Set in a beautifully restored 17th-century townhouse once home to Eugénie de Montijo, the hotel offers uniquely designed rooms. Once the home of Napoleon III’s wife, Hotel Claude in Marbella is a 17th-century townhouse, revamped and restyled to meld authentic period features with modern design pizzazz. Original elements such as the well and Moorish arches are complemented by huge purple banquettes
, hanging glass lanterns and a shady roof terrace where you can sit to watch the world wander by on the winding streets below. Guests can use the nearby spa, pool and fitness centre. In rooms: flatscreen TV, DVD player, iPod dock. All rooms have king-size beds. OUR FAVOURITE ROOMS
Claude’s seven rooms are each uniquely styled – top of our to-book list is Francesca, the only room that looks out onto the old town’s main street. A large balcony and a huge floor-to-ceiling window keep it bright and airy, and the high, wood-beamed ceilings and decorative arch leading to the minimalist mosaic-fitted bathroom create a sense of spaciousness. Up in the eaves, Flammandes overlooks the roof terrace and has its own private stairwell leading up to a smart loft-style studio with glossy oak floors and a semi-open-plan bathroom. Listening to the church chime outside and looking out over the steeple, you feel like a princess in a tower. Savannah and North African-themed Marroquí are joined by a courtyard, making them ideal for families or friends travelling together.
