A pool is a necessity in Málaga, as an afternoon dip is a perfect reprieve in this Andalusian city. Some of the best mid-range hotels with pools offer this perk on lively rooftops or surrounded by palm trees and incredible views.

Molina Lario Hotel

Enjoy the hotel's hip rooftop bar and pool (Photo courtesy of Molina Lario Hotel)

Named after the city's most famous family, Molina Lario Hotel combines two historic buildings with original façades with a new build, offering a mix of modern and glitzy Art Deco. You can pair this elegance with the perk of an outdoor swimming pool on the hotel's rooftop terrace. Because you'll be in such a stellar location, the views from the pool are truly amazing, with vistas of the sea and Cathedral. The pool is relatively large, so good for relaxing, swimming, or just cooling off. Snag a poolside chair or one of the cushy couches and enjoy a drink from the bar.

The hotel's glamorous style also spills into its gourmet restaurant Matiz, which has beautiful courtyard dining and a tasting menu with wine pairings for dinner. Of course, you can also enjoy breakfast here in the morning. Besides the rooftop terrace with its pool, you'll also find another terrace on the sixth floor and a small lobby lounge.

Rooms are bright, modern, and comfortable, with a refined look and elevated touches like a pillow menu and bathrobes. The standard option is a little small, so choose a superior room or higher for a bit more space. Some feature sea views and desks, while suites add seating areas. Family rooms are the largest option, with the ability to add one or two additional beds. 

Enjoy a near-perfect location at the end of the historic street Calle Molina Lario and the start of Málaga Park across the street from the waterfront promenade Paseo del Muelle Uno. This location straddles old and new, so you get a little bit of everything, including gourmet restaurants, international shopping, local hangouts, and artisan shops tucked down corners. You'll be within walking distance of all the sites, including the Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and Castillo de Gibralfaro. Learn more

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Room Mate Valeria Hotel

Lounge on the rooftop with its bar and pool (Photo courtesy of Room Mate Valeria Hotel)

One of the main perks of Room Mate Valeria Hotel is its incredible rooftop terrace and pool. You can also enjoy the fantastic rooftop terrace with a heated pool, sun deck, and bar with incredible sea views and vistas of Castillo de Gibralfaro. The pool is a little small, so it's best for just relaxing, cooling off, or taking a quick dip. You'll find spacious, striped sun loungers lining the pool, plus a large bar with stools, shaded seating, and tasty drinks. 

Right at the edge of the hip SOHO district, marina, and start of the Old Town, Room Mate Valeria Hotel also has a prime location walkable to every city site. The SOHO neighborhood is known for its bars and international restaurants, plus you'll be next to the modern Paseo del Muelle Uno and leafy Málaga Park at your doorstep. Other sites within walking distance include the Cathedral, Alcazaba, Playa la Malagueta, and Castillo de Gibralfaro.

Choose from basic rooms, standard rooms, and suites, plus an option for families with connected units. Generally, the rooms are a bit small, so choose a suite if you'd like more space. You can also book units with sea views and Juliette balconies. Keep in mind that all the rooms feature bright blue or green decor, including wallpaper and carpeting, which might not appeal to everyone.

You'll enter the hotel's historical building through restored facades from the 18th and 19th centuries. But once you get inside, you'll enjoy a theme that channels the area's natural environment with a green and blue color scheme and jungle wallpaper. Sleep late with a breakfast buffet that lasts until noon, keep your energy up in the gym, and relax in the lobby lounge. Learn more

Palacio Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro

Outdoor pools with sea views (Photo courtesy of Palacio Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro)

As one of Spain's famed Paradores, you'll stay at a historic site—a hilltop stone structure with arched doorways nest Castillo de Gibralfaro. The pool at Palacio Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro is the perfect place to relax, with castle views on one side, sea views on the other, and a sun deck with lounge chairs. It's a large pool, so it's good for swimming and relaxing. You can perch yourself underneath one of the grass umbrellas and sip a drink from the bar while cooling off and enjoying those amazing views.

Another thing we love about this hotel is its historical elements, like arched doorways, traditional red-tiled floors, and wood-beamed ceilings. You'll get incredible views of the city's waterfront, marina, Old Town, and Alcazaba, plus you can easily explore the castle. However, to get to sites within the city center, like the Cathedral, plan for a 25-minute walk or drive.

The rooms are surprisingly spacious for a historic building, with comfy beds, traditional tiled floors, desks, and seating areas. All offer private balconies with chairs and incredible sea views or vistas overlooking the Alcazaba. There are only two room categories, standard and superior, with the superior option adding a bit more space and four-poster beds. The bathrooms are large but outdated and could use some updates. 

Besides the incredible views from the hotel rooms, you can also enjoy these vistas on the restaurant's terrace. The restaurant also has an indoor dining room to enjoy a daily breakfast buffet. Other amenities include on-site parking, a chic bar, and a few cozy lounges. Learn more