7 Best hotels in Malaga for Your Stay in Southern Spain
Are you looking for the best hotels in Malaga? Well you are in luck. I live in Southern Spain and in this article I’m going to share with with you the best Malaga hotels for you to stay in.
Malaga is the main travel hub for destinations in Southern Spain, and one of the most popular resort towns on Costa del Sol.
Blessed with over 300 sunny days per year, it’s a year round destination attracting crowds from Europe but also from Spain.
Whether you’re heading to Malaga in the middle of the summer, or for some winter sun in December, you’re in for a treat – there is a wide variety of hotels available in Malaga, that will suit any budget.
I have prepared some top picks for Malaga hotels, in three different price categories. Before you jump to the hotel picks, below is a short guide on the different districts and neighbourhoods you should consider before choosing your Malaga hotel.
Best Areas to Stay in Malaga
La Merced
Popular with tourists and locals alike, the La Merced neighborhood is located north of Malaga’s Old Town. The neighborhood’s main draw is its Plaza de la Merced- on any given day, you can enjoy a drink at one of the cafes surrounding the square and watch Malaga pass you by.
The area is also home to the Mercado de la Merced, which is a great place to buy both fresh ingredients and local snacks. The rest of the neighborhood is filled with bars and restaurants- be sure to stop for tapas!
Old Town (Centro)
Centrally located, Malaga’s historic district, puts you within walking distance of both the beach and some of the city’s must-see sites. Also known as Old Town, the neighborhood boasts music venues, nightlife, and a variety of museums. It’s also home to the Malaga Cathedral, one of the city’s historic and architectural treasures.
Nearby museums include the Picasso Museum, and the Carmen Thyssen Museum, which is set in a breathtaking Renaissance-era palace. You can’t go wrong with a stay in Old Town- the beating heart of Malaga, the neighborhood is within easy reach of the city’s best attractions.
La Malagueta
Overlooking the sea, La Malagueta is one of Malaga’s high-end neighborhoods- you can easily tell by the high-rises tower over the area. Malagueta Beach beckons visitors from all over the city, and staying in the area puts you within steps of the Mediterranean.
When you’re not soaking in the sun or catching waves, walk the oceanfront promenade, enjoy dinner and drinks overlooking the water, or visit the famous Malagueta bullring. Prices will be higher here than in other parts of Malaga, but if you’re visiting for a beach getaway, La Malagueta promises surf, sand, and much more.
El Palo
For a slightly less mainstream choice, consider staying in Malaga’s quaint El Palo neighborhood. Located a short bus ride from the city center, El Palo overlooks the sea on Malaga’s east side. El Palo Beach is just as inviting as La Malagueta’s, but slightly removed from the crowds and constant bustle.
The atmosphere is more relaxed and family-friendly, meaning you’ll truly be able to sit back and enjoy the Mediterranean. The beach includes a promenade, and the mostly residential neighborhood is dotted with restaurants, bars, and cafes. El Palo offers a great way to explore an authentic seaside community while remaining close to Malaga’s activity.
Best Malaga Hotels For Any Budget
Malaga’s hoteliers are experts at merging elegance with the city’s naturally laid-back atmosphere. No matter what your budget is, there are multiple options for you to choose from when it comes to places to stay.
Luxury Malaga Hotels
If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, the following suggestions will make sure you’re pampered during your time in Malaga.
Hotel Castillo de Santa Catalina
Located just north of La Caleta beach, the Hotel Castillo de Santa Catalina is a true retreat, inviting guests to step away from Malaga’s ultra-popular city center. The hotel is located 20 minutes away from Old Town by public transportation.
Occupying an original 1930’s building in the El Limonar district, the Hotel Castillo is filled with lush outdoor space, from gardens to terraces. Guests have 24 luxury rooms to choose from, including sea view suites.
An onsite gourmet restaurant and a pool offering views of the sea complete the picture. This is a great five-star option for travelers looking for privacy, elegance, and a different side of Malaga.
Palacio Solecio
If you’re looking for a classic, centrally located Old Town stay with a touch of luxury, consider making Palacio Solecio your home away from home. The hotel is located steps from Malaga’s Picasso Museum, and walking distance from the historic city center’s main attractions. La Malagueta Beach is a 15-minute walk away,
The hotel occupies an 18th century palace, bringing you a regal experience in the heart of the city. Accommodations include deluxe rooms and family suites. If you don’t feel like venturing out to sample the tastes of Old Town, the Coctel Bar and Balausta Restaurant are onsite.
Gran Hotel Miramar
Located in La Malagueta, Gran Hotel’s ornate interior matches its seaside neighborhood perfectly. Dating back to the 1920’s, the hotel overlooks the Mediterranean.
Spacious accommodations are tastefully decorated, drawing on the hotel’s long history of hospitality. The hotel also houses two lauded restaurants, pools, and a spa inspired by the area’s Moorish heritage.
Mid-Range Malaga Hotels
Many Malaga hotels are mid-range, meaning you can book a beautiful hotel room without breaking the bank. Consider the following mid-range recommendations.
Ilunion Malaga
Located in the Perchel Sur neighborhood, the Hotel Ilunion is slightly removed from Malaga’s rush, but still conveniently close to its major attractions. The hotel’s room selection offers nearly 180 options, many featuring harbor views.
The kitchen serves fresh breakfast, and lunch and dinner are offered at the hotel bar-cafeteria. If you’re visiting in a cooler season, La Ilunion’s heated swimming pool invites you to take a dip. Refined with a casual, harbor feel, the Ilunion is a sound option for a mid-range Malaga hotel.
Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad
Sitting on the left bank of Malaga’s Guadalmedina River, the Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad offers easy access to the city center without being directly in the middle of the action. This cozy, well-ranked hotel is a short walk from Old Town’s major attractions, including countless restaurants, and bars.
Rooms are contemporary and filled with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay that surpasses expectations. The Ibis Malaga is a reliable, no-frills option offering a prime location for exploring on foot or by public transportation.
Hotel Don Curro
Hotel Don Curro is another affordable option placing you equally close to the beach as to Malaga’s historic center.
Modern rooms with curated accents offer a comfortable stay, and an onsite restaurant offers fresh meals. Don Curro’s technologically advanced Bingo Room makes a quirky, fun addition to the hotel- and invites guests to try something new on a free evening.
Budget-Friendly Malaga Hotels
As a city that sees many backpackers, students, and travelers trying to stick to a budget, Malaga offers plenty of budget-friendly accommodation. With a bit of research, you’re bound to find a cozy option that fits your price range. Consider the following suggestion when choosing an affordable hotel.
Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
Housed in a stately corner building in Malaga’s Old Town, the Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano is named for its views of the neighboring Roman Theater. The hotel’s location puts you steps from this ancient attraction, which is currently a museum. Guests have all that Old Town offers within easy reach.
Rooms are cozy and sophisticated, with a few careful touches to make you feel at home. If location is your priority, this hotel is a great find, especially for travelers on a budget.
Top Tips For Exploring Malaga
Malaga is full of charm, treasures, and surprises- keep the following tips in mind when exploring all the city has to offer.
Walking Tour
There’s no better way to experience a place than by meandering through it. Consider signing up for a walking tour of Malaga instead of sticking strictly to the sights on your itinerary. Options include food-themed and historic tours.
Catamaran Tour
In the same vein, if you’re tired of wandering the usual way, hop on a catamaran tour to gain a fresh perspective. Malaga’s tour companies offer a variety of catamaran outings of different lengths. Enjoying Malaga from the gentle push and pull of the Mediterranean offers an entirely new form of sightseeing.
Don’t Miss the Day Trips
While in Malaga, it’s easy to forget that the rest of the Costa del Sol is also waiting. Malaga makes a great headquarters for day trips up and down the coast. Popular destinations include the communities of Marbella and Nerja, and the Montes de Malaga National Park. Many places across the Costa del Sol offer bus service to and from Malaga, so you can still plan a memorable day trip or two without a vehicle.
AUTHOR BIO
Lucia is a travel blogger living in Southern Spain, sharing her discoveries of beautiful locations, hidden gems and stunning historic sights on her travel blog Viva La Vita.