After two agonizing and toxic-smelling nights at our spacious 'Time & Home' rental by "Marriott",…read morehubs and I knew we had to get the hell out. What really broke the camel's back after 2 days in, was that the entire house reeked like sewage. Hubs Google mapped Guadalmina as our final and God-send destination to continue celebrating my birthday.
Guadalmina opens up with grand style. Lots of terracotta, high ceilings, wood beams and porcelain tiles to give the entrance that Marbella touch and elegance. The hosts (and there were several) were pleasant. Compared to where we came from, our room was equipped with a balcony+sea view, TV, twin beds made into a Queen ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, air conditioning, bathtub with shower head and a few other necessities.
There is no valet and when hubs asked the doorman/greeter to park it, all he said was, "we don't do that here because everyone parks their own car...but if you want me to, I will". Ok then, so no valet. Restaurant on site is put together and crisp. Complimentary breakfast/brunch buffet was real spread with quality offerings including bubbly and fresh squeezed oj at your convenience.
Pool access+chairs is €0. Beach access however, will cost you €20 but that gives you the entire day to dip and sunbathe as often as you like in a given day, you can take breaks in between and can leave the premises if you want. Cocktails at the pool bar are weak so I suggest you keep your money in your pocket.
For an exclusive hotel and for what hubs paid for- for 4 days, it DID NOT include: bottled water (which sold for €4. Really???), iron was missing (I did a MacGyver and used the hair blower to get rid of wrinkles on clothes), bathroom essentials or wastebasket baggies. Overall, Guadalmina was a nice stay in Marbella and a stone's throw away from the beach.