The 4 Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Málaga

Hotel Gran Hotel Miramar

Gran Hotel Miramar—a luxurious property commissioned by King Alfonso XIII—feels like a resort with many common areas and amenities. Enjoy the hotel's two outdoor pools, an indoor Moorish spa with a thermal water circuit, a sun deck and lounge area with sea views (for those over 16 years), a private kids' pool and summertime activity center, and valet parking. When hungry, you have four restaurants to choose from, some with luxurious dining rooms or terraces, plus coffee and bar service in the beautiful inner courtyard lounge.

You'll have your choice of seven room types, starting with the hotel's premier rooms. All are incredibly spacious with bright, airy, and refined decor, including pops of Art Deco design and decor. Bathrooms are large and modern and come with colorful tiling. Some have seating areas or even separate living rooms; you can always request a unit with sea views. Book the top-floor Crown Suite in the building's fortified towers (complete with a private sun deck and hot tub) to feel like royalty.

Though you won't be in the city's historic core, the trade-off is the hotel's nearly waterfront location across the street from Malagueta Beach. Still, you'll be at the foot of Castillo de Gibralfaro, two blocks from the bullring, and within walking distance of other city sites, like the Parque de Málaga and Alcazaba, both less than 10 minutes away. Learn more

Only YOU Hotel Málaga

Enjoy Only YOU Hotel Málaga's prime location at the start of the city's main shopping street, across from the port, and next to Paseo del Muelle Uno and Málaga Park. You can walk anywhere in the Old Town here, including Calle Marqués de Larios, a popular pedestrian shopping street lined with beautiful buildings, the Alcazaba, the Cathedral, and the Mercado Central de Atarazanas.

While in Málaga, you may notice the Larios name on buildings and streets, as the Marquisate of Larios was a noble family established by Queen Elizabeth II. Only YOU occupies the building where the family's palace once stood. The hotel channels its elegant past by offering nine room types, from a classic category to suites with terraces and outdoor lounges. All have a fresh, airy boutique vibe with light wooden features, pops of whites and blacks, king beds, and a selection of pillows. Bathrooms feel luxurious with rainfall showers, robes, automatic lighting, and some feature soaking tubs. 

You'll be spoiled for food choices at the hotel, as there are three eateries, plus a breakfast buffet and room service. The ground floor restaurant is a traditional Spanish-style seafood tavern, and the other two are on the top floors with sea and city views. The rooftop features sun loungers, a bar, and a plunge pool. Learn more

Posada del Patio Hotel

Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio Hotel offers architectural charm and tranquility with natural tones, lots of plant life, and Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. This combination makes the common areas feel like a dreamy oasis and includes an Andalusian patio, library lounge, and trendy bar. Relax on the rooftop terrace with sun loungers and a large swimming pool, and dine at one of the two eateries, the Tavern Restaurant and Entremuros Restaurant. Enjoy individual portions of various local goodies displayed like art for breakfast.

The rooms fit the hotel's oasis vibe with a bright, airy, modern atmosphere and large, clean bathrooms. You'll find colorful wallpaper behind the beds and seating areas in all units, though you can upgrade to a suite for a little more space or opt for a room with a balcony. Though perfectly comfortable and aesthetic, the hotel could boost the elegance of the rooms.

The hotel sits on the edge of Málaga's historic Old Town, so you have the city's history at your feet the moment you leave the property. You can reach sites like the Mercado Central, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, the Catedral de Málaga, and the Alcazaba all within 10 minutes of walking. The only downside to the location is that the hotel's entrance faces a pretty busy street, though the rooms remain quiet. Learn more

Hotel Castillo De Santa Catalina

This adults-only hotel blends two historic sites, a 17th-century fortress and a building from 1923 designed in the style of the Arab Renaissance. Some historic elements remain, including stone archways, drum towers, and mosaic flooring. Soho Boutique Hotels restored the property in 2021, with plans to open new facilities by the end of 2022, including a gym, spa, and swimming pool. You'll also find El Castillo Restaurant, which offers incredible outdoor dining with some of the best sea views in the city. Other highlights of Hotel Castillo De Santa Catalina include a beautiful garden area, an outdoor terrace bar and lounge, and private parking.

All the rooms are bright and modern, though we recommend those with historic Arab architectural elements, including the deluxe double rooms, junior suites with sea views, and the two-bedroom suite. The others are still perfectly comfy but lack the hotel's design appeal. The bathrooms are big and clean, all with rainfall showerheads and some with charming vintage tiling.

Hotel Castillo De Santa Catalina calls itself "Málaga's most exclusive hotel," and its private location adds to that allure. You can request personalized services during your stay, including car transfers to any city site. If you feel like walking, the beach is just 15 minutes away, though the start of the historic city center is about 25 minutes. Learn more