Where To Stay in Malaga (Insider’s Guide)
Wondering where to stay in Malaga?
If this is your first time visiting the city, it can be tricky to know the best area to stay in, what hotel is most suitable for you, etc. But I’ve got you covered!
As a Malagueña (someone who is from Malaga), I know exactly which areas are best depending on the type of traveller you are. I’ve been advising travellers where to stay and what to do and eat in my hometown for many years.
The truth is that Malaga offers many things – from stunning beaches, historical monuments, and castles to great events, food, and nightlife. Choosing the right accommodation makes a difference, especially if you plan to stay for a day or two.
Let’s jump into the best areas and hotels in Malaga so you can make the most of your time in the city.
This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.
The best areas to stay in Malaga
Downtown Malaga, the Old Town
The perfect stay in Malaga for first-timers and short stays
Malaga historic centre is the most charming area to stay in, as you’re surrounded by historical buildings such as La Alcazaba, the Roman ruins, and the impressive 19th-century buildings, among other beautiful monuments.
You can access a wide selection of bars, restaurants and boutiques by staying in this area. You won’t have to go far as everything is in your footsteps.
This isn’t the place to book a hotel if you like tranquillity, especially during summer. It can be a bit noisy and touristy, but you can’t beat the location.
The best hotels in Malaga Old Town
📍Luxury hotel: Gran Hotel Miramar
📍Mid-range hotel: Molina Lario
📍Budget: Urban Jungle Hostel
Soho
The coolest place to stay in Malaga
Soho is a lively art district located in the city centre of Malaga. It’s the perfect place for bohemian and hipster travellers. It’s a creative spot where you’ll find graffiti and wall art paintings in every corner.
This is also a very popular spot for skateboarding. Skateboarders tend to hang around the district and the nearby dry river basin.
Although it’s in the city centre, this area is a bit less frequented by travellers (still popular though!)
The best hotels in Soho
📍Luxury hotel: Soho Boutique La Equitativa
📍Mid-range hotel: Room Mate Collection Valeria
📍Budget: Feel Hostels Soho Malaga
Pedregalejo and El Palo
The perfect area in Malaga for families
If you want to stay somewhere with a laid-back atmosphere, check out Pedregalejo and El Palo, two traditional fishing neighbourhoods. They are the best neighbourhoods in Malaga for families.
The best thing about this area is the beach, and if you love seafood and fish, you’ll be happy to know that there are many good chiringuitos (beach bars) that offer traditional fresh dishes such as grilled sardines or fried anchovies.
The downside of staying in these areas is that you aren’t central, so you’ll have to take a bus to Malaga city centre.
The best hotels in Pedregalejo and El Palo
📍Luxury hotel: Hotel Castillo De Santa Catalina
📍Mid-range hotel: Hotel La Chancla
📍Budget: La Moraga de Poniente
Ciudad Jardin
The best place to stay in Malaga for adventurers
Away from the city centre, Ciudad Jardín is a quiet residential district in the north of Malaga. It leads to Montes de Malaga National Park, well-known for its hiking and biking trails, incredible river beds and streams.
Nearby, you’ll also find the 19th-century La Concepción Botanical Garden, which includes tranquil ponds and amazing tropical plants. Don’t forget to check out the city’s incredible views from its main viewpoint!
This is a good area for you if you travel on a budget. However, it isn’t central, and you’ll have to rely on public transport or rent a car.
Also, bear in mind that this district isn’t touristy at all, and the type of accommodation you’ll find is mostly apartments and studios.
Best hotels in Malaga city centre
Only YOU Hotel
⭐ 5-star hotel | Review: 9.2/10 | View on Booking.com
In the heart of Malaga, you’ll find Only YOU Hotel, one of the best hotels opposite the buzzing street of Calle Larios.
The hotel has incredible rooms with spacious and comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Some of the rooms have balconies overlooking Larios Street and the port.
Regarding facilities, it has a lovely Mediterranean and Spanish restaurant and a chic bar. It’s also one of the best hotels with rooftop pools in Malaga. The views you get from the rooftop are amazing.
Room Mate Valeria
⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 9/10 | View on Booking.com
Room Mate Collection Valeria is the coolest and most stylish hotel between the Soho art district and the port. Not only is the location perfect, but the decoration of the hotel is unique, inspired by the sea and vegetation of Malaga.
Room Mate Valeria rooms offer free Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, safe among other amenities. In addition to this, the hotel has common areas perfect for meeting new people, a gym, meeting rooms, and last but not least, a great rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and bar.
This is by far my favourite rooftop bar in Malaga – outstanding views of the city, delicious cocktails and a good atmosphere.
AC Hotel by Marriott
⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 8.9/10 | View on Booking.com
AC Hotel by Marriott has a very good reputation, and it isn’t surprising that many celebrities and footballers stay there.
Its location is outstanding as it’s just a minute’s walk from Malaga Cathedral and Malaga’s top attractions.
The hotel includes complimentary high-speed internet, a fitness centre, a great restaurant based on regional cuisine and a 15th-floor terrace where you can enjoy a view while sipping a cocktail.
Hotel NH Malaga
⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 8.7/10 | View on Booking.com
The hotel is a short walk from Calle Larios, restaurants and tourist attractions. After being completely renewed in 2019, it’s now the largest hotel in the city, with 245 rooms.
The hotel includes spacious rooms with stylish decorations as well as soundproof windows, free Wi-Fi and views of the river, city and Esperanza Church.
In addition to this, you also have access to a gym, outdoor pool and their restaurant, Tablafina Málaga, which serves traditional Andalusian dishes.
Other 4-star hotels you may want to check out are:
Best Hotels in Malaga on the Beach
Gran Hotel Miramar GL
⭐ 5-star hotel | Review: 9.1/10 | View on Booking.com
This is the most luxurious and beautiful hotel in Malaga. Its 190 rooms are decorated with attention to detail, and stunning views will amaze you.
The hotel includes two outdoor pools for children and adults, parking, a gym, free WiFi, a sun terrace, a chill-out area with outstanding sea views (only available for guests over 16), childcare service and much more.
If you’re after a unique experience, Hotel Miramar is your place!
Catalonia Málaga (formerly Hotel Vincci Malaga)
⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 8.6/10 | View on Booking.com
Catalonia Malaga is one of the most modern and elegant hotels in the city. The hotel is in Carretera Cadiz, next to Parque del Oeste and Misericordia Beach. Although it isn’t in the city centre, you can easily get there on foot or by bus.
The hotel has modernly decorated rooms, including some with sea views, internet connection, and air conditioning, among other amenities. Apart from this, it also has an excellent restaurant where you can enjoy traditional dishes as well as international ones.
Hotel La Chancla
⭐ 3-star hotel | Review: 8.9/10 | View on Booking.com
This cosy hotel is located a couple of metres from the beach in the tranquil fishing neighbourhood of Pedregalejo.
The rooms are beautifully decorated, and the hotel has a great restaurant and plenty of sunbeds to chill on the beach.
Hotel Soho Boutique Las Vegas
⭐ 3-star hotel | Review: 8.2/10 | View on Booking.com
Hotel Soho Boutique Las Vegas is next to La Malagueta Beach and a walk from Malaga city centre.
The hotel is ideal for any type of traveller: families, couples or a group of friends. It has a variety of services and facilities that will make you feel comfortable during your stay – terraces with a sea overview, an outdoor pool and delicious food in their restaurant and cafe.
📌 Check out Hotel Soho Boutique Las Vegas dates and latest prices
Best Hotels near Malaga Airport
If you’re in Malaga for a quick visit or business reasons, staying near the airport is a great option.
It will be convenient, and you will be very close to the city (12 minutes by train) and other beach towns such as Torremolinos or Benalmadena.
There are many hotels near Malaga airport, so you’ll find the one that meets your needs. Here is a list of the best hotels near Malaga:
Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport
⭐ 3-star hotel | Review: 8.1/10 | View on Booking.com
The hotel is only a 5 minutes drive from the airport. When you book your hotel room, your stay includes free WiFi and breakfast!
📌 Check out Holiday Inn dates and latest prices
Parador de Málaga Golf
⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 8.2/10 | View on Booking.com
Located next to the Plaza Mayor shopping centre and next to the beach, this hotel is excellent for those who want to be close to the airport and attractions.
The hotel has a great pool, free parking, great rooms, a good breakfast, and, last but not least, a golf course.
Hilton Garden Inn Málaga
⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 8.2/10 | View on Booking.com
Hilton Garden Inn Malaga is 15 minutes from Malaga Airport (AGP), within walking distance of local beaches and restaurants.
The hotel is popular among business travellers, and it includes an outdoor pool, an all-day restaurant and bar, room service, and a fitness centre.
Meliá Costa del Sol
⭐ 4-star hotel | Review: 8.5/10 | View on Booking.com
Meliá Costa del Sol is one of my favourite hotels in Torremolinos. Its location is great as it’s on the beach and next to the Punta Gatuna viewpoint, the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset in Torremolinos.
The hotel includes modern, spacious rooms with a terrace where you can enjoy incredible sea views.
But one of the best things about staying at Meliá Costa del Sol is all the facilities they have – a rooftop pool and terrace, gym, two restaurants and a bar, and their incredible Thalasso Marine Spa.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Malaga
What are the best hotels to stay in Málaga?
The best hotels in Malaga are Hotel Miramar and AC Hotel by Marriott, but they’re plenty of good hotels, so it’s up to you and your preferences on what you look for.
Where should couples stay in Malaga?
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro is perfect for couples. Its beautifully decorated rooms and its views make it a very romantic hotel. It’s the best place to stay in Malaga with your loved one!
Where should I stay in Malaga for the nightlife?
If you want amazing nightlife, you should stay close to the city centre, in the Old Town or Soho neighbourhood.
What are the best hotels in Malaga for families?
La Chancla is one of the best accommodations for families in Malaga. Otherwise, I’d also check Torremolinos and Benalmadena beach resorts. They have plenty of fun family activities and are still close to Malaga and other great attractions.
Where should I stay in Malaga for a luxury holiday?
For a luxurious experience, you can stay in Hotel Miramar or many other hotels in Marbella, the luxury spot in Costa del Sol.
Conclusion on where to stay in Malaga
Although there are plenty of hotels in Malaga to choose from, make your decision by location and price.
It’s sometimes worth paying a bit more for the location, especially if you aren’t staying long at the destination, as this will save you time and money on transport.
If you have any questions or want local advice on Malaga and Costa del Sol, join my Facebook group or leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help.
Safe adventures,
Cristina x
Save the best places to stay in Malaga on Pinterest for later
Top things to check before visiting Malaga and the Costa del Sol
- Check cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Discover all the fantastic things you can do in Malaga for free in this guide.
- Have a look at this Malaga food guide to indulge yourself in eating the best typical food and sipping cocktails on the best rooftops.
- Are you planning to visit other Andalusian cities and towns? Check out my blog on the best day trips from Malaga.
- Book travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
Thank you for this great list! I haven’t visited Malaga yet so I am sure your recommendations will be really helpful for the day I can finally visit it!
I’m glad to hear you find the list useful 🙂 I hope you visit Malaga sometime soon!
This is such a useful guide! I’ve never visited Malaga before so I’m going to revisit this post when I finally manage a visit to make sure I pick the best place to stay! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you, Hannah 🙂 That’s great to hear!
This is such a useful post! I haven’t been to Malaga but I’ve wanted to travel more of Spain eventually, so I’ll definitely be pinning this for later.
Thank you, Krystianna! I hope you explore more places in Spain 🙂
I love that you give so many options! This is such a helpful post. I visited Malaga when I was young, but I don’t remember much about it. I’ll definitely save your post for my next trip back!
Thank you, Kate! I am happy to hear you’ve found it useful.
Wow I’m so glad I chanced upon this post! I made a rough Spain itinerary some time back but Malaga was nowhere on the list! Definitely carving space for it now that I’m seeing all these AWESOME things!
It’s amazing to hear you have discovered Malaga through my articles 🙂 I hope you visit it one day.
I’ve never visited Malaga before, but this will be such a helpful resource to use when I do! It sounds like there’s a little bit of everything there – history, the city, and the beach. I’d love to stay in one of the hotels on the beach!
Malaga has a bit of everything, so I’m sure you’ll love exploring the city 🙂
Thank you for such a great list of hotels in Malaga! I’m traveling to Spain in 2023 and I’m researching on just about everything so this was super helpful.
I’m happy to hear you’ll be travelling to Spain in the future. That’s great! 🙂
I will definitely be returning to this area after covid so I am pinning for then!
Amazing!! Thank you for pinning the article 🙂