The biggest town in Spain’s Costa del Sol region, Malaga is the place to stay if you want to surround yourself with history and culture while basking in the Mediterranean sunshine. A hugely popular vacation destination, the city is brimming with museums, galleries, and gorgeous architecture. Combine that with a thriving food scene, excellent nightlife, and gorgeous beaches, and you’ve got a top destination with something for everyone.

Because it’s one of the oldest cities in the world, Malaga boasts a number of ancient ruins that are over 2,000 years old. It was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. As well as a museum, the city also celebrates the famous artist with a month-long festival each October. Stay in one of the best Malaga hotels, and you’ll be able to enjoy everything the city has to offer!

One of the most attractive aspects of the city is that it is so walkable. The Old Town is completely pedestrianized, and all the best attractions are within walking distance. Ditch the subway and explore on foot so you can really appreciate Malaga’s beauty.

Malaga is home to all kinds of exclusive villas, luxury retreats, and boutique hotels. In fact, there are so many wonderful places to stay that you may find it almost impossible to choose just one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the top 12 boutique hotels in Malaga! 

Where to Stay in Malaga

Whatever kind of vacation you’re looking for, there are loads of great places to stay in Malaga. If this is your first visit, we suggest staying in Old Town. This is the part of the city where the most impressive attractions are located, and everything is within walking distance. It’s also home to traditional Spanish bars, excellent restaurants, and some of the best hotels in Malaga. 

If you’re traveling as a family with kids, consider staying in El Palo. This neighborhood is on the coast and boasts the best beaches in the city. You’ll need to rent a car or use public transport to enjoy Malaga’s top attractions. But the peace and quiet you get from being out of the city are worth it.

Soho is the place if you’re looking for where to stay in Malaga that has a cool and trendy vibe. This part of the city is known for its striking street art, a beautifully manicured park, the tempting Mercado Central de Atarazanas food market, and some of the coolest hotels in Malaga. 

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that lets you spend your days sightseeing and your nights partying, choose La Merced. Here you’ll find every type of bar, lounge, restaurant, bistro, and nightclub you could imagine.

The 12 Best Hotels in Malaga

1. Vincci Larios Diez

A stunning four-star hotel located directly on the Calle Larios shopping street, Vincci Laros Diez is the place to stay when you want to be in the middle of all the action. Set inside a building from the 1800s, the hotel is just steps away from many historic attractions, museums, art galleries, and countless dining options.

Spread out across seven floors, the guest rooms are decorated with exquisite pieces, fine furniture, and stunning artwork. If you’re feeling like a treat, go all out on a Lux Essence room. The best rooms in the hotel, these glamorous suites boast spectacular views and come with private terraces with hydromassage bathtubs and stunning bathrooms complete with rainfall showers.

Head to the hotel’s rooftop, and you’ll discover a fantastic bar and restaurant. Here you can start your day with a stellar breakfast while admiring the views that stretch all across Old Town.

2. Finca Cortesin

Boasting an idyllic location by the sea, Finca Cortesin is inspired by the magnificent Andalucian palaces from centuries ago. With striking whitewashed walls, traditional terracotta roofs, giant prominent arches, and stunning courtyard patios, Finca Cortesin really will make you feel like royalty.

Each of the 67 beautiful guest rooms is decorated with authentic antiques and luxury hand-made fabrics chosen by the late Portuguese designer Duarte Pinto Coelho. Whichever room you choose, you’ll be treated to lofty ceilings, sun-kissed interiors, and magnificent furniture, including astonishingly large beds! Opt for one of the villas, and you’ll also be treated to a full kitchen.

The facilities are fit for a king or queen, with a lavish spa, complete golf course, luxury beach club, and manicured gardens as far as the eye can see. You’ll also find a number of gourmet dining options onsite, including an eatery that specializes in unbelievably fresh Japanese cuisine and another that will make you fall in love with Spanish food.

There’s so much going on within Finca Cortesin that you never have to leave the resort if you don’t want to!

3. Room Mate Valeria

A truly unique Malaga hotel, Room Mate Valeria stands out from the crowd by being modern, cool, and chic. The stylish designer hotel is close enough to Old Town that you can reach all the attractions on foot while still being far enough away so that you can be certain of a good night’s sleep.

The hotel is set inside a wonderfully restored building that dates back to the 18th century. Despite its historic façade, the inside of the hotel is strikingly modern and bold. The decor has been inspired by nature, with luscious greens and tropical prints dotted throughout.

Head to the rooftop after a long day of sightseeing to relax with your favorite drink as you take in the view. If the weather’s nice, take advantage and enjoy a dip in the pool to cool off. 

Pop downstairs, and you’ll discover the bright and colorful breakfast room. With a huge range of fresh, seasonal products from local providers, the morning buffet provides you with everything you need to fuel up and explore the city. 

4. Palacio Solecio

Tucked away inside an 18th-century Andalusian palace, Palacio Solecio exudes sophistication and glamor. Just a short walk away from countless attractions, the hotel was originally built for Félix Solesio, who moved to the city to run the Macharaviaya playing cards factory.

While it was remarkable in its heyday, the hotel is even more dazzling now that it’s been converted into one of the coolest boutique hotels in Malaga. Immensely proud of its roots, the hotel holds onto many of its original features, such as shining marble pillars, a grandiose staircase, charming courtyards, and wrought iron balconies. 

It’s only the architecture and design that look like they’re from the past – everything else is wonderfully modern. The hotel boasts a state-of-the-art gym and high-speed Wi-Fi that’s great for streaming or working. There’s also a top-notch restaurant onsite that’s been awarded a Michelin star!

The Palacio Solecio is so spectacular that it’s received a number of awards, including the best urban hotel in 2022.

5. Petit Palace Plaza Malaga

One of the most magnificent boutique hotels in Malaga, the Petit Palace Plaza Malaga is ideally located in the center of the city and is surrounded by attractions, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. The hotel is tucked inside a gorgeous 20th-century mansion just steps away from the popular shopping street of Calle Larios.  

A number of the building’s original features have been preserved, such as the towering marble pillars and the beautifully-carved wooden doors. These one-of-a-kind touches give the exterior an old-world vibe, while the inside of the hotel is much more modern. 

Each guest room inside this unique Malaga hotel boasts a contemporary design with straight lines, blond wood, and state-of-the-art amenities. Occasional pops of color brighten up the place without making it look gaudy. 

If you’re traveling with kids, there are spacious family rooms available. Or if you’d rather have a stunning view, there are rooms that look directly over the city’s cathedral.

6. ICON Malabar

Nestled in the fashionable Soho district, ICON Malabar is one of the best places to stay in Malaga if you’re looking for somewhere cool and chic. Surrounded by colorful street art, excellent bistros, and trendy cocktail lounges, this colonial-style hotel pays tribute to the local culture and heritage with alluring interior design inspired by Malaga’s rich history.

The bright and spacious Café Salsamente provides the perfect place to start your morning with a full breakfast buffet or just a sweet-smelling coffee. Return in the evening, and you’ll find the cheerful cafe has transformed into a sophisticated restaurant that offers all the delights of local Andalusian cuisine.

Whichever room you choose at ICON Malabar, you’re in for a treat. From simple double rooms to junior suites and complete suites, each accommodation option at the hotel is sublime. Whitewashed walls, rose-gold details, and plush king-size beds come as standard. Upgrade to one of the suites, and you’ll also be treated to an exclusive terrace, a Nespresso coffee machine, and fluffy bathrobes. 

7. Palacio Blanco

A wonderfully peaceful hotel, Palacio Blanco is one of the best places to stay in Malaga when you want to get away from it all and simply unwind. One of the coolest boutique hotels in Malaga, this retreat is hidden away inside a rustic 18th-century palace in one of the most serene neighborhoods in the city. 

Originally owned by a local bishop, the hotel has since been transformed into a quaint boutique hotel with just nine guest rooms and a sun-soaked courtyard.

Boasting exceptional Andalusian design, the guest rooms here feature whitewashed walls, wooden beamed ceilings, wrought iron beds, and sparkling gold features. Whichever room you choose, you’ll be treated to a luxurious bed, a modern bathroom with a top-end shower, plush bathrobes, an Apple docking station, and Wi-Fi access. 

Make sure you visit the roof terrace during your stay. This is where you’ll find a well-stocked honor bar, as well as a refreshing swimming pool where you can unwind after a day of sightseeing!

8. Soho Boutique Equitativa

Set in the beating heart of one of the most interesting and vibrant parts of the city, Soho Boutique Equitativa is the place to stay when you want to be away from the typical tourist parts of Malaga and experience the city like a local. Located in Soho – which is well-known for its fabulous art, dining, and nightlife scenes – this hotel has a buzzing atmosphere that will sweep you away!

All the action takes place on the top floor of the hotel. Here you’ll find a small pool where you can cool off from the Mediterranean heat, plus an open-air restaurant and a bar with stellar city views. Stop by first thing in the morning for a hearty breakfast, then return at the end of your evening for a nightcap under the stars.

Simple and minimalist, the guest rooms feature neutral color palettes with wood, lots of natural light, and subtle splashes of color. If you enjoy having a lot of space, we recommend the junior suite. This room features a king-size bed, a huge TV opposite the bed, and a separate lounge area with a comfy sofa. 

9. Casa Luz del Sur

A truly unique hotel in Malaga, Casa Luz del Sur is one of the few places in the area that has an adults-only policy. While it may be annoying for families with kids, this strict policy makes it a peaceful haven for anyone who wants to get away from it all and simply relax.

This intimate hotel is made up of just five guest rooms, guaranteeing serenity and tranquility. Because there are so few guests at any one time, you’ll feel like you’ve got the entire place to yourself!

Inspired by iconic Andalusian design, the hotel is decorated with striking white walls, terracotta roofs, and quality furniture made from natural materials. Each guest room features a warm and welcoming color palette and comes with an oversized bed that will lull you to sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. 

The hotel’s pool area is a great place to work out with a few laps or relax with a glass of sangria. Take a look around, and you’ll be left awe-struck by the stunning mountains that surround the hotel! 

10. H10 Croma Malaga

Wonderfully located just steps away from the city’s biggest and best attractions, the H10 Croma Malaga is one of the newest and best hotels in Malaga. Opened in August 2022, the hotel was designed by talented architect Rafael Moneo and features a striking façade that uses stark white walls and geometric shapes to stand out from the crowd.

An excellent choice for foodies, the H10 Croma Malaga boasts a number of bars and restaurants. If you’ve only got time to try one, we recommend the rooftop bar. Situated in a lofty position above the city, the rooftop bar provides you with an excellent selection of cocktails, tapas, and snacks. It’s also where you’ll find a plunge pool and sunbathing area.

This hotel features some of the largest rooms we’ve ever seen in Malaga. If you’re celebrating a special event, we suggest booking the Croma Suite. The best room in the hotel, the Croma Suite is huge and comes with two private terraces with dramatic views of the city. 

11. Finca Besito

If you’re looking for something a little different, consider staying at Finca Besito. A rustic farmhouse located on the outskirts of the city, this boutique accommodation option will leave you with memories you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Surrounded by tree-covered mountains, grassy fields, and swaying palms, the hotel has all the facilities of a tourist resort without any of the hustle and bustle. Start your day with the hotel’s breakfast, made from ingredients grown onsite. Then head to the pool for a dip and the chance to soak up some sunshine.

If you want a little exercise, there’s an olive tree garden with more than 50 individual trees. You can also visit the hotel’s chickens to see if they’ve laid any eggs, pick a fresh lemon straight from the tree, and check out what’s going on in the vegetable garden!

Don’t worry about having to completely unplug. All the rooms in the hotel have free Wi-Fi access and TVs.

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com

12. Ilunion Malaga

If you’re planning to travel with your pet, consider staying at Ilunion Malaga. One of the few boutique hotels in Malaga that accepts dogs, Ilunion Malaga treats pet guests just as well as their human guests! Each pet receives a free welcome kit with a bed, a toy, a treat, a water bowl, and a food bowl.

When you know your pet’s taken care of, it’s time for you to relax. There’s an outdoor pool with a hot tub available during the summer, as well as an indoor heated pool to enjoy in the cooler winter months. If you want to keep up with your workout routine, check out the fitness area. Or, if you’d prefer to just take it easy, there’s an onsite spa where you can pamper yourself. 

All of the guest rooms are considerably spacious and beautifully decorated. But if you’re looking for something extra special, we suggest booking the junior suite. This stunning room comes with unbeatable harbor views, as well as a private terrace, a big workspace, and a separate lounge area with a sofa.

That completes our list of the 12 best Malaga hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Malaga? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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