There's more international wealth hanging out in the watering holes of Marbella, and a wider choice of glam (or pseudoglam) discos than virtually anywhere else in the south of Spain. Foremost among these is the chic Olivia Valere, in the Carretera Istan, N-340 Km 0.8 (tel. 95-282-88-45 or 95-282-88-61). It's open Friday and Saturday from midnight to 7am with a cover of 30€ ($39). A fashionable place to rendezvous at night, La Notte (no cover), Camino de la Cruz s/n (tel. 95-277-61-90), stands next to the swank La Meridiana Restaurant. Decorated in a Marrakech style, it offers a terrace and an elegant atmosphere with rich decoration. Live music and shows are presented here during its nightly hours from 12:30pm until 4am. It is closed from November 1 to December 21.
If you're in the heart of historic Marbella, enjoy a night in the bodegas and taverns of the Old Town. One that's conveniently located adjacent to one of the town's widest thoroughfares is Bodega La Venensia, Plaza de los Olivos s/n (tel. 95-277-99-63). Its wide choice of sherries, wines, and tapas draws lots of chattering patrons. One with a particularly large assortment of wines is Vinacoteca, Plaza Joaquín Gómez Agüera 2 (tel. 95-277-52-03). Dedicated to offering as many Spanish wines as possible, it provides the opportunity to compare the vintages produced in the surrounding region.
The best flamenco club in town is Tablao Flamenco Ana María, Plaza del Santo Cristo 4-5 (tel. 95-277-11-17). We think it's the most authentic place for foreign visitors with a limited knowledge of Spanish. The long, often-crowded bar area sells tapas, wine, sherry, and a selection of more international libations. On the stage, singers, dancers, and musicians perform flamenco and popular songs. This is late-night entertainment -- the doors don't open till 11:30pm, and the crowd really gets going between midnight and 3am. Drink prices start at 25€ ($33), including cover.
Ten kilometers (6 miles) west of Marbella, near Puerto Banús, Casino Marbella, Bajo Hotel Andalucía Plaza, Urbanización Nueva Andalucía (tel. 95-281-40-00), is on the lobby level of the Bajo Hotel Andalucía Plaza resort complex at Urbanización Nueva. Unlike the region's competing casino at the Hotel Torrequebrada, the Marbella does not offer cabaret or nightclub shows. The focus is on gambling, and mobs of visitors from northern Europe engage with abandon. Individual games include French and American roulette, blackjack, punto y banco, craps, and chemin de fer. Hours are daily from noon to 5am for coin machines, and daily 7pm to 5am for the main body of the casino. There is a 5€ ($6.50) admission charge.
You can dine before or after gambling in the Casino Restaurant (www.casinomarbella.com), a few steps above the gaming floor. The tasting menu is about 35€ ($46) per person including wine. Jackets are not required for men, but shorts and T-shirts will be frowned on. The casino is open daily from 8pm to 2 or 4am. A passport is required for admission.
