In Marbella, where the sun is almost as permanent as the social scene, a hotel doesn’t just need to offer comfort—it needs to make a statement. And Kimpton Los Monteros does so with confidence, charm, and a distinctly nostalgic wink. Once the haunt of international icons and local legends, the former Los Monteros Hotel—opened in 1962—has been reimagined by Kimpton into a vibrant, design-forward sanctuary that bridges the free-spirited glamour of the past with the expectations of today’s luxury traveler.
A Sense of Place, Reimagined
Walking into Kimpton Los Monteros feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a curated memory. There’s a deliberate sense of style—sun-drenched yellows, richly patterned tiles, eclectic artwork—that pays homage to Marbella’s bohemian heyday without slipping into kitsch.
The interiors, crafted by Barcelona’s El Equipo Creativo, preserve the hotel’s original Andalusian heart: you’ll still find the classic patio, original gardens, and architectural nods to the 1960s. But the execution is fresh, modern, and surprisingly intimate for a property of this scale.
Even the art curation—books on Basquiat and Matisse scattered across lounges, abstract canvases lining corridors—feels thoughtful rather than staged. It’s the kind of hotel where inspiration lingers quietly in the background.
Poolside Culture, Elevated
At the heart of the hotel is the central pool area, an oasis framed by palms, yellow parasols, and chic striped loungers. There’s a gentle social energy to the space—it’s clearly designed to be seen, but it never feels performative.
Costa Club, the adjacent poolside bar, serves up bright, balanced cocktails with regional flair. Order a “Mediterranean Muse” and it arrives with just the right mix of flair and restraint—like the hotel itself.
Rooms That Blend Wellness With Style
With 195 rooms and suites spread across four buildings, there’s plenty of variety—duplex layouts, garden views, and sea-facing balconies among them. What unites them is an attention to detail that feels more residential than hotel-grade. Each room features thoughtful additions like Diptyque bath amenities, yoga mats, and even beach paddles—suggesting that wellbeing here isn’t confined to the spa. Designed by Cristina Carulla Studio, the palette draws from sand, sky, and citrus. There are ceiling fans instead of blaring air conditioning, terrazzo details, and headboards in bold yellow velvet that somehow work perfectly under Marbella’s golden light.
Service With Personality, Not Pretense
One of the more distinctive aspects of Kimpton Los Monteros is its approach to service. It’s polished but never stiff—genuinely friendly, intuitive, and clearly influenced by the General Manager’s vision of approachable luxury.
A standout experience is the daily Social Hour, hosted in the courtyard at 5 p.m., where guests and staff mingle over complimentary drinks. It’s a subtle but effective way of breaking down barriers, and the kind of ritual that makes a hotel feel like home—if your home had an on-call mixologist and a Michelin-starred chef.
A Culinary Identity That Honors the Region
Marbella has no shortage of good food, but what sets Kimpton Los Monteros apart is its commitment to local flavors with global finesse.
At Azul, the revived original bar, guests can expect elevated Andalusian tapas—anchovy toasts, ensaladilla with shrimp, ventresca tuna—served poolside or inside at a circular bar designed for long, slow conversations.
Jara, the hotel’s main restaurant, puts the focus on regional ingredients with minimal intervention. Highlights included clams from Estepona with ajillo, artichokes with chipirón, and red prawns with chorizo from Huelva. The cooking is light of touch, letting the quality of the ingredients take the spotlight.
Then there’s Escondido, the rooftop bar and pool with expansive views over the Mediterranean. The culinary concept here—a Mexico-meets-Mediterranean fusion—featuring aguachile, local shellfish, and inventive tacos. With its elevated setting and bold design, it’s poised to become one of Marbella’s most sought-after sunset spots.
A Wellness Retreat Hidden in Plain Sight
The spa is a dream with deeply holistic approach. The glass-walled gym is sunlit and surrounded by greenery, while outdoor yoga sessions and nearby golf courses make good use of Marbella’s climate. The spa offers treatments in partnership with Maison Codage, who provide personalized skincare based on in-depth consultations. It’s a promising addition for those seeking relaxation beyond the sun lounger.
Pet-Friendliness Taken Seriously
Kimpton’s global reputation for being pet-friendly is more than upheld here—it’s amplified. Dogs are welcome across nearly the entire property (save for inside the pool), with dedicated amenities, custom food options, and even room service menus tailored to canine companions. It’s a thoughtful gesture that reflects the hotel’s overall guest-first philosophy—regardless of how many legs you walk in on.
A Stylish Revival With Substance
Kimpton Los Monteros isn’t just a revival—it’s a reinvention. It manages to honor Marbella’s glittering past while feeling entirely modern. With its balance of design, gastronomy, service, and lifestyle programming, it offers a complete luxury experience that’s unpretentious, engaging, and refreshingly memorable. In a region known for flash and spectacle, Kimpton Los Monteros makes a bold impression not by shouting—but by getting the details right.
Visit kimptonhotels.com to discover more
By: Lucas Raven
