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. El Riad Andaluz

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, El Riad Andaluz fits the bill perfectly.

The simple, eight-room guest house has singles as well as doubles and twins, so it's ideal for solo travellers and friends looking for a wallet-friendly deal.

With its bedrooms painted ochre-yellow, rust-red, crimson and bright blue, and Moroccan tile work in bathrooms, you'll think you're in Marrakech – but the sights and eateries of Málaga's old town are next door.

There’s also a tiny, but gorgeously verdant, courtyard that’s a lovely place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

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. Finca el Cerillo

Best for local character

Set in the foothills of the Sierra de Tejeda, around an hour's drive from Málaga, Finca el Cerillo oozes laidback local charm.

A 200-year-old farmhouse and olive mill, it’s surrounded by lush gardens made vivid by bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers and perfumed by jasmine and eucalyptus.

The former home and studio of expat painter Jack Rutherford, it still has an arty vibe – walls are hung with works by visiting artists, and would-be painters and authors can sign up (book well in advance) for mentored writing and painting workshops.

There's also a lovely garden pool and honesty bar, as well as a choice of good restaurants in nearby villages.