Where To Stay When Searching For Your Dream Property With Asset Folio

In the 60s the Costa del Sol was the Spanish package holiday destination. And, while it's still got the sun, sandy beaches, friendly Mediterranean climate and lively resorts, these days the Costa del Sol has also begun to promote its culture just as much as its idyllic weather. And there's definitely light under this bushel. The Costa del Sol's accommodation options have also expanded beyond package resorts, and these days some of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol include chic boutique hotels, eco fincas and charming guesthouses.

Capital of the region, Málaga is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you're here for the culture and history as well as the sunshine. Don't be put off by the 'airport hub' first impression, at Málaga's heart is a beautiful historic centre, and all the wonderful history you might expect from an old Mediterranean port city.

It's also been invested in, and in recent years this has meant the openings of several new museums and extensive restoration of 'the pretty bits'. Málaga is also has some of the region's best tapas bars.

It's not just Málaga, many of the Costa del Sol's resorts have charming old town centres - much maligned Marbella included. Once a whitewashed fishing village, Marbella's Old Town is a fascinating blend of Andalucían and Moorish cultures which is especially obvious in the colourful floral displays and narrow streets.

This part of Andalucía is also known for its numerous, pretty, white hilltop villages, including the old 'white village' of Mijas. All these villages and old town centres have fantastic regular markets, one of the most notable at Benahavis.

If you're looking for a glitzy break, Puerto Banus is marketed as Spain's St. Tropez. The area around a luxury marina, just south of Marbella, this is the best place to stay in the Costa del Sol if you want to be wowed by super-yachts and sports cars.

This is the patch where the wealthy, famous and royal have been papped. They're here for the sun, endless rows of high-end designer boutiques and the endless supply of excellent restaurants and strip of famous bars and clubs.

If you want to appreciate the area's natural beauty beyond the coastline take a trip on the Benalmádena Aerial Cable Car, which takes visitors 800 meters over Costa del Sol, soaring through the air to Mount Calamorro.

Or visit the El Torcal Natural Area, a striking landscape of bizarre limestone formations from 150 million years ago.

If you're looking for some of the Costa del Sol's more unique cultural offerings, the Picasso Museum in the Los Condes de Buenavista and the Royal Riding School of Ronda are two institutions worth visiting.

And if you're looking for something even more unique you're only a short drive from the monkeys of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Best Places to Stay on the Costa del Sol

For a Sunny City Break

    • The Hotel Carabeo is a decadently decorated hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea. There are some lovely antiques, as well as four poster beds. And several of the seven rooms have private terraces. The food is excellent, and very Spanish.

    • The Town House is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you like things whitewashed and un-fussy. It's very close to Marbella's Plaza de los Naranjos and the Old Town.

    • Room Mate Larios in central Malaga is a lovely townhouse with a sunny outlook and a fantastic rooftop terrace and bar. It's a short stroll from all the highlights and consistently excellent.

For a Beach Break

    • The Hotel Puente Romano is a Grand Andalucian seafront luxury hotel, with pretty much everything you need for the perfect beach break: a private beach, tennis courts, a spa, a kid's club and a choice of restaurants. And of course bright, but luxurious interiors.

    • The Posada del Patio is a good five star hotel close to all Malaga's highlights. It also has rooms with private balconies and a fabulous rooftop terrace and an excellent restaurant. So you have great views and great beach access.

For Luxury

    • Hotel Claude is a beautifully restored 17th Century townhouse converted into just seven suites. One of the first really nice boutique-y hotels in Marbella, the Hotel Claude is also one of the most romantic places to stay on the Costa del Sol.

    • As well as having its own golf course and spa, the Marbella Club also offers tennis and horse riding. And it has its own beach, so this is one of the best places to stay in the Costa del Sol if you're looking for the perfect resort holiday. In the summer there's a kid's club.

For those on a Budget

    • Room Mate Lola in Málaga is fresh and funky. All minimalist, white leather and zebra print, this 50 room hotel is in a great position close to the beaches, the markets and the nightlife. And rooms start from just £42 per night.

    • Casa de las Mercedes in Málaga is a simple Andalucían guesthouse with lots of charm and a family-friendly atmosphere. Walls are white-washed, tiles are mosaic and floors are of stone flags. And rooms start from £46 per night.

For Families

    • Casa la Concha is a set of chic, little B&B cottages set on a hilltop above Marbella. Quiet, relaxed and green, with lovely views of the Mediterranean, this is a great place for families because you have your own cottage to yourself.

    • The Petit Palace Plaza in central Malaga is a lovely old townhouse on a charming cobbled street, but inside its rooms are modern and brightly decorated. And its got views of the cathedral.

REF: The Hotel Guru