The Costa Press Club meets on average every two months at different venues on the western Costa del Sol, usually with a dinner and sometimes with guest speakers or special events. Guests and potential new members are welcome (contact any committee member). If you have an idea for a venue or guest speaker, please let us know. Details of the next scheduled meeting are outlined below.
MONDAY, 22nd APRIL
MARBELLA MOVES WITH THE TIMES
With speaker
José Luque, President of the Costa del Sol Hoteliers’ Association (AEHCOS) and CEO of Fuerte Hotels
And dinner afterwards at nearby at Óbal Urban Hotel
For our next meeting, we focus on Marbella. This jewel of the Costa del Sol has just been voted Best European Destination 2024 based on over one million votes from across Europe.
How is this grand dame of luxury tourism keeping fresh and relevant to 21st-century traveller expectations?
In April, we learn from two family businesses, part of the history and DNA of tourism in Marbella, who have just adapted their iconic hotel offer in central Marbella to bring them up to date and to keep the town a leader for the next generation.
Part one - Monday 22nd April
18.00-19.00 El Fuerte Marbella ***** https://www.elfuertemarbella.com/
Presentation by José Luque CEO of Fuerte Hotels, President of the Costa del Sol Hoteliers Association (AEHCOS)
The Hotel El Fuerte Marbella story is legendary in Marbella and further afield. José, also president of the prestigious Costa hotels association, has kindly agreed to personally show Press Club members and guests how the waterside hotel, founded by his family in the early 1950s, has been reopened in the last couple of years as a stunning five-star establishment following a 33-million-euro refurbishment. He will also share his thoughts on the Costa del Sol hotel sector and the current challenges the industry faces. The talk will be given in English with questions in English and Spanish.
Refreshment drinks and parking at the El Fuerte’s own public car park is offered as courtesy in central Marbella*, close to the seafront.
Part two – we will move across the road, just 200 metres
19:30 Óbal Urban Hotel**** - Welcome Drink then Dinner https://www.obalhotelmarbella.com/
The newly reopened hotel, formerly the landmark San Cristóbal on Avda. Ricardo Soriano, has also been an iconic part of Marbella life for many decades. It has had a total upgrade from this season to four stars and a new, vibrant, urban concept.
The hotel, owned by the Parra family, is preparing a meal in their Restaurante Alameda at a special price for us. A welcome drink and canapés will also be served on the large rooftop terrace (weather permitting).
Please confirm attendance for this evening and make your main course choice by the end of Thursday 18th April to info@costapressclub.com
Special menu price: 25 euros to members. 35 euros to guests. Guests are welcome.
(Pay cash on the night or, ideally, if you wish to pay in advance, the club bank details are at the end of this email. Late cancellations after 18th and no shows will be charged.)
Included menu at Óbal Urban Hotel:
On the terrace on arrival:
Croft Twist fino spritz, Breaded mussel with black garlic emulsion, Chilled melon soup with serrano ham powder
In the restaurant:
Selection of wines, Solán de cabras mineral water, Mahou beer, Soft drinks during dinner in the restaurant.
Starter: Avocado fan with mixed lettuces, tempura octopus, and lemon vinaigrette
(Vegetarian option served without octopus and with quinoa and tomato)
Main course: Choose from: (by 18th April please)
Cod loin with sweet potato purée and black olive soil
Or
Iberian pork presa in two cookings with romesco sauce and lemon potatoes
Or
Seasonal mushroom risotto (v)
Dessert
Apple pie with salted caramel ice cream
Baqué coffee and organic infusions
Let us know in advance if you are vegetarian.
(The Óbal Urban Hotel is also offering special, optional room rates for a stay. Premium Room: €108, with breakfast: €138. If interested please contact us. info@costapressclub.com )
Directions:
The evening starts in the very elegant surroundings of the El Fuerte Marbella with our speaker, José Luque. This is very close to the Avenida del Mar (where the Dali statues are).
Google Maps reference: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JYci9mF7Z1d6ncRH6
*If driving, enter the El Fuerte’s public car park through the main gate. Free parking will be included in the El Fuerte public car park for two hours and you pay the difference on exit so no need to move cars when we move to the Óbal.
Club bank details for optional advance payment:
Banco Sabadell
Asociación Club de Prensa de la Costa del Sol
IBAN: ES61 0081 7452 8500 0183 9891
BIC: BSABESBB
(Let us know when you make your transfer, by 18th April please)
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, 22nd April.
Costa Press Club Committee
