The 61-unit Aparthotel Puerto Azul Marbella is a mid-range property in a tourist hotspot overlooking Fontanilla Beach and the Marbella Promenade. Marbella's Old Town is a 10-minute walk away, and is packed with even more shops and restaurants. A small outdoor pool provides a nice spot to lounge in the sun, plus there's an restaurant serving Spanish and Italian fare. Studios and apartments are modern and pleasant, and have kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi. They all also include balconies, some which have excellent sea views, though bathrooms in certain units can be compact. 

The upper-middle-range NH Marbella is an elegant property in a quiet area that's within walking distance of the ocean and the bustling Paseo Maritimo overlooking it. While the immediate area lacks restaurants or attractions, Marbella’s Old Town and Puerto Banus are 10 minutes or so by car. Its 163 rooms are clean and comfortable, with minibars, beautiful wood features, and marble bathrooms -- but no coffee/tea facilities. The restaurant serves a free breakfast buffet with lots of hot items, and there's a large outdoor pool with a covered bar. Features include a bright fitness center with a sauna, and a solarium with wicker sunbeds and straw umbrellas.

With 36 apartments and 64 studios, the upper-middle-range Princesa Playa Hotel Apartamentos is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to be near the beach. Location is a big plus, as it’s surrounded by restaurants and only a five-minute walk from Marbella’s Old Town. The rooftop pool and restaurant/bar feature fantastic coastline views. A hot breakfast buffet and lunch are served daily, but food and bar service ends in the afternoon. An adjacent garage offers parking, but it’s expensive. While there’s valet laundry and dry cleaning service, amenities are not on par with Marbella’s more upscale hotels and resorts. 

In the heart of Marbella, the Hotel San Cristobal is a two-and-a-half-pearl property perfectly situated in proximity to historical sights and plenty of shopping and dining options. Its location may be its best feature -- the beach and most must-sees are within a five-minute walk -- as the hotel's 96 traditionally decorated rooms could use an update. All do include free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. There’s a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant offering views of the adjacent Alameda Park, a down-to-earth bar, and a hot-and-cold breakfast spread (for a reasonable fee). The hotel also has several spacious meeting rooms that are perfect for accommodating business travelers.