Set on the stunning Costa del Sol in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Malaga is a haven of beauty, art, and culture. In fact, Pablo Picasso, its most famous son, once said “To be a Cubist you have to have been born in Malaga.” However, you don’t need to be a Cubist to visit this lively, historic city and appreciate its many facets. From sun-soaked beaches and centuries-old buildings to bustling tapas bars and colorful art galleries, the city has it all. Whatever your reason for visiting and no matter how long you plan to stay, have a wonderful vacation in one of the best hotels in Malaga, Spain.
Where To Stay In Malaga, Spain
Many of the top things to do in Malaga cluster within Malaga Centro (Central Malaga). Thus, it makes sense that many of the best hotels in Malaga and Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Malaga are also situated here. The area, divided into many districts, offers a dizzying array of places to visit. You can choose a hotel in the Old Town for easy access to the city’s major monuments and pedestrian shopping streets. Meanwhile, lodgings in Central Malaga’s Soho district sit shoulder-to-shoulder with hip galleries and restaurants.
If living it up at the beach is your objective, then you’ll do well to stay in eastern Malaga. Here, you’ll find laid-back beachfront neighborhoods like Pedregalejo and El Palo. They were once fishing villages. Today, they’re home to hotels that are perfect spots for beach getaways.
North of the city center, the Ciudad Jardin is ideal for ecotourism enthusiasts. Booking a hotel here will put you within easy reach of some of Malaga’s natural wonders. You can, for instance, hike the Garden City Trail and reach a section of the Montes de Malaga Nature Preserve.
Southwest of Central Malaga, Carretera de Cádiz is another popular area. Once a highly industrial district, this coastal destination boasts a slew of attractions. From beach bars and museums to sports facilities and parks, it’s a place worth exploring.
Room Mate Valeria
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The sheer beauty of the rooms alone would include Room Mate Valeria in any list of the best hotels in Malaga, Spain. Designed by the Melian Randolph Studio, they evoke a retro-vibe. Too, they reference Malaga’s colorful vegetation and sea. They’re more than just good looks, though. Climate control keeps the temperature pleasant while soundproofing means outside noise stays outside. Plus, there’s a flat-screen TV with USB and HDMI connections, so you can connect your laptop if you need a bigger screen.
Are you a late riser? If you are, don’t worry about missing breakfast because it’s served until noon. Indulge in Spanish omelets, cold meats, and more in the cheerful dining room. You can also head to the hotel’s terrace bar for a cool cocktail while gazing at the surrounding mountains. And if you visit in the summertime, you can soak in the pool or bask under the Spanish sun.
Keeping fit and active here is a breeze, too. This 4-star hotel boasts a 24-hour gym with the latest cardio and weight training equipment. Of course, you can also walk around the area for exercise. The Picasso Museum, Malagueta Beach, and Gibralfaro Castle are all within walking distance.
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
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When it comes to rooms with a view, Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro stands up there with the best of them. And we mean it’s literally up there! Perched atop Mount Gibralfaro, it provides a superb vantage point over the city and the Mediterranean Sea. This 4-star hotel itself is a sight to behold. Its formidable, thick stone walls are reminiscent of ancient fortresses. Speaking of which, the 10th-century Gibralfaro sits next to the hotel. Also, the Moorish fortress-palace called Alcazaba (Citadel) is right in front.
The air-conditioned rooms have a distinctly Mediterranean vibe with their tile floors and warm colors. Some boast balconies overlooking the city. If you book one of the upgraded rooms, you’ll enjoy great additions such as Nespresso coffee machines. Meanwhile, Andalusian and Mediterranean specialties populate the restaurant’s menu. The restaurant also features a terrace that looks out onto the blue sea. Likewise, the rooftop pool offers panoramic views.
If you’d rather swim in the sea, you only need to drive 10 minutes to get to the beach. Old Town Malaga, on the other hand, is 20 minutes away on foot. Be warned, though, it’s a long and steep walk.
Mariposa Hotel Malaga
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Mariposa is the Spanish word for butterfly, so it’s no surprise to see these colorful insects adorning the walls of the Mariposa Hotel Malaga. Many other decorative elements make this 4-star property chic and stylish, from clean Art Deco lines to statues of Chinese warriors. The rooms have the hotel’s overall black and white theme, punctuated by splashes of bright hues. Meanwhile, the suites offer more space as well as bigger desks.
Like in some of the other best hotels in Malaga, Spain, breakfast hours at the Mariposa are from 7 am through noon. Enjoy a buffet spread of charcuterie, bacon and eggs, pastries, and more in a sunlit space on the ground floor. There’s a small fitness room where you can squeeze in a workout. Later, you can get a beer or a cocktail at the rooftop bar. The hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, but there are plenty of dining venues nearby.
Speaking of what’s nearby, there’s a lot! The Mariposa is in Centro’s artsy Soho neighborhood. There’s street art practically everywhere you look. Also, the Contemporary Art Center is within walking distance.
Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World
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Looking at the beautiful Palacio Solecio, it’s easy to fall in love at first sight. As you can probably tell from its name, the hotel used to be a palace. Félix Solesio, a businessman from Genoa, owned the property in the 18th century. The hotel’s renovation has kept true to the building’s original artistic and architectural style.
The rooms are an enchanting combination of classical and modern decor. As is standard in luxury hotels, there are en suite bathrooms as well as a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. However, for the ultimate experience, book the tower room. The sole room on the top floor, it provides access to a private terrace where you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.
The impressive Balausta restaurant is another gem in Palacio Selecio’s crown. Here, you can savor traditional Malagan cuisine made more interesting by a creative twist. Meanwhile, the bar offers a generous selection of wine, cocktails, and sherry.
The hotel sits in the historic Jewish quarter, on Calle Granada. A stroll of one minute will bring you to the Picasso Museum. And if you walk around 7 minutes, you’ll reach the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank. This theater is a project by actor, producer, and director Antonio Banderas, another of Malaga’s famous sons.
The Urban Jungle Hostel
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There are no holds barred at The Urban Jungle Hostel when it comes to value for money. It’s one of the best hotels in Malaga, Spain, if you’re looking to stretch your supply of euros. While the rooms might be on the basic side, they provide a good amount of space. You can choose from mixed and female-only dorm rooms that sleep anywhere from four to eight people. Each section of the bunk bed has a curtain you can close. Plus, you get your own large locker under the bed to secure your stuff.
On the other hand, you can choose a double room or a twin room if you’d like your own space. These come with a private bathroom plus direct access to the rooftop. The rooftop is where anything and everything goes. Here, you can start the day with a homemade breakfast, drink a cold one during happy hour, and relax over a tasty dinner in the evening. What’s more, the rooftop hosts events such as live concerts, movie nights, and art exhibitions.
The Urban Jungle Hostel sits slap-bang in the heart of Centro. A 2-minute walk will bring you the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba. Meanwhile, the golden sands of Malagueta Beach are 12 minutes away on foot.
Barceló Malaga
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Colorful and contemporary, the 4-star Barceló Malaga offers stylish and comfortable accommodation. Choose a Superior room and enjoy a pillow menu, a desk, and tea/coffee-making facilities. You’ll also revel in the bathroom’s hydromassage shower or tub. Meanwhile, if you book a Deluxe room, you’ll have all those luxuries plus a rain-effect shower and a whirlpool bath. And if you’d like to be heads and shoulders above the rest, check out the Junior Suites. They’re located on the top floor and feature swiveling TVs, capsule-coffee makers, and twin sinks.
A generous breakfast buffet in the first-floor dining room will set you up for the day. Also on the ground floor, the all-day gastropub boasts excellent tapas. And if you get the munchies while soaking in the rooftop pool, just step out of the water and order snacks and drinks that you can consume on the adjoining terrace.
Located a 20-minute walk from the city center, the hotel sits beside the Maria Zambrano train station and shopping center. In fact, it’s connected to the station by a corridor lined with mosaic tiles. Speaking of the train, do you know that Malaga is passed by one of the Top 7 Fastest Trains In The World?
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
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Part of Marriott’s AC Hotels Group, the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio is an ideal spot for business and leisure travelers alike. For business purposes, it offers 7 meeting rooms where wireless Internet is available for a fee. But, in the guest rooms and public areas like the lobby, wireless Internet is complimentary.
This 4-star hotel rises 15 stories above the city center. Its wonderful location makes it one of the best hotels in Malaga, Spain, to use as a base for sightseeing. The lush greenery, fountains, and sculptures of the Parque de Malaga, aka Paseo del Parque, are right next door. Meanwhile, the wondrous 16th-century Malaga Cathedral is a short walk away.
The hotel, refurbished in 2007, features 205 rooms and 9 suites. If you appreciate minimalism, you’ll love the accommodation. The rooms and suites are bright and uncluttered. However, they do offer the standard necessities for a comfortable stay. These include satellite TV, minibars, and air-conditioning. Some also have furnished terraces or balconies overlooking the sea or Malaga Bay.
Dining options are plentiful. Enjoy a Mediterranean meal in the breakfast room and Malagan and international cuisines in the restaurant. There’s also a lounge where you can dine in a serene setting. Plus, a poolside bar and restaurant provide great food and refreshments.
Molina Lario
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Two restored 19th-century buildings and a third new extension comprise the 4-star Molina Lario. A member of the family-run Gallery Hoteles chain, the hotel underwent a renovation in 2019. The Standard-class rooms lie mostly in the new wing while the upgraded rooms populate the historical buildings. Many rooms boast balconies overlooking the busy street below. Some suites, meanwhile, offer views of Malaga Cathedral or the port.
Set in the heart of Malaga, the hotel is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and tapas bars. The Malaga Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, and Parque de Malaga are all a short walk away.
The hotel’s Matiz restaurant specializes in Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine. Its courtyard also hosts a monthly flamenco event. A rooftop bar offers creative cocktails inspired by ports all over the planet. Live music and DJ sessions enliven the bar area on a regular basis. Meanwhile, an open-air pool on the 8th floor tempts you to take a dip on warm, sunny days.
Hotel Brö
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Are you looking for the best hotels in Malaga, Spain, for a romantic getaway? But one that won’t distress your bank account? If so, the adults-only Hotel Brö is worth considering. Here, you and your sweetheart can share romantic moments in the garden or bond over an intimate drink on the terrace.
This lovely 3-star hotel also boasts a rooftop pool. Loungers around the water invite you to bask under the Spanish sun. And if the weather is a bit nippy, don’t worry. You’ll keep warm in the water since the pool is heated. Or, you could book the Premium Room, which has its own private pool on the balcony. The other rooms might not have this perk, but they offer scenic views of the garden. What’s more, they all come with the requisites for a comfortable stay. You’ll refresh yourself in your private bathroom and amuse yourself with a show on the flat-screen TV.
After helping yourself to the buffet breakfast, it’s time to go sightseeing. For a taste of local art and culture, walk to the nearby Museum of Glass and Crystal and the Malaga Museum. And if a day of sun, sea, and sand sounds appealing, head to La Malagueta Beach or La Caleta Beach. They’re both within walking distance, too.
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
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One of the remarkable things about the Vincci Selección Posada del Patio is that it’s sitting on history, quite literally. Beneath glass panels in the Wall Bar, you’ll see a well-preserved section of the ancient city wall. Sections of it include 5th-century Roman stones and 15th-century Arabic bricks. Also, close by are some of the city’s historic attractions, including the Alcazaba and the Malaga Cathedral.
The rooms and suites, in contrast, feature contemporary decor and modern conveniences. Shows seem larger than life on the huge flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms catch the attention of their bronze tiles and double sinks. What’s more, if you book a suite, you’ll enjoy a freestanding tub just off the bedroom.
When it comes to feeding and watering, this is among the best hotels in Malaga, Spain, for gastronomy. The Garum restaurant serves a hearty buffet breakfast made more attractive by recessed lighting. Later, savor champagne-infused Mediterranean dishes in the LeDiner restaurant. You can also laze the day (or night) away in the rooftop pool while enjoying sweeping city views. Or, spend quiet moments with a book or a newspaper in the lobby library. There’s also a small fitness center that’s adequate for a good workout. Surprisingly, though, this 5-star hotel doesn’t have a spa.
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
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The palatial Gran Hotel Miramar GL is a majestic sight across Malagueta Beach. Opened in 1926, it exudes glamour. Celebrities including Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jean Cocteau have all stayed here. Traditional Andalusian and Neo-Arab decor pay tribute to the building’s original spirit. Meanwhile, modern amenities also make it a 5-star hotel entrenched in the 21st century.
You can choose from 200 rooms and suites, some of which offer beautiful views of the sea. Meanwhile, others overlook the city or the manicured garden. Digital entertainment comes in the form of satellite TV, a media library, and a Bluetooth sound system. Also, Hermès toiletries make for luxurious experiences in the bathroom.
The extensive buffet breakfast is one of the things that make this property one of the best hotels in Malaga, Spain. Served at the pool level, it includes a show-cooking part. Speaking of pools, there’s also one for children. Kids can also amuse themselves in the outdoor and indoor play areas. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy hydrotherapy in the spa’s heated swimming pool or get some pampering with a couples’ massage.
Recommended Food Tours / Bars / Restaurants In Malaga, Spain:
- Evening Wine and Tapas Tour – Immerse yourself in Malaga’s nightlife with a tour of bars and taverns. Sample local sausages, cheeses, and Iberian hams. Along with the delicious food, you’ll get to taste some fine wine varietals.
- Antigua Casa de Guardia – Founded in 1840, this is Malaga’s oldest wine bar. Tapped casks on the wall and heavy wooden tables lend to its rustic charm. Tasty tapas and local sweet wines are the order of the day (and night) here.
- La Cosmopolita Malagueña – Seasonal produce star in steak tartare, crab omelet, and many other delicious entrees in this upscale restaurant. Situated in the heart of the historic district, it’s easily accessible from some of the best hotels in Malaga, Spain.
Recommended Activities In Malaga, Spain:
- Malaga: Caminito del Rey Walkway Excursion with Transport – Searching for an adrenaline rush? Then traverse El Caminito del Rey, the world’s most dangerous path. Bring a pair of comfy walking footgear and walk a lengthy path embedded in the Gaitanes Gorge’s walls high above the ground.
- Hammam in Malaga: Bath and Relaxing Massage – Indulge in warm, cold, and hot baths at the enigmatic Hammam Al-Andalus. Experience the delightful temperature contrasts, a part of the Andalusian Arab bath tradition.
- Feria de Málaga – The annual Malaga Fair or August Fair is the largest of its kind on the Costa del Sol. It commemorates Malaga’s becoming part of Castille in the 15th century. This week-long celebration includes flamenco-dancing in the streets, fireworks, and of course endless tapas and fino (sherry).
