An inside look at Estepona’s standout boutique stay
Hotel El Pilar Andalucía has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive stays on the Costa del Sol. Nestled in Estepona’s old town, the hotel blends tradition, thoughtful design, and refined service in a way that feels both rooted and forward-thinking. To understand what makes the experience so seamless, we sat down with Alberto Peláez, Managing Director, to learn more about the story behind the hotel and the leadership guiding it.
An international journey in hospitality
Alberto’s path in the hotel world began in London, in one of the city’s most exclusive members’ clubs. “My journey in the hospitality sector began at a prestigious members’ club with accommodation in Sloane Square, called The Sloane Club. That experience taught me how to manage the most demanding clients and, at the same time, helped me master the English language,” he shared.
From there, Alberto went on to take leading roles at some of the most renowned names in the industry, including Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection, Finca Cortesin, and eventually as General Manager at Gleneagles. His foundation in world-class service would become the blueprint for El Pilar Andalucía.
Bringing values to life through people
At the heart of his leadership style is a focus on people. “Throughout my career, I’ve always paid close attention to those who stand out for how they manage teams. I’ve been lucky to work alongside professionals who helped me grow,” he explained. Today, he shares that same alignment of values with the Eller family, who own the property. “Working with the Eller family allows us to send a clear message to our team: we’re building something that reflects both our professional standards and who we are as people.”
Tourism in Andalucía is changing
For Alberto, the future of tourism in the region is full of potential. “Travellers are no longer just looking for destinations. They want meaningful experiences that allow them to connect authentically with the place and its people,” he said. Boutique hotels, in his view, are best positioned to meet this demand. “Personalised service and a warm, human approach are becoming more valuable than ever. Guests want to feel part of something familiar.”
What’s next for the group?
Looking ahead, Alberto is already focused on the next project. “We are working on a very ambitious plan: Palacio Maravilla will be the the first 5-star GL hotel in Estepona’s old town, right on Plaza de las Flores,” he revealed. The new property will feature 47 rooms, 12 suites, three restaurants open to the public, and a Speakeasy bar designed as a journey into the golden age of cocktails.
Redefining modern luxury
At the core of El Pilar Andalucía is a fresh take on luxury. “Our philosophy of luxury centres around personalisation and genuine human connection,” he said. “Anticipating needs, offering effortless service, and combining international standards with local tradition is what we strive for every day.”
It’s clear that under Alberto Peláez’s leadership, Hotel El Pilar Andalucía is not just a beautiful place to stay, but a deeply considered project built on values, experience, and a vision for the future of hospitality in southern Spain.
Contact Details:
Hotel El Pilar Andalucía
Plaza de las Flores Nº 12, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
Tel: +34 952 80 21 94
Email: reservas@elpilarandalucia.com
Website: elpilarandalucia.com