Los Monteros Hotel reopens with timeless elegance, a revitalized Marbella icon
Marbella’s storied Los Monteros Hotel has flung open its doors once more, ushering in a new chapter for this Costa del Sol legend on February 25, 2025. After closing in late 2


A legacy refreshed
Los Monteros first welcomed guests in 1962, staking its claim as one of Spain’s inaugural five-star hotels and a playground for royalty, celebrities, and the jet-set elite. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, Michael Jackson, Sean Connery, and Antonio Banderas have all graced its halls, drawn by its pioneering spirit—think Spain’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, El Corzo, and the trailblazing La Cabane beach club, born in 1965. Yet, economic turbulence shadowed its later years, nearly dimming its light until Moroccan businessman Judas Azuelos stepped in during 2010 to steady the ship.

The latest revival comes courtesy of Stoneweg and Bain Capital, who acquired the property in 2022, partnering with IHG’s Kimpton Hotels & Resorts to breathe new life into this Marbella classic. After a meticulous overhaul, the hotel reopened under the Kimpton banner—its third Spanish outpost after Barcelona and Mallorca—promising a “cool and casual” vibe that honors its past while embracing the future. General Manager Merry Antoja calls it “a fusion of Los Monteros’ legacy with Kimpton’s distinct essence,” celebrating local culture and gastronomy.

A transformed retreat
The renovation, helmed by Barcelona’s award-winning El Equipo Creativo and Estudio Cristina Carulla, reimagines the hotel’s 195 rooms, including 60 suites—most with sprawling terraces boasting Mediterranean views. Natural materials like wood and stone mingle with bold colors, evoking the region’s sun-soaked spirit. The 18-hectare grounds now feature expanded gardens, versatile lounges, a 250-guest event space, a panoramic rooftop terrace, and a revamped beach club that nods to La Cabane’s storied past.

Gastronomy takes center stage, with Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García curating menus across four venues: a signature restaurant, a terrace, a lounge bar, and a poolside spot. “We’re crafting something unique, unseen on the Costa del Sol,” García promises, blending Andalusian roots with innovative flair. Rates start at €340 per night, reflecting the upscale experience, while the hotel’s pet-friendly ethos and IHG Rewards perks—like morning coffee or yoga mats—add a personal touch.

A nod to its roots
Kimpton Los Monteros doesn’t just look forward—it reveres its history. Once home to Marbella’s first golf course (now Río Real), plus tennis and equestrian clubs, it pioneered luxury tourism in the region. The refurbishment preserves this hedonistic charm, with spaces like the Old Clubhouse echoing its 1960s heyday. The March 6, 2025, media unveiling will spotlight this balance, positioning the hotel as Kimpton’s flagship in southern Europe, per owners Bain Capital and Stoneweg.

Its location—500 meters from the beach, 3.5 kilometers from Marbella’s center, and 45 kilometers from Málaga Airport—keeps it accessible yet exclusive. In 2024, as the Costa del Sol welcomed 14.47 million visitors, Los Monteros’ timing couldn’t be better, tapping into a luxury market that saw Málaga province’s property prices rise 8.05% in the first half of the year, per the Spanish Land Registry.

A new era dawns
The reopening has locals and travelers buzzing. “It’s a fresh start that respects what made Los Monteros special,” says Félix Romero, Marbella council spokesperson, noting the economic ripple effect of such investments. With two pools, a spa, tennis courts, and proximity to golf courses like Santa Clara, it’s a haven for leisure seekers. For business travelers, 1,260 square meters of meeting space, including a 350-person hall, seal its versatility.

Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella isn’t just a hotel—it’s a revival of a legend, poised to reclaim its throne. As the Costa del Sol evolves, this icon stands ready to welcome a new generation, proving that some classics only get better with time.