Mr & Mrs Smith

Mr & Mrs Smith have just got back from an anonymous review trip to this boutique hotel in Marbella, and just as soon as they’ve unpacked their bags, a full account of their stay in Spain will be with you. In the meantime, just to pique your interest, here’s a quick snapshot from hip historic hideaway Hotel Claude…

The key features of Hotel Claude – the original well, the Moorish-style arches in the courtyard, the stucco façade – haven’t changed since the 17th century, when it was built by (and named after) a celebrated Spanish opera diva. But now, thanks to a raft of new additions and modern design elements such as shining metal lanterns and gigantic indigo banquettes, it still takes centre-stage in the old-town Marbella scene, offering fabulous cuisine, sweeping city views from one of Marbella’s only roof gardens, and a perfect location for hopping from tapas bar to beach and back again. Just round the corner from the main square of Marbella’s old town (La Plaza de los Naranjos), and five doors down from the spot where Spanish gypsies strum out passionate, sincere flamenco, the hotel couldn’t be better placed for that inimitablel Andalusian experience.