HOTBED: HARD ROCK HOTEL, MARBELLA
It’s a Hard Rock Life.
Sleek, sexy, and stylish the Hard Rock Hotel, set in the heart of the swish Puerto Banús district, is a Marbella hit especially amongst the glam party crowd. Elegant design, live music and a chic laid-back retro vibe, the adults-only hotel, which was opened by Palladium Hotel Group in July 2022, oozes rock star chic.
A hold steady theme throughout Hard Rock’s brand is of course the infusion of musical reference points that flow into every aspect of your stay where rock royalty mix with local Andalusian artists who feature heavily in the display as memorabilia from show-stopping mainstream acts sit side-by-side with local names.
And of course it’s all very Instagram friendly; if that’s your thing.
POOLS
If you’re not soaking up the sunshine in Marbs (people do still call it that right?), you’re doing it wrong. That’s especially the case at Hard Rock Hotel where the vibrant pool scene is a big part of the property and features plenty of daybeds, cabanas and a DJ to keep you entertained keeping the vibe going all day long.
DECOR
Stylish seventies inspired interior design meets Hard Rock’s signature music themed aesthetics with nods to local cultural icons. From the moment you enter the foyer the theme of celebrating rock ’n’ roll legacy is evident. Memorabilia from acts such as Elvis, Kiss, Lady Gaga, Prince and Elton John are enshrined in the lobby. The stylish interior is enhanced by bold black and white artworks by US street artist Shepard Fairey, adding a touch of contemporary art into the mix.
ROOMS
The hotels 383 room (including 64 suites) interiors blend vintage and modern touches with fresh results. The place is cool, contemporary and retro in equal parts and as you’d imagine, full of those musical references and motifs. From the headboards that evoke pipe organs, to the trumpet bedside lamps and bed linen with subtle guitar designs. In room guitars are optional.
MUSIC
Not surprisingly music is everywhere. If live music in the lobby, or DJ’s at the poolside are still not enough for you, the hotel is also home to an in-room ‘Sound of Your Stay’ music programme designed to provide guests with a unique and all-encompassing music experience.
The Sound of Your Stay includes three elements available for free to hotel guests: At check-in guests are given a code to download one of three 15-song playlists, offering a sonic guide for their Hard Rock experience.
Guests can also get to choose from a selection of Fender guitars, including Stratocasters, Telecasters and basses to take to their room. We tried out a guitar and cleared the bar with our with a rendition of ‘Smoke on the Water’ – not recommended in public areas.
Key pieces in the curated collection of music memorabilia include an acoustic guitar played by Elvis, outfits worn by Madonna and letters to fans hand written by Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones.
DINING
The hotel buffet restaurant ‘Sessions’ isn’t much to write home about and lacks a bit culinary flair, but the onsite Asian fusion cuisine and cocktails at Nu Downtown adds a touch of glamour to the dining options.
Rooms start from €232
