Hilton Returns to Spain's Costa del Sol

The world-renowned Hilton brand of hotels is returning to the Costa del Sol after 40 years absence in Andalucía.

In what investors are viewing as an endorsement of Spain's growth potential, a deal between the owners of the Reserva de Higuerón hotel in Benalmádena and Hilton Worldwide was sealed earlier this week at the Spanish embassy in Berlin.

Although the Hilton Group has four hotels in other regions of Spain, the Higuerón deal will see the return of the luxury American brand to Andalucía in what will become the first health spa hotel in Europe.

Hilton wants back in on the action

The last Hilton hotel on the Costa del Sol was at the Don Carlos in Marbella 40 years ago when tourism was first emerging in Spain. Now the country's tourism infrastructure has become extremely well-developed, welcoming record-breaking visitor numbers to its resorts, Hilton wants back in on the action.

Carlos Javier Rodríguez, one of the owners of Reserva de Higuerón is delighted with the deal that will see Hilton take over management of the popular Benalmádena hotel. "When we opened twenty years ago we would never have believed we would end up working with Hilton," he said.

Andreas Lackner said he was convinced the project would be extremely successful, thanking all participants involved in achieving the outcome. He added that Hilton was delighted to be inviting its clients to the Costa del Sol once again, complementing the region for its gastronomy and history and of course, the excellent year-round climate.

Local property markets in Benalmádena are set to benefit from the hospitality giant's presence at the Higuerón, boosting the coastal area's profile as a tourist hotspot with its brand, associated with the height of luxurious living.

Coastal property in Spain's Costa del Sol has been increasing in popularity with foreign property investors for the last few years, drawn by bargain basement prices and excellent yield opportunities. As more investor focus falls on this region of Spain, property prices will undoubtedly start increasing presenting fewer chances for maximum returns.