I recently spent three nights at Don Carlos Marbella in a family connecting room. It was certainly on the expensive side, but the hotel has been recently renovated and it really shows. The property is stylish, modern and has a luxurious feel throughout.
On check-in, a young lady was assigned to show us to our room. Unfortunately, she seemed rather disinterested. She simply accompanied us in the lift and left us at the room door without explaining any of the hotel’s facilities or even letting us know where and when breakfast was served. It wasn’t the warm welcome I was expecting from a hotel of this standard.
I also felt the service around the pool could be more proactive. On more than one occasion, staff walked straight past while we were waiting for someone to help open the umbrellas. Small touches like that make a difference at a luxury resort. One thing that really surprised me was being charged €5 for the same small carton of Don Carlos branded water that is provided complimentary in the rooms. That felt unnecessarily expensive.
Breakfast, however, was excellent. There was a huge variety on offer, everything was well presented, and the breakfast staff were friendly and efficient.
A special mention must go to the team managing the valet parking. They were always welcoming, quick to assist, and my car was brought around promptly every time.
Overall, we had a very enjoyable stay at Don Carlos Marbella. While it’s undoubtedly a beautiful hotel, I’m still undecided as to whether the overall experience justified the premium price.
