Málaga hotels

If grandeur and glamour are what you're after, you'll find it in spades at the 5-star Gran Hotel Miramar, among the best hotels in Malaga. The hotel facade's wide staircase and dapperly dressed porters give travellers a hint of the opulence that lies beyond the glass-topped atrium. But it's the inviting bi-level spa zone and spectacular sea views from multiple public and private areas that capture the essence of old-world charm.

For a memorable and bespoke experience, rooms are available in classic, Moorish, or modern Mediterranean designs. I'd suggest pairing your choice with personal butler services and sea-facing views overlooking the blue flag Playa de la Malagueta beach, just seven minutes from your doorstep.

Come sundown, and after touring nearby cultural attractions like the Malaga Museum and Malaga Centre Pompidou, enjoy a privileged view, live music, and top-shelf cocktails at the contemporary rooftop bar Media Luna Chill Out.

Only You Hotel Malaga, an Art Deco delight inside the landmark La Equitativa building, offers a chic and convivial space with plenty of social scenes.

Easily one of the best hotels in Malaga, an ideal location adjacent to the harbour Puerto de Malaga and the shopping street Calle Larios provides a stylish starting point to explore the city. Guestrooms are bright with neutral Mediterranean flourishes and entirely sound-proofed – a welcome feature for a city centre stay.

After discovering neighbouring cultural attractions, including the Museo Carmen Thyssen and Teatro Romano, I suggest stopping at the ground floor Carmen restaurant for gourmet tapas or reserving a spot at the fine dining restaurant Lola for charcoal grilled specialities and killer skyline city views. Either way, take a break at the Lolita rooftop terrace for swimming, signature drinks, and sunsets.

On the edge of Malaga’s old town, Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio forms part of the storied scenery. The lobby sits above the remains of the Roman-Moorish walls that once surrounded the city.

The hotel was once a posada (inn), though the glass-encased courtyard centrepiece and modern decor with marble floors and rotating lobby artwork hide that fact well. Rooms match the contemporary theme, and while facilities include a rooftop pool and bar and a gourmet restaurant, Entremuros, spaces reserved for small concerts and wine tastings make this one of the best hotels in Malaga for business travellers.

A five-minute wander outside leads to the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. Locals flock to this buzzing 19th-century market for fresh produce or an afternoon tapeo (tapas meal). While the selection changes seasonally, my favourite is the boquerones en vinagre (vinegar-marinated anchovies) on a bed of crisps.

The jazzy Icon Malabar is a fashionable 70-room boutique hotel close to a range of theatres, museums and eateries. Situated a block away from the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank, helmed by Malaga-born actor Antonio Banderas, the tan and ivory colour scheme evokes a posh vibe. At the same time, the cheeky pop-art and monochrome prints are likely a wink to the artistic creativity of the Soho area the hotel inhabits.

Meals here are light (think salads and Mediterranean bites), but always fresh and served with warm Andalucia-style hospitality, meriting the hotel's status among the best hotels in Malaga. Special shout-out goes to the abundant breakfast buffet and thoughtful, healthy corner for vegan and gluten-free (like me!) guests.

Although all rooms come with king-size beds and a welcome amenity, I suggest splurging on a junior suite with a whirlpool bathtub and private terrace for an extra special treat.

A marriage of two 18th-century mansions with modish interiors, Palacio Solecio is proof that old and new can co-exist harmoniously. Set in the heart of the casco antiguo (old town), the hotel is just minutes from the Teatro Cervantes and other historic landmarks.

The multi-generational theme continues to the common areas and bedrooms, where exposed beams and wrought iron balconies combine surprisingly well with contemporary furnishings. Try the Torre (Tower) room for its rooftop views over the historic hub.

One of the best hotels in Malaga, the property's blue-tiled roof terrace and arched pillars dotting the Balausta restaurant also pay homage to the local heritage, as does the Andalucian cuisine. The adjoining cocktail bar is one of my favourite spots. I like to sit here with an afternoon aperitif – the must-try drink is the Refreshing Fizz, prepared with tequila, mint, mango, cucumber, and a splash of soda.

If you like whimsical street art, Malaga’s Soho district is the perfect area to explore. In Mariposa Hotel Malaga, slick black and white trim embellished with dabs of colour and prints adorn the public areas and rooms.

Speaking of which, at first glance, guestrooms look rather minimalist, save for the panelled or print feature wall, the pearl detailing of the blankets, and the dress dummies – until you realise all the unusual features are intentional.

I love the quirk of the rooftop terrace: spool-shaped chairs, an avant-garde statue, and multi-print banquettes all huddled together under chandeliers. Somehow, it works here. Although there’s no restaurant (breakfast is served until noon), this is one of the best hotels in Malaga due to its friendly staff and great location in the trendiest part of the city. Besides, there’s no shortage of eateries in this area.

With a name inspired by the chromatic colours and geometric patterns dotted throughout the premises, this is one of the best hotels in Malaga for design lovers. Minutes from the CAC Malaga art museum, H10 Croma Malaga aims to dazzle guests with its visual creativity, from the striking facade featuring ceramic-tiled terraces and the artworks on the walls to the large palm tree in the lobby.

Rooms also feature artistic touches like the contrasting neutral shades of the interiors against the colourful ceramic mosaic tiling of the cubed-outdoor terraces.

Of the various dining spots, including a rooftop terrace and plunge pool, I like the ground floor La Mundial restaurant best. A former tavern turned elegant venue for a wine break, it serves an excellent selection of seasonal tapas.

Bordering the artsy Soho District, Room Mate Valeria tops the list as one of the best hotels in Malaga for the fashion forward. The hotel itself houses vibrant designer rooms, as well as a hip rooftop cocktail bar.

Playful and relaxed, guests arrive at a welcoming space with leather sofas, ambient lighting, and a family of palms on chevron-style flooring. Rooms continue the quirky vibe, adorned with nautical stripes in green and blue shades and leafy-print armchairs. Opt for a large window or small balcony room that overlooks the Muelle Uno marina.

As with all trendy places, the show's star – attracting locals and visitors alike – is the wrap-around rooftop bar, UP, which boasts a plunge pool and arguably the best mojitos in town (I'm partial to the strawberry option). A buffet breakfast is available until noon, and a 24-hour gym rounds off the decadent services.

Despite being a tad removed from the main attractions – a 20-minute stroll away – Barceló Málaga is among the best hotels in Malaga for day trippers or short business stays. That’s largely down to the hotel’s contemporary look (bordering on the futuristic), proximity to the Maria Zambrano train station, and its tasty menus.

The snazzy lobby, hued in pinks, blues, golds, and a notable slide art installation, leads to the La Santa Maria gastro bar, which serves all-day creative tapas (a must-try). Rooms, decidedly less design-centric, are modern and comfortable.

The all-white rooftop terrace has a climatised pool for year-round swims and a snack bar and gym that opens late. The breakfast buffet served on the first floor, is also worth mentioning for its abundance of fresh baked goods, fruit, and made-to-measure eggs and coffee.

Vintage meets modernity at Molina Lario, a sleek, family-run property composed of two 19th-century buildings and a contemporary expansion, interlocked with a courtyard patio. Centrally located, top cultural attractions like the Museo Picasso and the centuries-old Alcazaba are a convenient five minutes from your doorstep.

And while you’ll find plenty of eateries nearby, typical Andalucian cuisine (with a Mediterranean twist) is served at the hotel's swanky Matiz restaurant, a buzzy locals' hangout. Though all-day wanderers and night owls aren’t left out either, thanks to the 24-hour room service menu.

Rooms sport panelled headboards, floor-to-ceiling windows, and all the creature comforts – though I suspect what makes this one of the best hotels to stay in Malaga are the amenities available on the rooftop terrace. I enjoy stopping by for poolside craft cocktails backed by DJ sets or live music performances, made all the better by exceptional port and cathedral views.