Anantara Villa Padierna

We spent 6 nights here on a last-minute change from another hotel and we did not regret it. A nice hotel surrounded by golf courses with solid if not outstanding rooms ( our north oriented suite had a bit of sun in the morning (that's it) and a smallish terrace). Well maintained and clean, good housekeeping. Nice front desk and great valet parking. Freezing outside pool (nobody in it). Very nice spa. Restaurants: 99 (japanese) excellent, Veranda, so-so, Lebanese: avoid. Good beach club. Conclusion: good hotel and great alternative to the snobbish beach front classics. But they have to improve their F&B (particularly at those prices)

We had stayed at Villa Padierna previously before it was taken over by Anantara so we were very much looking forward to seeing how it had changed. In our previous visit we gave it 5 stars. Checkin and valet parking were fine, our room was a little out of the way and you had to take 2 lifts to get to it but it was a lovely suite with a stunning bathroom and two terraces. The hotel pool was crowded for the number of guests but it was possible to get a sun lounger - the pool and gardens are beautiful. Last time we stayed in the hotel we had the most amazing meal in La Loggia but unfortunately it has downgraded from 5 to 1 star. It took half an hour for someone to take our order and the food was mediocre at best - i have a lactose intolerance and i was served food with lactose despite highlighting the intolerance. There was no staff co-ordination at dinner which is in contrast to breakfast where it was really well organised. The hotel has gone from being one of our top 10 hotels in the world to "wouldnt stay here again or recommend". The three stars reflects that the hotel is stunning and could be so much more.

Set away from the mainstream Marbella happenings, the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is a wonderful resort if you want tranquility yet be at the door step to Marbella with views of Costa del Sol! We've stayed in many wonderful resorts in Europe. This one has a nice blend of Spanish and Asian feel - both in the hardware (well maintained expansive grounds/architecture/facilities/restaurants) as well as software (staff, service, hospitality). The staff all seem to love their work! Nothing was too hard, and always with a smile. The entrance lobby seating area felt a little sterile despite it's high ceilings and wonderful space. We sat here waiting for a while - so just noticed a bit more.. perhaps some colour is needed. However, there are plentiful wonderful areas to relax and sit around the property - this was soon forgotten. Our Deluxe room was unexpectedly large, plush and very comfortable. When we first arrived, the aircon felt a little cold and the temperature control could not go beyond 22°C! But a quick phone call and they came to attend to it within 5 minutes. Restaurants. We tried Sushi99, sat outdoors watching the sunset. service was quick despite just having 2 servers as we dined early. amazing 'andalucian' style sushi with iberico slices, truffle. delicate and light... for us who have been spoilt with refined Japanese cuisine.. this was a delight! We also tried La Verandah. sat indoors this time. seems like this is a popular restaurant for in-house guests as they were almost full on a week night! Amazing cuisine here as well. Our favourites courses were their lobster salad in strawberry vinaigrette, grilled white asparagus dressed in cashew nut-fennel-baby leave and carabineros prawns from Huelva. I can still taste them even 2 weeks later! Thanks to Eva and the many smiling front of house staff. It made our short stay feel almost like home :-) We will be back!