The historic town of Marbella oozes sunny Andalusian charm. And there’s no better way to experience it than staying at one of La Ciudadela’s gorgeous boutique hotels.
La Ciudadela’s CEO, Miguel Cervantes, is a native of Marbella who wanted to share his hometown roots with travelers. Marbella might be a world-renowned jetset destination; known for luxe villas, luxe cars and luxe everything by the beach. But all the flashy parts which Marbella is known for is concentrated in Puerto Banus and the Milla de Oro, outside of the actual town of Marbella, which many travelers don’t actually end up spending much time in. Thus, developer-turned-hotelier, Miguel Cervantes, wanted to create accommodation in the center of Marbella where travelers could experience the gorgeous art, design and culture of his hometown.
Striking design is a guiding force at all La Ciudadela hotels. It’s the first thing you notice whenever you enter a property and the last thing to stick in your mind after you leave. Miguel called on the talented artisans in his city to decorate and fill the interiors of his hotels. In the rooms and restaurants, you’ll find one-of-a-kind objects made with local materials and custom bathroom installations from the glass showers to the ceramic porcelain sink by Ortiz. The design seamlessly blends sleek modern décor with an Andalusian sense of place.
Maison Ardois was the first hotel in the franchise to open. The hotel is set inside the old residence of the Ardois family which was built in 1929. Maison Ardois has the most central location, right in the heart of old town Marbella. The cozy hotel houses just nine guest rooms and suites. Despite the small size of the property, the rooms are still spacious and comfortable with all the modern conveniences of a high-end stay. These include Nespresso machine, tablet, plus GHD professional hair dryers and hair straightener, which is a unique addition you don’t always see. The décor is chic and minimalist, with a sleek black and white color palette. The natural touches of the wood beams and floors maintain a cozy, welcoming feel in the rooms, rather than running with full futuristic minimalism.
El Castillo Hotel is another unique property, as the only hotel located inside the walls of Marbella’s castle. El Castillo Hotel is tucked away in tranquil residential plazas, surrounded by rustic foliage and colorful flower pots within the historic stone walls of the castle. El Castillo also has a fabulous location right above the road leading to the main square of Marbella town. The rooms at El Castillo are decorated very similarly to those at Maison Ardois; with a cozy black and white palette and modern finishings. The walls in the rooms are printed with vintage photographs of Marbella from way back when. The best part of El Castillo Hotel is the spectacular rooftop terrace which offers panoramic views of Marbella: from the high tower of the cathedral to the glittering Mediterranean to the majestic curve of La Concha.
