Been there four times actually, going back to the first in 2003 and most recently last year. It's not a Four Seasons or an Aman, but they have most of the luxury trappings. It just doesn't "feel" right as far as a true luxury hotel should be. Examples are the front desk staff are definitely more interested in rules than guests, many of the restaurant staff do not speak English and more than once were actually very rude (even when speaking with them in Spanish). Compared to what people in this forum would expect from a luxury hotel, with the exception of an expansive and very good breakfast buffet, the food in general is not spectacular at all.

The rooms though, the ocean front rooms and suites, are priceless if you want a beautiful balcony to listen to nothing but soothing waves lapping up on the beach. I'm not completely sure but don't think any of the luxury hotels in Marbella have those rooms, with the exception of some extremely over-priced suites.

The grounds at the Kempinski are also spectacular. It really is a shame they can't get the staff and the food to true luxury standards because the hotel itself is a hidden gem.