Parador Málaga Gibralfaro Hotel, Málaga

Comfort
Historic hilltop hotel next door to the castle offering an outdoor pool and some of the best views in the city

Overview

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 property and rooms have unmatched views of the castle, Alcazaba, marina, and sea, including from the outdoor pool, sundeck lounge, and terraced restaurant. Plan for longer walks or to use a car to visit other sites, but the payoff is the location at the city's castle. 

Pros
  • The location is ideal for exploring the Castillo de Gibralfaro, as you'll stay inside the castle grounds in a historic building with a stone facade, arched entryways, wood-beamed ceilings, and traditional tile flooring.
  • The entire hotel (including all rooms) has incredible views of the marina, waterfront, Málaga's Old town, and the Alcazaba. 
  • Enjoy a gourmet restaurant with covered patio seating and some of the best city views. 
  • You'll find plenty of places to relax at the hotel, including a chic indoor bar, cozy lounges, and an outdoor pool with a sundeck and lounge chairs. 
  • Other perks include rooms with private balconies, onsite parking, and an extensive daily breakfast buffet. 
Cons
  • The rooms feel a little simple considering the hotel's elevated style, some with outdated furnishings.
  • Though you'll be next door to the castle, getting anywhere else in the city requires a car, taxi service, or at least 20 minutes of walking.

Kimkim's Take

Ash
Ash Merscher kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, June 2022 (Learn more)

Authenticity

Spain's famed Paradores typically occupy historical buildings in exclusive areas, and Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro is no exception. You'll stay in a historic stone building with arched doorways, traditional red-tiled floors, and wood-beamed ceilings, all next door to Castillo de Gibralfaro.

Location

Though still in the historic city center, you'll find the hotel atop the same hill as Castillo de Gibralfaro. Enjoy incredible views of the city's waterfront, marina, Old Town, and Alcazaba, plus easily explore the castle. However, to get to sites like the Alcazaba, Playa la Malagueta, or the Cathedral, plan on taking a car or walking for at least 20 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

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. 

Other Highlights

Besides the incredible views from the hotel rooms, you can also enjoy these vistas at the outdoor swimming pool or on the restaurant's terrace. The pool is the perfect place to relax, with castle views on one side, sea views on the other, and a sundeck with lounge chairs. The restaurant also has an indoor dining room, where you can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet. Other amenities include onsite parking, a chic bar, and a few cozy lounges.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34-95-2221902
Hotel address icon Castillo de Gibralfaro, s/n

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34-95-2221902
Hotel address icon Castillo de Gibralfaro, s/n