A royal night in a palace? A breathtaking view of the city of Malaga? Andalucia immersion in a character house with patio?
It’s a tough choice, but don’t worry, we’ve answered all your questions in this article. You will find:
- our tips on the best areas to stay in Malaga,
- our list of the 12 best hotels in .
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
The best hotels in Malaga: our 4 favorites
Before discovering our detailed reviews of each of the establishments we have selected, take a look at our 4 favorite addresses.
Best intimate hotel: Hotel Palacio Solecio
Located in the heart of Malaga, the Hotel Palacio Solecio is a true jewel embodying the modern Andalusian spirit. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the patio, with its checkerboard floors, brick walls and colorful frescoes, combining historic charm with contemporary sophistication. Good news: it’s in this incredible space that breakfast is served every day!
See photos, prices and availability.
Best rooftop hotel: Hotel H10 Croma Málaga
While we loved the Hotel H10 Croma’s art concept, we were especially enchanted by its terrace, surely one of the most beautiful in Malaga! Offering a 360° panoramic view of the city, this space is just as pleasant during the day to enjoy the pool as it is in the evening to admire the sunset over a drink and tapas.
See photos, prices and availability.
Best design hotel: Hotel Only YOU Málaga
We loved our stay at this sleekly designed hotel, combining discreet luxury with excellent service. The rooftop with its infinity pool is the perfect place to relax and unwind. As for the refined, spacious rooms, they’re sure to make you forget the miles you’ve traveled exploring the city.
See photos, prices and availability.
Best sea view hotel: Hotel Antiguo Gran Miramar
In addition to the supreme luxury offered by the Palace Miramar, we were dazzled by its grandiloquent lobby, a blend of Andalucia and classical architecture. The intermingling of sparkling chandeliers, colorful glass roofs, sculpted capitals and the play of mirrors with giant bouquets create an atmosphere that is both impressive and welcoming.
See photos, prices and availability.
Where to stay in Malaga: best neighborhoods
Why stay in Malaga?
Malaga is a fascinating city and a must-see when visiting Andalucia. Situated on the Costa del Sol and bordered by mountains, the city is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, but there’s so much more to it than that! It offers a unique heritage, a variety of museums, delicious restaurants and sunny beaches.
So you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for several days, and if you want to relax, you won’t be disappointed by the modern, welcoming hotels.
We enjoyed the mostly designer, well-equipped establishments with excellent service. Some even boast magnificent panoramic roof terraces, perfect for admiring the sunset after a day’s sightseeing.
Malaga’s best places to stay: map
Here’s our map to help you get your bearings, with the main areas to stay in Malaga:
Staying in the historic center
In Malaga’s historic district, you’ll find the city’s hypercenter, home to iconic sights like the Cathedral of the Incarnation. Enjoy Malaga’s lively nightlife, with its many bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Benefits:
- Easy access to tourist sites on foot
- Numerous bars, restaurants and shops
- Wide choice of hotels
Disadvantages:
- Tourists
- Slightly higher prices (especially near the Cathedral and Alcazaba)
- Parking problems
- Cobbled streets
Our favorite hotels:
Staying by the sea (Magualeta beach)
Finding charming hotels along Malaga’s beaches can be difficult, as most establishments are either apartments or impersonal hotel complexes. In our opinion, the offer lacks the authenticity you’re looking for in a memorable stay, so we advise you to opt for a stay in the city center.
However, if you want to stay close to the sea, we have a few exceptions to recommend.
Benefits:
- Close to the beach with sea view rooms
- More peaceful atmosphere than downtown
- Parking generally included
Disadvantages:
- Less prestigious hotel offer than downtown, with less choice
- Longer access to the city’s cultural sites
Our favorite hotels:
Staying in Soho
Located between the Alameda Principal and the port, Soho is Malaga’s up-and-coming district. Nicknamed the “arts district” because of the monumental street-art frescoes it houses, it also deserves its title for the emerging art galleries it hosts and the Centre d’art contemporain (CAC), which we loved visiting!
Finally, this is the district to choose if you want to live like a local, thanks to its many authentic restaurants and independent or artisanal stores, far from the commercial chains of the city center.
Benefits:
- Close to Malaga’s historic center and port
- Dynamic setting, rich in galleries, artists’ studios and trendy boutiques
- Friendly atmosphere popular with locals
Disadvantages:
- Less choice of accommodation than downtown
- Less picturesque and aesthetically pleasing than in the heart of the city
- Little nightlife
Our favorite hotels:
Other useful tips to keep in mind
We strongly advise you to book your hotels in advance, especially during the spring high season and local festivals (Carnival in November, Holy Week in April, Feria in August). During these short periods, prices soar and crowds are at their peak.
If you’re coming to Malaga by car, choose hotels with private parking, as Malaga’s city center is often congested and parking spaces are scarce. Especially since the city and its cultural sites are easily accessible on foot!
Finally, please note that the criteria for awarding stars to hotels in Malaga are not the same as in France. Most hotels with swimming pools offer them on rooftops, with pools for cooling off, rather than real swimming lanes.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
1. Hotel Palacio Solecio (Small Luxury Hotel)
Why stay there?
The Hotel Palacio Solecio is the real highlight of our stay in Malaga, and we recommend it for a night with character. In addition to its excellent location just a 5-minute walk from the Alcazaba and the Cathedral of the Incarnation, this hotel’s finest asset is undoubtedly its refined decor. Nestled in a former 18th-century palace, it retains its historic architecture with wooden beams, marble pillars and iron balustrades, while adorning itself with modern furnishings. Every detail has been carefully thought out, from floor-to-ceiling color harmonies, to the choice of noble materials, to lighting that can be modulated in the room to create different moods.
Swimming pool and panorama
- Small, shallow outdoor pool with sun loungers and parasols
- Roof terrace with bar and view of Malaga’s rooftops
Practical information
- Neighborhood: historical center
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: The Balausta restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García, a cocktail bar and the Terraza de Solecio, a rooftop space with breakfast in the morning and a cocktail menu at the end of the day.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: fitness room, airport shuttle, concierge service, meeting room
- Parking: no (Parking Granados is a 3-minute walk away)
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. Hotel H10 Croma Málaga (panoramic rooftop)
Why stay there?
If you’d like to immerse yourself in a world of art, we recommend staying at the Hotel H10 Croma in Malaga. Designed by renowned architect Rafael Moneo, the hotel is distinguished by its geometric facade and art-focused design concept.
We loved seeing our room embellished with artistic touches, like the beautiful color combinations, the few paintings and art catalogs scattered around or our balcony covered in azulejo-style mosaics.
But what makes the hotel truly unique is its magnificent roof terrace offering a magical 360°c view of the city of Malaga.
Swimming pool and panorama
- Small, shallow pool (open all year)
- Large solarium with sun loungers, outdoor sofas and parasols
- Exceptional terrace with 360° view of the city and Malaga Cathedral
- Some rooms also offer a beautiful view of the city’s rooftops.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: historic center, right next to the Atarazanas Market
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: 4 areas, with a breakfast room, a tapas bar overlooking the street, a lobby bar and a rooftop restaurant, offering a snack menu during the day and a bistronomic menu in the evening.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: PRM access, gym, tour desk, conference rooms
- Parking: private with charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
3. Hotel Only YOU Málaga (design)
Why stay there?
Located on the bustling Alameda Principal, Hotel Only You Malaga offers unsuspected tranquility. We were particularly impressed by our room, where the choice of noble materials, such as waxed concrete in the bathroom and rough-hewn wood in the furniture, creates a refined atmosphere. The bathroom, visible from our bedroom thanks to an ingenious sliding partition, added a sophisticated design touch.
The little detail that makes all the difference? The basis for listening to music!
Finally, note the exceptional breakfast, served in a room with a beautiful view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Swimming pool and panorama
- Small infinity pool with panoramic view of Malaga harbour
- Solarium with deckchairs
- Sky bar with late-night cocktail menu
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Soho, just off Paseo del Parque
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes, the Carmen restaurant on the first floor offers tapas, the Lola restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine on the rooftop and the sky bar offers cocktails in the evening.
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: PRM access, gym, cot on request, pets allowed
- Parking: no (Parking Camas is a 7-minute walk away)
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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4. Gran Hotel Miramar (luxury hotel with sea view)
Why stay there?
If you’re looking for a memorable experience, we recommend the legendary Gran Hotel Miramar! Housed in a listed 20th-century building, this palace boasts 190 spacious rooms in a blend of Arab, Mediterranean and modernist styles. The height of luxury is to ask for a sea-view room (as we did!) to enjoy the spectacular view over the Bay of Malaga, its azure waters and palm trees.
We were pleasantly surprised by the refined details of the room, such as the Bulgari toiletries, the fresh flowers and the bed-making service before bedtime! Also noteworthy are the many luxurious amenities (exceptional pool, direct access to the beach, the Sisley Spa) the fabulous breakfast and, as a bonus, the excellence of the staff.
Swimming pool and panorama
- Outdoor swimming pool with large adult lap pool and children’s paddling pool
- Two large solariums with sun loungers and parasols around the pool and another on the lawn
- Indoor pool with hydrotherapy facilities, Finnish sauna, steam room and sensory shower circuit
- Terrace and bar with panoramic view of the sea and Malagueta beach
Practical information
- Neighborhood: near Malagueta beach
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: The hotel has 3 restaurants (a gourmet, a buffet and a pool bar) and 2 bars (one on the rooftop and another in the magnificent lobby).
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: Full PRM access, Playground and children’s club service, Sisley Spa and beauty salon, gym, reception and meeting rooms, TV room, bike rental, valet parking and 24/7 concierge service.
- Parking: private on site (reservation required)
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
5. ICON Malabar Hotel
Why stay there?
Halfway between the historic center and the beaches, Hotel Icon Malabar offers the perfect location for a city-break in Malaga.
Located in the vibrant Soho district, trendy boutiques and restaurants are within easy reach, adding a local touch to your stay. While the rooms are small but functional, the common areas are decorated with modernity and style. For example, we loved the psychedelic patio with its central fountain.
The little extra touch we liked? “The sleep menu” featuring a variety of pillows for a truly restorative sleep!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Soho
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: no, but the hotel has developed a partnership with the Too Good to Go app, and guests can order and eat in the breakfast room.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: PRM access, bike rental, reception open 24/7
- Parking: no
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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6. Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Why stay there?
This luxurious establishment is distinguished by its unique architecture, incorporating remnants of Malaga’s ancient Arab walls while offering modern, spacious rooms. We were won over by the chic, impeccable service and particularly welcoming communal areas such as the bright patio and warm library area. Special mention must be made of the excellent breakfast, served in a superb room with floral decorations and a large swimming pool in which you can both relax and swim!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: historic center, along the banks of the Guadalmedina River
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: The Entremuros restaurant serves new Mediterranean cuisine and an elegant bar is also available to travellers.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: PRM access, fitness center, baby and extra beds on request, concierge service, reception rooms, rooftop pool and solarium.
- Parking: private on site at an additional cost
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
7. Hotel Room Mate Valeria (harbor view)
Why stay there?
The Room Mate Valeria Hotel, with its renovated 19th-century facade, is highly prized for its location. Close to both the city center and La Magualeta beach, its roof terrace offers a superb view of the city and its port.
In addition to its breathtaking panorama, we recommend this hotel for its welcoming atmosphere and exuberant decor. Special mention goes to the modern, comfortable rooms in vibrant colors. Finally, you’ll be delighted to know that the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool open all year round!
Swimming pool and panorama
- Small outdoor swimming pool with relaxation area and several large sun loungers
- Terrace with panoramic view of Malaga harbour
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Soho
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes, the Doña Inés restaurant offers cuisine with a variety of influences in a bright, uncluttered setting.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: Full PRM access, gym and meeting rooms, concierge service, crib on request
- Parking: no
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
8. Hotel Soho Boutique Equitativa
Why stay there?
Ideally located in Malaga’s vibrant northern Soho district, just 50m from the Palmeral de las Sorpresas promenade along the Port of Malaga, the Hotel Soho Boutique Equitativa boasts contemporary surroundings and an upscale welcome.
It features spacious, elegantly decorated rooms, some with magnificent views. A small outdoor swimming pool invites you to relax after a day of exploring. But what we found most incredible about this address was the exceptional panoramic view from the bar on the 7th floor, ideal for a sunset drink.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Soho
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: a bar and breakfast area on the first floor and a rooftop bar
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: Full PMR access, small outdoor swimming pool, bike rental
- Parking: nearby and at a charge (please book in advance)
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
9. Hotel Toc Hostel Malaga (youth hostel)
Why stay there?
Hotel Toc Hostel Malaga is ideal for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on comfort. From modern rooms with quality bedding to welcoming communal areas, this youth hostel has everything to rival a fine hotel. We particularly liked the care taken with the communal areas, from the warm café to the magnificent patio full of poetry and the pleasant reading lounge, perfect for relaxing or meeting other travelers. Finally, the diversity of our rooms is a major asset, from doubles to rooms for up to six people, ideal for groups, not forgetting dormitories with single beds.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: historical center
- Price range: 2-star equivalent
- Restaurant: a pleasant coffee-shop is open from morning to night on site, as well as a bar area.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: Full PMR access, reception open 24/7, board games available, bike rental available.
- Parking: no
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
10. Hotel Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro (quiet and beautiful view)
Why stay there?
If you’re looking for peace and quiet in the heart of vibrant Malaga, the Hotel Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro is for you! Located on Mount Gibralfaro, it majestically overlooks the city and offers a breathtaking view of Malaga, its coastline and the magnificent Gibralfaro Castle!
We loved its rustic decor and raw materials, typical of Spanish paradors , creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Note that most of the spacious, light-filled rooms offer breathtaking sea views.
Like the large swimming pool, which is one of the few in the city where you can actually swim and enjoy the view. In short, an out-of-the-way but very relaxing alternative!
Swimming pool and panorama
- Swimming pool area with long lap pool and sun loungers
- Back-view of the Gibralfaro Castle ramparts from the swimming pool
- Panoramic view of Malaga and the sea from the hotel’s terrace and restaurant
Practical information
- Location: in the hills above Malaga, next to Gibralfaro Castle
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: PRM access, cot on request, concierge service for excursions
- Parking: free private parking on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
11. Hotel Brö Adults (adults only)
Why stay there?
Located next to the Plaza de la Merced, the adults-only Hotel Brö is ideal for couples and groups of friends in search of serenity. The harmony of the establishment is revealed through a decoration inspired by nature, whether in the rooms or the common areas. Green furniture, plant walls, landscape paintings and scattered plants create a refreshing atmosphere. But the hotel’s best feature is its sunny roof terrace and swimming pool. We were able to take a dip after a day of sightseeing, and it was very relaxing!
Swimming pool and panorama
- Outdoor infinity pool for swimming
- Relaxation area with loungers, hammocks and outdoor beds
- Terrace with city views and cocktail bar
Practical information
- Neighborhood: historical center
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: no
- Features: full PMR access
- Parking: no
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
12. Hotel Málaga Premium
Why stay there?
In the heart of Malaga, just a 3-minute walk from the famous Carmen Thyssen Museum, Hotel Malaga Premium enjoys a privileged location. We liked the hotel’s resolutely contemporary ambience and its comfortable, bright rooms.
The hotel’s little extra? The delightful rooftop terrace and cocktail bar overlooking the tower of San Juan Church.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: historical center
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: yes, the Bendito restaurant offers fusion cuisine in a hushed atmosphere, and the rooftop cocktail bar looks very pleasant.
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: rooftop, PMR access
- Parking: no
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
VISIT Malaga
- Things to do in Malaga
- Best hotels in Malaga
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
- Best museums
- Best beaches
- Excursions from Malaga
- Visit the cathedral
- Visit the Alcazaba
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 1 week
Other hotel options in Malaga
In this section, you’ll find some hotels we’d also like to mention.
Staying in Torremolinos
An ideal alternative for those who want to enjoy the sunshine of the Costal del Sol!
Once a fishing town, it has become a popular seaside destination, offering serene surroundings and well-equipped beaches, perfect for families.
Located just 15km from Malaga and perfectly served by public transport, Torremolinos offers the best of both worlds: the urban culture of Malaga and the pleasure of the beaches.
Below is a selection of hotels in Torremolinos:
- Ocean House Costal del Sol Hotel (4 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Medplaya Pez Espada (4 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Mac Puerto Marina Benalmádena (4 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
Other hotels in Malaga city center
We’ve listed our favorite luxury hotels in our selection, but these other establishments also deserve a mention:
- AC Hotel by Marriott Malaga Palacio (4 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Vincci Lario Diez (4 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
Cheap hotels in Malaga
On a tight budget? Here are some affordable, quality addresses!
- Hotel Don Curro (3 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
- Alux Boutique Hotel (2 stars) – See prices, photos and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
- Best things to do in Andalucia
- The most beautiful cities
- The most beautiful white villages
- Cathedrals
- Archaeological sites
- Seville, Cordoba or Granada? (coming soon)
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia (coming soon)
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
Places not to be missed
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Things to do in Cordoba (coming soon)
- Things to do in Granada
- Things to do in Ronda
- Things to do in Malaga
- Things to do in Cadiz (coming soon)
