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The Best Hotels to Book in Málaga for Every Traveller

Malagueta Beach is a top place to enjoy the sunshine in Málaga – hotels are never far away
Malagueta Beach is a top place to enjoy the sunshine in Málaga – hotels are never far away | © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo

Málaga has undergone extensive renovations in recent years – changing from a gateway to the Costa del Sol into a popular holiday destination in its own right. Whether you visit to soak up the view from Mount Gibralfaro or admire the artwork in the Picasso Museum, this Spanish destination is perfect for a sunny getaway. Here is our pick of the best hotels in Málaga, bookable on Culture Trip.

Palacio Solecio

Boutique Hotel

Double bed with two bedside tables in ensuite room at Palacio Solecio
Courtesy of Palacio Solecio / Expedia

This ambitious hotel spans two centuries-old palacios (mansions), both sensitively reconstructed and restored, in the heart of the historic centre. Original features such as carved stone arches, wrought iron balconies and marble columns have been kept where possible, and the rest has been elegantly updated with oodles of contemporary chic. There’s also an Andalusian-inspired restaurant – an after-dinner digestif in the gorgeous cocktail bar is a must.

Room Mate Valeria

Hotel

Double bed in room with doors to balcony overlooking large ferris wheel at Room Mate Valeria
Courtesy of Room Mate Valeria / Booking.com
A bold, playful design takes centre stage at the Valeria – colourful stripes allude to the seafaring past of Málaga, while a tangle of leaf-print wallpaper echoes the Mediterranean gardens of the city. This hip hotel fits neatly into the fashionable Soho neighbourhood, while being within strolling distance of the best museums in the city and a sandy beach. With a plunge pool, cocktail bar and 360-degree views, the rooftop terrace has become a magnet for those in-the-know.

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio

Hotel

Two adjoining single beds in room with table and two soft chairs at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott
Courtesy of AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott / Expedia

The highlight of this contemporary palace is the superb rooftop space. With a position on the edge of Málaga’s historic centre overlooking the Paseo del Parque, this 15th-floor terrace offers some of the finest wraparound panoramas in town – plus a large triangular pool and poolside bar. The excellent Ático restaurant is up here, too, where Andalucian flavours pair with great vistas. Book upper-level rooms to wake up to similarly spectacular views.

El Riad Andaluz

Guesthouse

Balcony terrace within El Riad Andaluz, with pot plants and two wooden chairs by a table
Courtesy of El Riad Andaluz / Expedia

Built in the late-18th century, this traditional Andalusian townhouse has been given a Moroccan makeover and reborn as riad-style lodgings. Moorish geometric tiling, earthy and pastel tones and a plant-filled courtyard all contribute to the North African aesthetic. Accommodation offers simple, Berber-inspired decor, with some rooms opening to small balconies overlooking the street or inner patio. While there’s no breakfast or dining service here, it’s just a few blocks away from the Plaza de la Merced, which is lined with excellent eateries.

Hotel Room Mate Larios

Hotel

Several chairs by tables on rooftop terrace with city views at Hotel Room Mate Larios
Courtesy of Hotel Room Mate Larios / Expedia

On the corner of Málaga’s bustling shopping street, Calle Larios, Hotel Room Mate Larios provides excellent access to museums, restaurants and popular sights. With its charming Art Deco architecture, the hotel is one of the city’s most noteworthy buildings – and the designs of the rooms are equally impressive. An elegant cocktail bar and an adjoining terrace provide the perfect entertainment spot in the evening hours. Most of the spacious rooms have views over the street and the surrounding area.

Vincci Selección Posada del Patio

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Two adjoining single beds in room with cushioned chair and table at Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio Hotel
Courtesy of Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio Hotel / Expedia

A five-star hotel Málaga can be proud of, the Vincci offers one of the most luxurious stays in the city. Apart from a dazzling rooftop pool, the hotel features a gourmet restaurant, private suites and several function rooms for business meetings. With its prime location within the confines of the historic centre, the main attractions are just minutes away. In line with the avant-garde style of the Vincci hotels, rooms have been set up in contemporary styles – while losing none of their homely comfort.

Casa Babylon Backpackers Hostel

Hostel

Few places offer as homely and welcoming an atmosphere as Casa Babylon Backpackers Hostel. Located 20 minutes from Gibralfaro, the hostel is a short walk away from the city centre. It features an outdoor terrace, a chill-out area, a bar and plenty of hammocks to while away the day and hang out with other backpackers. There’s hardly a better way to get to know fellow travelers than enjoying a few cocktails with relaxing background music in this quirky hostel.

Hotel Petit Palace Plaza Málaga

Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Two adjoining single beds in room with lamp, mirror and orange armchair at Petit Palace Plaza Málaga
Courtesy of Petit Palace Plaza Málaga / Booking.com

This very central four-star Málaga hotel still manages to provide a tranquil retreat from the heat and noise of the city’s crowded streets. Rooms are equipped with desirable features, from hydro-massage showers to iPod docking stations. The spacious, well-lit rooms are predominantly decorated in white tones – only interrupted by the wooden features and some warm orange details. The attentive staff at this family-friendly hotel aim to go the extra mile.

Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga

Hostel

Bunk bed with lamp light fixed to wall in room at Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga
Courtesy of Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga / Expedia

Comfortable accommodation in a central location can be hard to find on a budget – but the Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga delivers both. This lively hostel has dorms with four to ten beds, featuring comfortable mattresses, personal lockers and ensuite bathrooms. The free breakfast and the lounge areas make it easy to socialize and meet fellow travelers. Enjoy reasonably priced drinks in a relaxed atmosphere on the charming rooftop terrace, soaking up views over the cathedral.

Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro

Hotel

Two chairs by a table bearing breakfast on a balcony overlooking the coastline and sea at Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
Courtesy of Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro / Booking.com

One of the prime reasons to visit Mount Gibralfaro and the castle located at the top is to enjoy the views over Málaga. On top of the mountain and opposite the Alcazaba, Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro features elegant rooms, beautiful common areas and a rooftop pool. The on-site restaurant serves up Andalusian specialities alongside sumptuous regional food. The rooms have been designed in harmony with traditional Spanish styles – and when the night comes, you can marvel at the panoramic views and lights of the nearby harbour.

Leon Beckenham contributed additional reporting to this article.

On a budget? Check out our pick of the best cheap hotels in Málaga. If you’re not on a budget read our rundown of the best luxury hotels in Málaga, bookable with Culture Trip.

About the author

Lena was born in rural Germany and showed a passion for philosophy and linguistics from an early age. Her journeys would lead her from being a trainee in a Greek diving centre to an English teacher in Thailand, to finally becoming a student of politics and languages at Royal Holloway. In recent years Lena has focused on developing her personal and academic skills through her very own Ted Talk and internships in journalism and TV presenting. Lena's multiple talents and curious personality have led her to seek out ever new challenges and travels, not setting herself any limits.

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