Last updated on January 09th, 2022
Blue skies and sunshine, family-friendly beaches, a revitalised port, glimpses of an ancient past and, of course, the art of Picasso – Malaga’s most famous son – all come together in the capital of the Costa del Sol. If this sounds like the perfect holiday destination, we’ve put together some accommodation suggestions for you.
In our opinion, the best hotels in Malaga Spain are the Gran Hotel Miramar and the Room Mate Valeria while the Palacete de Alamos is our boutique choice.
Best Area to Stay in Malaga Spain For First Time Visit ?
While the historic and shopping centre of Malaga is compact and easy to find your way around, the first visit to any large city can be confusing. If this is your first time in Malaga and you’re travelling with a family we recommend staying in hotels near the Port of Malaga or Playa Malagueta. If you want to really experience the city’s historic atmosphere, then we recommend looking for hotels in the Old Town. Read more
What is the most expensive hotel in Malaga Spain ?
If your visit to Malaga is in celebration of a special occasion or you are planning a romantic getaway, then why not treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the Gran Hotel Miramar. It is the most expensive hotel in Malaga but you’ll certainly be treated like royalty!
What are The Best (Luxury) Hotels in Malaga ?
1. Gran Hotel Miramar – on the Beach with Spa
Arriving at the luxury Gran Hotel Miramar really makes you feel like royalty. Built as a palatial hotel in 1926, it has also been used as a field hospital and a court of justice. It was brought back to its former glory in 2016 and enjoys a perfect location just a few steps from the beach. Rooms and top suites are relaxing with a classic elegance while the spa is reminiscent of Malaga’s Ancient Roman days. It’s the best luxury hotel in Malaga Spain.
The colour scheme throughout the Room Mate Valeria reflects the hotel’s location between the turquoise seas of the Mediterranean and the deep greens of the forested Montes de Malaga. Enjoy great sea views and cocktails on the terrace, work out in the gym or simply relax on the Andalusian patio with its fountain and seasonal swimming pool.
3. Molina Lario
With the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum on the doorstep, the Molina Lario is perfect for a short break in Malaga Spain. The hotel has recently been created from two 19th-century buildings with rooms and suites that exude contemporary luxury. Dine in the Matiz Restaurant or al fresco in El Patio then sip cocktails on the roof in The TOP. There is also a pool, solarium and business centre. It’s one of the best hotels in the city centre close to the port.
Bold colours and quirky use of ornaments add character to the Mariposa Hotel while its hillside location gives fine views of Malaga port and city. The Mariposa offers a choice of accommodation from standard rooms to junior suites and apartments while its other facilities include a breakfast bar, solarium, massage room, a fitness suite and a rooftop bar.
Part of the Marriott Lifestyle hotels, the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio is located right in the heart of the city with superb port views. Wooden floors and white linen and blinds add coolness to contemporary comfort in the bedrooms while the restaurant serves a blend of local and international cuisine. Relax in ATICO, the 15th-floor terrace bar with its pool or work out in the hotel fitness room.
Located close to the train station with its high-speed links to Madrid and not far from the airport, the Barceló Malaga with its modern avant-garde design is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Its main feature is the unique EDHA (or Sliding Structure for Daring Humans) which links the first floor to the lobby! La Santa Maria Gastrobar offers ‘globetrotting tapas’ while the B-Heaven Ambience area with its pool offers total relaxation.
With its location just off Larios Street, Malaga’s main shopping area, and close to the Cathedral, the Petit Palace Plaza Malaga is the ideal base for exploring the city. The plain colours of the spacious rooms and top suites are lifted with sunshine shots of orange and yellow, a theme that’s carried through into the public areas. Complimentary services include guest iPads and bike rentals.
Surrounded by pine forests and looking down over the port and Alcazaba, the Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro has one of the city’s most enviable settings. This historic stone building has a restaurant that serves regional specialities and a seasonal outdoor pool with breathtaking views. Rooms reflect the local art and architecture and most have a private balcony.
What are The Best Boutique Hotels in Malaga ?
Winding colourful staircases are a feature of the Palacete de Alamos, a boutique hotel that opened in Malaga’s historic heart just a few years ago. The rooms cleverly combine cosiness with elegance while the hotel’s structure retains architectural elements from the past such as exposed brick and even part of the medieval city wall. This top luxury boutique hotel offers a buffet breakfast and has a cocktail bar.
This intimate and boutique Madeinterranea Suites is located in a protected 18th-century building in the centre of the city, putting all of Malaga’s attractions on your doorstep. High ceilings, large windows and an interior patio are part of the historic charm that has been blended with the latest modern technology. The hotel is home to a popular city tapas bar.
Overlooking the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba, the Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano puts you within walking distance of Malaga’s best attractions, shop and beaches. The rooms are totally contemporary in design and furnishings while retaining every comfort. Start your day with a hearty breakfast in the breakfast bar.
Found in one of Malaga’s most exclusive areas, the Villa Lorena Malaga is unmissable with its bold yellow exterior and quirky interior and is certainly intimate with only seven rooms. The beach is on the doorstep while the town and port are a gentle stroll away. The hotel has a charming garden, swimming pool and bicycles for guests to borrow.
With an Art Deco-style rooftop piano bar giving Malaga skyline views and a central location on the pedestrianised Calle Larios, the Room Mate Larios couldn’t be more perfect for a city break. The light-filled rooms also have Art Deco touches while many have balconies overlooking the street, ideal for people watching. The grand decor theme carries over into the public areas.
What’s the Best Hotel with Spa & Pool ?
Contemporary furniture, decor and lighting are features of the comfortable rooms and suites of the Vincci Selección Posada del Patio while the location is ideal. The hotel is in central Malaga Spain, just around the corner from the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. It has its own restaurant decorated with Art Deco flair while the rooftop plunge pool gives spectacular city views.
What’s the Best Hotel near Malaga Airport ?
Malaga Airport (AGP) is the fourth busiest in Spain and the main way visitors enter the Costa del Sol. It is just under five miles west of the city centre and enjoys good transport links by train and bus. Many hotels also offer their own shuttle services. The airport has largely been rebuilt in recent years and offers a good range of passenger services.
1. Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport – Affordable
The Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport is both convenient for the airport and affordable. Malaga’s beaches are just a short drive away. The rooms are warm and welcoming while the restaurant is open for breakfast and evening dinner. The hotel also has parking, meeting rooms and business facilities.
What’s the Best Cheap or Affordable Hotel in Malaga Spain ?
The Casual del Mar Malaga is ideally located for the shopping and historic heart of Malaga, providing an affordable but comfortable base for city explorations. Tropical colours enhance the bedrooms which all feature giant seaside murals or pictures. The nautical theme is carried through to the public spaces which include a colourful breakfast room.
Best Value Hotels in Malaga City Centre and Old Town
Malaga, Andalucia’s capital, is a perfect destination as it’s compact enough to explore on foot while enjoying good transport links to the airport and along the coast. It’s full of history and drama and a city that gave Picasso to the world. Explore his life and work both in the Picasso and the Picasso House museums. In the Old Town are the not quite finished Malaga Cathedral, the remains of the Teatro Romano and the beautiful Alcazaba which winds its way uphill to the Castillo de Gibralfaro. Shop to your heart’s content in the modern city centre and dine in award-winning restaurants while the newly revitalised port is a must-see destination.
Good Value Accommodation in Centro
- Hotel Palacete de Alamos – Luxury
- Mariposa Hotel Malaga – Great Value
- Vincci Málaga – Great Value
- Hotel Guadalmedina – Great Value
What are the Best Beach Hotels in Malaga ?
While Malaga has a lot to offer as a city break destination, with beautiful and safe beaches on the doorstep it is also ideal for family holidays. The closest beach to the town centre is Playa Malagueta which is found adjacent to the port. Although man-made, it looks totally natural with fine white sand lapped by the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The beach is flanked by the Paseo del Muelle Dos where you’ll find a good choice of bars and restaurants. Stroll a little further east from the port and you’ll reach Playa Caleta with its backdrop of the Montes de Malaga. As well as being a clean family-friendly beach it also offers a good choice of watersports.
Finest Hotels near Beach
- Gran Hotel Miramar – Top Luxury
- Vincci Málaga – Luxury
- Soho Boutique Las Vegas – Affordable
What is the Top Accommodation near Malaga María Zambrano train station ?
The modern Malaga Maria Zambrano Train Station is located approximately 20 minutes walk from the city centre. It can also be reached by local buses. Direct services to Malaga Airport leave from here while it is also the starting point for high-speed AVE trains to Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada and Madrid. The station is adjacent to Malaga Bus Station and part of a large complex of shops, restaurants, cinemas and car parks.
Outstanding Hotels near Main Railway Station
- Barceló Malaga – Luxury
- Hotel Sercotel Málaga – Good Value
- Hotel Don Paco – Affordable
