8 of the best hotels in Málaga

1. Hotel Bro

Best for couples

Couples looking for a romantic break will find plenty of boutique hotels to choose from in and around Málaga's historic centre.

New(ish) in town is three-star Hotel Brö, a hip, adults-only hideaway with a rooftop pool and cocktail bar with knock-out views of the hilltop Gibralfaro Castle.

The reception and ground floor patio have a tropical feel thanks to its leafy vertical garden walls, and standard double rooms are brightened by splashy murals. For a treat, book the premium room to enjoy a private terrace and plunge pool.

You'll find all the city's major attractions – plus dozens of bars and restaurants – on your doorstep, and sandy Malagueta beach is just a 20-minute walk away.

2. Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa

Best for families

The beach resorts on either side of central Málaga are a happy hunting ground for families looking for an easy-going holiday in less urban surroundings.

Right on the beach at laidback Torrox Costa, around 50km (31 miles) from the city, the Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa is a top pick for families.

Low-rise wings of rooms are set in spacious, oasis-like grounds that fan out from the hotel’s palm-lined pool, and there's an all-inclusive buffet to keep hungry tummies full all day long. Accommodation also includes family apartments with mini kitchens, which are handy for pleasing picky kids with snacks, treats and cold drinks whenever you want.

Iberostar's trademark Star Camp for kids lays on loads of entertainment, activities and sports for tots, older children and pre-teens, and there's a kids’ pool with flumes where little ones can splash around.

3. San Miguel 34 Rooms

Best for travellers on a budget

If you're looking for a budget hotel in Málaga with loads of style and an affordable price tag, San Miguel 34 Rooms fits the bill perfectly.

This simple, converted house on a quiet residential street has doubles and twin rooms with shared bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and a beautiful sunny terrace.

The accommodation has been recently renovated and feels particularly stylish despite the cheaper price tag, with light, airy rooms that are a welcome retreat after a day at the beach.

Speaking of which, the popular El Palo Beach is only a 12-minute walk away, while you can catch a bus from around the corner and reach central Málaga in around 20 minutes.

4. Sol Guadalmar

Best for a beach stay

Not everyone flying into Málaga is looking for a city break, so if you’d prefer to pitch up by the beach, try the four-star Sol Guadalmar.

Located next to the beach in one of Málaga's posher stretches of seaside, it's only minutes from the airport, meaning you’ll have sand between your toes not long after your flight touches down.

The hotel has three pools (one of them indoors), sea-view and family rooms, and amenities including a spa.

The sights of the old town are only 10km (6 miles) away, so Sol Guadalmar is great for sightseeing and shopping trips, too.

5. Vincci Selección Posada del Patio

Best for urban chic

On-trend hipsters will love the five-star Vincci Selección Posada del Patio. On the edge of the old town, its 106 rooms come with frills like fluffy robes and posh toiletries for a treat-yourself city break worthy of the price.

Splash out on an Essence loft suite, decorated in earthy, chocolatey shades and you’ll even enjoy Hermès amenities, free-standing tubs and on-the-house coffee, wine and snacks.

Most rooms have balconies and the sights and amenities of the old quarter are just a few steps from the front door.

6. Only You Hotel Málaga

Best for foodies

Foodies can hardly put a foot wrong in Málaga – its old town is a gastronome's delight.

But if you're looking for a one-stop shop that offers great food, stylish rooms and relaxation by a rooftop infinity pool with stunning views, you’ll find it in five-star Only You.

Old-school Spanish favourites like tortillas, Iberico croquettes and patatas bravas sit next to Asian offerings such as prawn and shiitake gyoza and wagyu burgers in the hotel's Carmen restaurant, while airy Lola, with its big windows and view of the harbour, serves up market-fresh modern Mediterranean dishes.

Step outside the hotel to discover the awesome Atarazanas market, just a couple of blocks away, or the seaside restaurants that line the esplanade at La Malagueta, a five-minute stroll from the front door.

7. La Zambra Resort

Best for luxury wellness

A byword for '90s bling and rock 'n' roll decadence in its previous incarnation as Byblos, the five-star La Zambra Resort is a bit less flamboyant since its 2023 makeover.

Even so, it’s still the place to be seen in classy Mijas, a whitewashed village midway between Málaga and Marbella.

Its sybaritic Mood Spa and wellness studio offer everything from pilates and yoga to custom-designed 'wellness journeys' for singles and couples.

For something more energetic, sports and fitness facilities include a high-tech gym, three pools and tennis and paddle courts.

8. Opuntia Hotel Boutique

Best for local character

Set among the Sierra de Mijas mountains, around half an hour's drive from Málaga, Mijas - specifically Mijas Pueblo - oozes laidback local charm.

This charming whitewashed town is perched over 400m above sea level and therefore provides gorgeous panoramic views across the Mediterranean.

Situated in a tastefully restored 18th-century building in the town centre, Opuntia Boutique Hotel is a fitting place to stay in this enchanting area.

As well as spacious double rooms - including several with idyllic balconies overlooking quiet streets - the boutique hotel has a lovely sun terrace and tranquil courtyard where you can enjoy an included breakfast, which is highly rated by guests.

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