The nicest and nicest hotels and hostels in Malaga
Oooooh Malaga... nice climate, beautiful beaches and those Spanish tapas. Whether you are looking for luxury and panoramic views, a boutique hotel in the heart of the old town, or a cozy hostel for social vibes. These are the nicest and nicest hotels and hostels in Malaga.
La Zambra, Mijas is the rock 'n' roll hotel from the eighties that has made a comeback. It is 1986, somewhere between Málaga and Marbella, and in the palm valley of Mijas Golf stands a colossal white building with blue tiled roofs: Hotel Byblos. Princess Diana stayed there. The Rolling Stones did too. Hedonism, glamour, the Costa del Sol at its whitest. Fast forward to 2010: empty. But: in 2022, the doors opened again under a new name, La Zambra. And this time as part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. What a glow-up.
La Zambra is situated among the rolling hills of Mijas, exactly twenty minutes from Málaga Airport and a stone's throw from the beautiful white mountain village of Mijas Pueblo. Marbella and Puerto Banús? A half-hour drive. The beaches are the same. There is a beautiful cloister-like courtyard full of whitewashed walls, graceful arches, fountains, and palm and cypress trees. There are lavender bushes, centuries-old olive trees, and handmade tiles.
The 196 rooms and suites all have their own private terrace and views of either the Sierra de Mijas, the golf courses, or the gardens. There is a Mood Spa with 5.000 square meters of wellness. There are three swimming pools, golf, and a kids' club for the children. And four restaurants: Picador is the couple's Andalusian taverna, Palmito is the all-day spot, Bamboleo is the cocktail bar, and La Bartola is the beach-vibe bar.
The dream of many a person, a hacienda of their own. The dream of many a person, a hacienda of their own ranch. Sylvie and Xavier just did it and brought this dream to life when they built their own ranch bought. And not just any one – one look at Estate the Tarajal and you're sold. The ranch is located on a private hill, and has 360 degree views over the olive trees. The only thing you hear are the birds whistling and the wind through the leaves. Say no more, we are on our way.
It looks nice from the outside, but the inside is really worth talking about. This 18th century palace was built for a Genoese merchant. The building was empty for a very long time (i.e. years) before it was closed in 2019 was renovated by Antonio Obrador. Antonio who? That doesn't make much difference for a good night's sleep, but the architect has made it damn clever. He provided beautiful Moorish accents in the common areas of the hotel, but also in the 68 rooms. The best part of all? Duh! The great yard.
It probably wouldn't surprise you to find Palacio Solecio in the old town of Málaga. And it probably wouldn't surprise you that it's not an uber-hip or modern hotel, but hey, the staff is super nice. The breakfast is good and the rooms are comfortably furnished. The beds sleep wonderfully (but really nice) and the bathroom is what you want in the warm city. If we can give another tip, it would be to book the luxury room/superior room.
Only You Málaga has energy. The hotel features a beautiful rooftop, which is perhaps the biggest plus in a city like Malaga. On that chilled-out rooftop, there is a terrace with a swimming pool, views of the sea, and sunsets. Moreover, the hotel is cosmopolitan, elegant, and a little playful.
On the ground floor sits Carmen, the hotel's informal restaurant, perfect for a laid-back breakfast or lunch. And on the seventh floor, you'll find Lola, where they cook with whatever the market had to offer that morning. Seasons on the plate, as it should be.
Furthermore, there is a small gym for those who don't want to miss their routine, 24/7 room service, a dog-friendly policy – so dogs can come along – and really fun events such as pop-ups by Spanish designers.
No friends or family traveling with you? Then you can easily make contacts at the Picnic Dreams Boutique Hostel and the Hostel Dulces Dreams. Both from the same owners and both nice. Here you can sleep in a dormitory with complete strangers for a few bucks – if that's your thing. Comfortable rooms for two, furnished from A to Z with recycled materials, are also possible. Although the real highlight is the café of Dulces Dreams Hostel. Here is a good and affordable, healthy breakfast on the ground floor of the hostel.
The cafeteria also has a 'Gallery' where local artists exhibit their art every month.
Oh, how stylish Hotel Molina Lario is. And oh, what a great location in the center of Málaga. From the rooms and from the rooftop bar you have a view of the beautiful “La Manquita” cathedral. We are just as impressed by the delicious dishes served in Matiz. Chef Pablo Molina cooks, among other things, a delicious vegetarian stew, ravioli with all the trimmings and tapas such as fried eggs with smoked king prawns, egg yolk pickled in soy sauce and shavings of foie. Not only the dinner, but also the cocktails are made into true works of art. And the best place to sip it is on the hotel's roof terrace. That's right: Rooftop bar The Top. And that's great, if you ask us. Add a swimming pool and it is also super relaxing. There is often live music on the rooftop on weekends. Even more pluses for an oh-so-romantic setting. That live music is also played in the rest of the restaurant during the weekend.
If a hotel smells like H10 Croma Málaga, then you know it's a must. H10 Croma is located on the edge of the historic center and within walking distance of the harbor and the new center. There is an artistic bohemian atmosphere (you are not in the Soho area for nothing) in the white 4-star hotel. There are geometric tiles on the floor, abstract prints on the walls and the rest of the furniture is surreal. The rooms are in perfect order, really clean with a wonderful bed, a nice balcony and spacious bathroom.
If a city has as many hours of sunshine as Málaga, the roof terrace with swimming pool and sunbeds under scalloped parasols is not an unnecessary luxury. The view over La Malagueta Beach is a nice extra. Fortunately, you don't have to dig very deep into your pockets. H10 Croma Málaga is quite affordable, but incredibly stylish. Are you by car? Fine! You can store it in the garage under the hotel.
Three guesses what we think is the nicest neighborhood in Malaga, if we list another hotel in Soho? In the heart of Malaga's creative center, ICON Malabar is also located. Another 4-star boutique hotel, but with a... playful creative style. And it wouldn't be an ICON Hotel if they didn't find the best location here again. Add to that the accessible prices and a touch of luxury and refinement and you have the concept of the chain. Icon Malabar offers 70 rooms in a classic building just a block away from the new Antonio Banderas Theater.
The rooms exude tranquility with terracotta accents and soft white furniture. Where is that little bit of life brewing? To do this, you simply have to look out your window.
This is also a great choice for families, because there are rooms with extra bunk beds available. The roof terrace is the highlight.
What could be more fun than spending the night in a city as vibrant as Málaga? Spend the night just outside the city in peace and quiet! In that case it is El Molino Santiseban a more than excellent answer. This beautiful B&B is about a 45-minute drive from Málaga airport and is an oasis of peace a stone's throw from everything that makes Spain so nice: the tranquility, the nature, the great food... Want to know more? You can read more about this here El Molino Santiseban.
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