By Amanda Cassidy
18th Oct 2023
18th Oct 2023
Amanda Cassidy discovers a holiday spot where rock star vibes meets Mediterranean VIP jetset
I spot Beyoncé next to the elevator and rush closer to get a better look. Lady Gaga is on the other side of the lobby next to Elton John. Excellent music wafts from the generous pool area. A dazzling blue sky awaits outside. I’m here to spend a weekend lounging at the new Hard Rock Hotel Marbella and to rock out with the glitterati and golfers.
I reach out to touch Beyonce’s sparkling dress and my fingers hit glass. Of course, it’s the rock n’ roll artifacts I’m talking about; Elvis’ guitar, Elton John’s suit, all neatly encased behind screens with descriptions of the iconic music moments captured in time.
Nearby the VIP check-in area, there’s Prince’s Purple Rain jacket, Jennifer Lopez’s bellbottoms, as well as the 70s dress inspired by the Beatles. A giant show-stopping installation by local artist JoGis greets you as you walk towards the pool area.
On a roll
Since opening in 2022, a renovation of the former H10 Andalucia Plaza in the heart of the Golden Mile, the hotel is on a roll; attracting celebrity guests, and not just because of its party atmosphere and luxurious accommodation. The newly installed Rock Suite and Rock Star Suite rooms mean actual it’s the place to stay in the area for actual rock stars.
Many will know the Hard Rock brand for having delivered music-themed cafes and restaurants around the world for the last 50 years – However, the brand’s true star power these days is found in their hotel & casino brand.
Everyone has their first Hard Rock experience. Mine was in New York when I was eleven. My parents pointed out one of Bono’s signed hats and we all marvelled that something that had been a part of history was now in a framed case above our heads as we ate our burgers. Long before the era of being able to contact rock stars via social media, this was the first time we’d felt so close to fame. And it was intoxicating.
With locations from Las Vegas, where they’ve recently taken over the Mirage, to the Universal Orlando Resort, and Ibiza, there are now over 30 Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos globally.
Our first evening kicked off with a traditional flamenco show in the centre stage of the huge lobby, aperol spritz in hand. Most evenings there is live entertainment for those enjoying sundowners or resting weary legs after a day playing a round of golf at some Europe’s best golf courses.
Where’s the hotel located?
In the heart of Nueva Andalucia, it’s a ten minute walk to the nearest beach and Porto Banus, or five euros in a taxi. Marbella’s pretty Orange Square is fifteen minutes away. The hotel is recommended for adults. Children are allowed but I wouldn’t be bringing my own as the party vibes and general atmosphere is best placed for over 18s. Although welcome to stay at the hotel, children are not allowed in specific parts of the hotel such as the Eden Pool downstairs as well as the GMT+1 Bar Area or the RockSpa.
There’s a convenient mini-market directly opposite the entrance to the hotel. The Saturday morning market next to the bullring is just a five minute walk away, where you can buy everything from slippers and leather belts to plants, artwork and even antiques.
What are the rooms like?
I stayed in a deluxe room with a pool view. The Spanish “ye-ye” music & cultural movement flows in this room
My balcony overlooked the upper pool and bar area and I enjoyed pretending to read my book to Sweet Child of Mine while glamerous-people-watching.
Each room has a steamer, decent hairdryer, water and chocolates on the first night. The Nespresso capsules were a surprise at €3.50 a pop, but the soundproof balcony doors are handy for mid-afternoon naps. Though loud throughout the day, the music ends at an acceptable hour and added to the general holiday atmosphere in my opinion.
Describe the pool area.
There’s lots going on around the pool. A house DJ on the lower level pumps Ibiza-style lounge music to wiggle your toes to. The upper pool is a bit quieter if needed, and has pool-immersed sunbeds which are perfect if you get too hot sunbathing but don’t fancy a swim.
The area is surrounded by stunning lush greenery and crystal clear pools. The Eden Pool Club, the poolside snack bar serves food throughout the day with cocktails that are 10 out of 10.
But can you also chill?
Incorporation of Rock Spa®. This wellness space is especially characterised by having ‘Rhythm and Motion’, an innovative, totally immersive spa menu that uses music as the basis of its treatments and is only available in select Hard Rock Hotels across the world.
In addition, the Marbella hotel has 915m2 of meeting spaces with 8 rooms, among which the Roxy rooms stand out, with natural light, and up to 3,000m2 of outdoor spaces to hold different events.
Talk to me about the food offering…
Nu Downtown restaurant at the hotel has excellent Asian cuisine, a delicious selection of cocktails, a show and live music; and the Sessions restaurant offers dishes based on classic Spanish cuisine with a unique twist. The live entertainment during breakfast here was a lovely touch.
These two spaces are joined by two exclusive bars: Sun Society, the sky lounge with an incredible infinity pool, a VIP bar and a careful selection of Mexican and Japanese fusion cocktails and appetisers; and Eden Pool Club, the poolside snack bar and main stage, with a wide beverage offering and a selection of salads, hamburgers and succulent desserts.
What’s to do outside of the hotel?
Restaurants we’ve tried nearby include the Dani Garcia group offerings Tragabuches which combines traditional Spanish cuisine with modern twists.
We also ate at Alelí, an Italian inspired menu in the most stunning lemon-tree setting. Golf is big around here so why not try a lesson at the nearby The Green in Aloha Golf.
A tour of Orange Square is highly recommended. It’s a charming square that is surrounded by beautiful orange trees, tropical flowers and cobbled streets with white washed townhouses, cafés and restaurants.
What else do we need to know?
As in the rest of the Hard Rock Hotel, there are nice touches throughout the room to accentuate the music themes. Some are more obvious –the trumpet reading lights next to my bed– while others may require a keener eye. For instance, the double bed, perfect in its comfort, is adorned with guitars, both sewn into the pillowcases, and subtly designed into the duvet cover.
You’ll see sound waves and ridges of vinyl as well as nods to guitar picks. I’m sure there’s a lot I missed, too. The sounds of music infused into every aspect of your stay reminds you that this a themed hotel.
But music memorabilia aside, this is a place with distinctive luxurious decor, a memorable design, huge variety of dining options and the location is unbeatable.
Room rates at the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella range from €105 euros €280 euros per night.
Also Read
