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 Andalucia Coast Hotels
The new must-go destination in Andalucia is its west coast, known as the Costa de la Luz, where there are mountainous white sand dunes, stunningly clear waters and views across to Africa. Explore the charming small towns of Vejer and Tarifa, or experience the faded grandeur of old town Cadiz, so reminiscent of Havana. On the Costa del Sol, you can wander the backstreets of Marbella, enjoying the prosaic charm that has attracted so many people over the years. Or, visit the picturesque village of Benahavis, a joy for food lovers with its wealth of good restaurants. The hotels are listed by price category and their order bears no relation on our preference.
 Reviews by Tristram Templer |
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| Luxury: A stylishly restored townhouse with opulent decoration |
| Location: MARBELLA; next to the Santo Christo church in the old town |
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| The beautifully restored stucco façade seduces you in to this stylish boutique hotel. The seven luxurious rooms have all been individually interior decorated with unique furniture, sandstone baths, and rich sumptuous fabrics. The chef, who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, now has a free hand in the kitchen to let his creative talent show. There is an extensive international wine list and as a bonus the guests also get free membership to the O2 health spa. |
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| Mid Price: A family hotel for watersport lovers |
| Location: 6 km west of Tarifa |
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| This area is known as the coast of light, famous for its amazing sandy beaches and a Mecca for lovers of wind and kite surfing. Punta Sur is a very contemporary and yet eclectic hotel with an incredible range of rooms, each very much with its own style. It is family-friendly, with a huge swimming pool, tennis courts and a large palm-filled garden. The restaurant has a daily changing menu and serves delicious Mediterranean specialities. |
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| Mid Price: Moorish house set in sub-tropical gardens on the edge of the beach |
| Location: 5 km west of Tarifa |
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| This perennially favourite and chic hotel sits right on the beach and yet feels a world apart, set as it is in a lush sub-tropical garden. The architecture is Moorish and the hotel has a colonial feel to it, with its deep-set balconies. A health club, gymnasium, sauna and massage are all available. Come to enjoy the serious food and wines and for a sunset horseback ride along the beach. |
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| Inexpensive: Distinctive small hotel with comfortable rooms and charming owners |
| Location: BENAHAVIS |
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| Up a winding road just inland from the coast, Benahavis is known for its restaurants and is proud of its seven different golf courses. Wrapped snugly around a plant-filled patio, each of the nine bedrooms has a historic theme based on Andalucia’s past. Monks, thieves, alchemists and spice traders create a heady mix of bed partners in what are comfortable and well-equipped rooms. Excellent food and lovely owners, who are unfailingly attentive. |
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| Inexpensive: A tradtional Arabic-style house with superb views |
| Location: VEJER DE LA FRONTERA; just above the Plaza de Espana |
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| A winding cobbled street through the castellated walls of Vejer leads you to an intricate fish mosaic and the CasaCinco. The five chic bedrooms are named after the five senses, and all pamper to them. Lounge in the library listening to a favourite CD, or relax on the roof terrace with its entrancing views of the castle walls and of the sandy beach at Canos de Meca. Delicious organic breakfasts are a speciality. |
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| Inexpensive: A 200-year-old building converted to an original, fun and funky hotel |
| Location: TARIFA; near the San Mateo church |
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| This fun and funky hotel is tucked away in a quiet corner of the old town of Tarifa, but near to all of the bars and restaurants. The young owners came down from Madrid and transformed this 200-year-old building into a fusion of steel, wood and glass. There are six stylish rooms with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. Food is light and contemporary and there is a cool collection of 50s retro furniture. |
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| Inexpensive: Set in open fields with magnificent, wide-open ocean views |
| Location: LA MUELA; near Vejer de la Frontera |
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| Set in the heart of open fields rolling down to the coast and with a panoramic view of the Cape of Trafalagar, the Sindhura is a modern hotel with an ancient feel. Centred on a jasmine-scented courtyard the rooms are simply but well furnished. The restaurant has huge picture windows and a menu celebrating the owner’s Malaysian roots. These roots gave rise to Ana Maria’s Buddhist faith, reflected in the pervading atmosphere of calm serenity. |
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| Inexpensive: A small hotel with a strong Moorish influence in both the decoration and food |
| Location: VEJER DE LA FRONTERA; in Plaza de Espana |
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| Beyond the 16th-century baroque façade of this hotel lies a dizzying labyrinth of stairs winding their way ever downwards. Descending past a myriad of rooms, you find yourself in the amazing vaulted dining room with its long wooden bar, leading out on to a glorious light-filled garden. Rooms vary in price and size but all are comfortable and very tastefully decorated. The food is an inspired mix of Moroccan, Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. |
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| Inexpensive: A charming, eclectic Andalucian pension, perfect for sherry lovers |
| Location: SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA; in the old town |
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| An enchanting pension in a rambling Andalucian townhouse, built around a tiled courtyard. The public rooms are full of interesting objects that the owners have collected over time, including an old grinding wheel and a number of film posters. Bedrooms are large, comfortable and charmingly quirky. Outside, tables are set under the wistaria and there’s a swimming pool and big sun terrace. The Barbadillo sherry bodegas are nearby, so if you get lost, follow your nose. |
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| Inexpensive: Lovingly renovated in Mozarabic style but with 21st-century comforts |
| Location: CADIZ; in the old town just south of the Plaza de Espana |
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| Cadiz has often been described as Little Havana and is a city that prides itself on knowing how to have fun, especially during Carnaval. The Hotel Argantonio is ideally situated in the old town and has been sensitively renovated in a Mozarabic style. The rooms pick up on this eye for detail and each reflects a part of the history of Cadiz. They all have plasma TVs and air-conditioning, and there is a buffet breakfast in the morning. |
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