The ultimate hotel guide on the best places to stay in Malaga and the best accommodation in Malaga
Malaga is a beautiful city on the Spanish Mediterranean coast filled with history, art, and culture. When I first visited on a summer vacation a few years ago, I fell in love with its old-town charm and stayed longer than I planned.
While Malaga has plenty of hotel and Airbnb options, wondering where to stay in Malaga can take some thought based on your travel style and interests.
In this post, I’ll share the top neighborhoods and specific accommodations to consider that will allow you to experience all that Malaga has to offer truly.
From historic centers to coastal promenades, these are what I’ve found to be the best places to stay in Malaga.
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Best places to stay in Malaga – Our top picks
- Best luxury hotels in Malaga: Gran Hotel Miramar GL – Vincci Selección Aleysa
- Best budget accommodation in Malaga: Hotel Solymar – Soho Boutique Las Vegas – Hotel La Chancla
- Family-friendly places to stay in Malaga: Vincci Málaga – Parador de Málaga Golf –
Sol Principe - Best boutique hotels: Hotel Larios Malaga – Mariposa Hotel Malaga – Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina
- Best beach resorts near Malaga: Gran Hotel Miramar GL – Vincci Selección Aleysa – The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Have a look at our map with the best places to stay in Malaga:
Best Hotels in Malaga Old Town
Malaga Old Town is becoming increasingly popular among all tourists whenever they visit the beautiful city.
The Old Town is home to lovely historical places and even lovelier activities, including dining and shopping!
Malaga Centro is home to the Museo Picasso and the Cathedral, two historical points of interest for tourists. The Malaga Cathedral is mainly historical due to its Renaissance styles and is certainly a must-see!
At the very least, you can find some beautiful Spanish handcrafted goods for a great price!
Old Town of Malaga is one of the best places to stay in Malaga when visiting only for a short time.
Where to stay in Malaga Old Town
Budget
Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad
Mid-Range
Malaga Premium Hotel
Casual del Mar Málaga
Exe Málaga Museos
Family-friendly
Casa de la Merced Suites
Room Mate Valeria
Molina Lario
Luxury
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Mariposa Hotel Malaga
Hotel Palacete de Alamos
Best Hotels near Malaga Airport
Malaga Airport allows travelers to grab a shuttle to other cities in Spain or catch flights across Europe.
The airport is conveniently connected with many shuttle services coming to and from the airport, across the city.
You are in luck for travelers looking to stay close to the airport because many hotels are available to fit your needs. You can quickly get to Malaga airport by bus from the city center.
- Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport: fits the bill, offering a trendy style accommodation with free breakfast. The rooms are perfect for a short-term stay and offer you everything you need when you want to remain close to Malaga’s airport. – Check availability here
- Ibis Budget Málaga Aeropuerto : great rates and close proximity – Check reviews here
- Hilton Garden Inn Málaga : great for an exceptional stay. The hotel offers a great outdoor pool and a nice restaurant. It’s thus perfect when looking for hotels in Malaga with pool. – Check reviews here
They are perfect for a layover or an early flight from Malaga airport.
Overall, consider these hotels if you are looking for places to stay in Malaga, and you have to be at the airport early.
Where to stay near Malaga airport
Budget
Ibis Budget Málaga Aeropuerto
Hotel Romerito
Hostal El Romerito
Mid-Range
Hilton Garden Inn Málaga
Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport
Hotel Málaga Nostrum Airport
Parador de Málaga Golf
Family-friendly Accommodation near Malaga airport
Campanile Málaga Airport
Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport
Hilton Garden Inn
Best Hotels in Malaga on the Beach
Malaga beaches are beautifully laden across the cities’ landscapes. They are perfect for travelers: young adults, children, couples, or large families. The reason?
Malaga is the perfect place for you, whether you want a massive beach for children to play around or a party beach to share drinks.
The most famous beach in Malaga City is Malagueta Beach. The beaches of Pedregalejo are top-rated among the local community.
You can enjoy fresh drinks, listen to Spanish flamenco music, and get snacks or delicious tapas all night.
Top Hotel Suggestion: The Vincci Málaga offers everything you need. For a great price, you get an attractive hotel with beautiful rooms and a lovely sea view. – Check rates here
Best Hotels in Malaga Spain on the beach
Budget
Hotel Solymar
Soho Boutique Las Vegas
Hotel La Chancla
Mid-Range
Vincci Málaga
Hotel MS Maestranza Málaga
Parador de Málaga Golf
Family-friendly
Vincci Málaga
Parador de Málaga Golf
Sol Principe
Luxury
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
Vincci Selección Aleysa
Best Boutique Hotels in Malaga
Malaga is also an excellent spot for staying at a top boutique hotel.
For those looking for a unique stay at a hotel with cool urban designs and energizing character, look no further than Malaga’s top boutique hotels.
A boutique hotel stay in Malaga is perfect for those who want to avoid large resorts and massive hotels in Costa Del Sol.
Either way, try something different and enjoy a unique boutique experience to make the most of your Malaga itinerary.
Top Hotel Suggestions:
- Madeinterranea Suites,: a stylish hotel very close to the renowned Picasso Museum. Each room is equipped with WiFi and a flat-screen TV to rest and enjoy your time when you are done touring. – Check rates here
- Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina : perfect when looking for something special. This cute hotel is located within the castle of Santa Catalina. It offers stunning views over the Mediterranean sea and it’s definitely a place to consider if you want to give your holiday a special touch. – Check rates here
You can also decide to visit a boutique hotel close to Malaga airport, which offers the same chic look and unique arts of the hotels mentioned above.
Boutique Hotels in Malaga, Spain
Madeinterranea Suites
Malaga Premium Hotel
Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
Small Luxury Hotels in Malaga, Spain
Salles Hotel Málaga Centro
Hotel Larios Malaga
Mariposa Hotel Malaga
Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina
Best Beach Resorts near Malaga
Most people travel to Malaga to experience beautiful weather and sunny beaches. As such, travelers are often confused as to which beach resorts to consider.
Indeed, there is a wide choice regarding the best hotels on the beach in Malaga.
Luckily, there are many options for many different types of travelers. To simplify it for you; there are three different beach resorts you should consider.
All are just a short transfer away from Malaga city center.
- Torremolinos: Enjoy the warm sun almost all year round. This beach resort near Malaga offers everything you need, from cool sea waters to beautiful sandy beaches. Also be sure to try the famous fried fish and boquerones al limón (fried anchovies), a must-taste for all locals and tourists! This is one of the best beach resorts near Malaga Spain.
- Benalmádena: This resort is perfect for students, couples, and even working-class people! It’s packed with bars, restaurants, swimming facilities, and many other activities such as festivals!
- Marbella: a wonderful option with miles of beautiful beaches and incredibly fun activities including water skiing and scuba diving. On top, it’s very easy to get from Malaga to Marbella.
When it comes to food, Malaga beach resorts cover it all. From traditional Spanish cuisine to modern seafood grills, your taste buds will certainly be buzzing after a long day at the beach.
Some of the most popular food you will have are modern seafood platters (grilled shrimps and delicious fish) to famous Andalusia dishes such as Paella or fried baby squid, one of the most famous Spanish snacks.
Best beach resorts near Malaga
Budget
Hotel Ritual Torremolinos – Adults Only
Hotel Tarik
Mid-Range beach resorts near Malaga
Iberosol Torremolions Beach
Melia Costa del Sol
Sentido Benalmadena Beach
Family-friendly
Sol Principe
Hotel Palia Las Palomas
Mac Puerto Marina Benalmádena
Luxury
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
Vincci Selección Aleysa
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar
Related: Where to stay in Marbella
Where to stay in Malaga for hipsters
The Soho District in Malaga is perfect for hipsters and those looking for a unique and buzzing atmosphere.
This district is packed with lovely cafes, art galleries, and a wide array of cultural activities for you to enjoy. The Soho neighborhood is especially renowned for its street art.
You will find an assortment of beautiful graffiti and colors and enjoy cool skateboarders who make sure they show off their stunts whenever possible. You can even join in as well!
The district is packed with fun, excitement, and color, so visit it!
Top Hotel Suggestions: Located near the district are a couple of great hotels, including the Soho Bahía Málaga and the Mariposa Hotel Malaga .
These are comfortable accommodation possibilities for travelers who just want to enjoy this hip neighborhood and a comfortable stay.
Best Hotels in Malaga for hipsters and young travelers
Budget
Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano
Madeinterranea Suites
Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Hotel
Mid-Range
Room Mate Valeria
Mariposa Hotel Malaga
Soho Bahía Málaga
Hotel Larios Malaga
Family-friendly accommodation in Malaga
Mariposa Hotel Malaga
Molina Lario
Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Hotel
Petit Palace Plaza Málaga
Luxury
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Where to stay in Malaga for spa holidays
Spa holidays are perfect for those who want a different pace to their daily lives or a memorable experience to share with their loved ones.
Luckily, Malaga has a secret spa location that you will never forget. If you decide to visit Malaga, please consider a unique spa for unforgettable holidays.
Top Hotel Suggestion: Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca
Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca is one of the oldest spa locations in a naturally beautiful setting. All the water you sit in (or drink) is based on natural springs. The spring water is full of natural minerals and comes straight from the Earth.
Besides an extensive spa vacation, you can also try hiking around the nature of the location or visiting nearby towns.
However, several other hotels near and in Malaga offer lovely spa experiences.
Best spa resorts in Malaga
Mid-Range
Sol Guadalmar
Ilunion Málaga
Estival Torrequebrada
Luxury Spa
Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Marbella Club Hotel – Golf Resort & Spa
Where to stay in Malaga for cheap holidays
If you want to visit Malaga on a budget, there are many activities you can do. There are also some crucial tips to consider if you decide to head to Malaga (and you should).
Firstly, remember that most activities or hot spots in the city can be reached by bus (costing less than 1€ per ride) or by walking distance.
If you want to save money on accommodation, always book in advance and consider staying further from where tourists stay.
You will always find some of the best cheap hotels in Malaga if the location is not very touristic and many beautiful hotels can offer the same experience as a luxury one.
Many cheap hostels near the beach offer some of the best places to stay in Malaga. If you are wondering where to stay in Malaga, Spain, on a shoestring, then you should consider a hostel!
Top Hotel Suggestions:
Check all hostel deals in Malaga
Best Hotels in Malaga for cheap holidays
Budget
Hotel California
Hotel Malaga Sur
Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad
Best hostels in Malaga
The Urban Jungle Hostel
Alcazaba Premium Hostel
Feel Hostels Soho Malaga
The Lights Hostel
Best affordable vacation homes in Malaga
Minimal Rooms
Patio de Arance
Letmalaga Fisherman’s Home
GR Suites Boutique Picasso
Where to stay in Malaga for luxury holidays
For those looking for a luxury stay in Malaga, there are many hotel options for you to consider.
Thanks to its mix of old-Spanish culture and modern luxury experiences, Malaga is perfect for luxury stays.
For a luxury trip, you might want high-quality food and luxury shopping. Malaga has both through the Muelle Uno and Calle Larios.
Pass by the Restaurante Jose Carlos Garcia for a renowned feast with one Michelin star. The Calle Larios street has many high-end brands for you to shop, also while enjoying the ambiance of Spanish music and tapas bars.
They are also especially convenient for being close to the best beaches in Malaga and other resorts in Malaga Spain. Hence it’s a perfect place if you are wondering where to stay in Malaga for nightlife.
Best Hotels in Malaga for luxury holidays
Malaga Luxury Hotels
Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina
Villa Padierna Thermas de Carratraca
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar
5-Star Hotels in Malaga
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
The Oasis by Don Carlos Resort
Marbella Club Hotel – Golf Resort & Spa
Related articles about where to stay in Malaga:
Best things to do in Andalucia for 1st Timers,
Best boutique hotels in Malaga, Spain,
Best hotels in Andalucia for every budget.
Why I love Malaga and Why You Should Stay in Malaga
I called Malaga my home for more than half a year and for 3 years, I visited regularly. That’s why many ask me about where to stay in Malaga and what the best hotels in Malaga are.
To give those queries a detailed answer, I wrote this in-depth guide on where to stay in Malaga. Accommodation places are categorized by location and budget.
After visiting Malaga many times and working in the Spanish tourism sector for several years, I decided it was time to list the best places to stay in Malaga.
In some of these Malaga hotels, I stayed myself. For some, I got very good feedback from my clients, and some have been recommended by my friends in Malaga.
Take the time to choose the perfect location and purpose for your holidays in the sun and this guide will tell you what to look out for.
Final tips when choosing accommodation in Malaga
Tapas are famously part of Spanish cuisine and are essentially appetizers or snacks of many different types of Andalusian food.
For foodies out there, you can be assured that you can find delicious grills and excellent tapas restaurants across the Old Town. Read more here about where to eat in Malaga and of course, typical food from Malaga.
Malaga and Pedregalejo area are famous for their chiringuitos (little beach bars) and espetos (grilled sardines) – one of the most typical foods from Malaga. Or why not try some tasty boquerones en vinagre?
Short FAQ about the best hotels in Malaga
What are the best hotels in Malaga on the beach?
Some of the best hotels in Malaga on the beach are the Gran Hotel Miramar, Vincci Málaga, and the Hotel Solymar is a great budget option on a Mlaga beach.
What are the best hotels in Malaga for families?
There are plenty of great hotels in Malaga for families. Hotels with great reviews are Vincci Málaga , Parador de Málaga Golf and the Sol Principe .
What are the best hotels in Malaga with pool?
There is a large offer of hotels in Malaga with pool. Some of the best Malaga hotels with pool are the Exe Málaga Museos, the Room Mate Valeria and the Ilunion Málaga.
What are the best hotels in Malaga for toddlers?
When looking for the best hotels in Malaga with toddlers, you should consider the Madeinterranea Suites, the Vincci Málaga or the Room Mate Larios.
Which is the best area to stay in Malaga?
The best area to stay in Malaga is the city center or near the Malagueta.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!