impeccable service that literally every staff member provides to make your moments to remember, it is really like stepping into a different dimension, which shines among any other resort we ever visited.
Contact:
Address: Boulevard Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 77 85 85
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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