Marbella runs along the Costa del Sol below the Sierra Blanca. The old town, the central beaches, the Golden Mile and Puerto Banús are separate hotel bases. Pick the area first, then the room.
Plaza de los Naranjos is the center of the old town. The town hall, narrow streets and Iglesia de la Encarnación sit inland from Avenida del Mar, which leads past outdoor sculpture toward the promenade. From a central room you can walk to restaurants and the beach. The streets around the square stay lively late.
West of the center, the Golden Mile follows the coast toward Puerto Banús. Large resorts and beach clubs line this stretch. Puerto Banús has the marina and designer shops. It is about 4 miles from the old town, so a hotel there changes your evening walk and your transport budget.
San Pedro Alcántara has its own town center and seafront west of Puerto Banús. East of central Marbella, Elviria and nearby beaches are more spread out. Both are good for beach days, but you will rely on a car or bus more than in the old town.
Marbella has no railway station. Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport has a direct coach to the Marbella bus station, while trains terminate in Málaga or Fuengirola. The A-7 links the coastal districts. Allow for traffic between them in summer.