
The Mediterranean • Stay • The 5 best boutique and luxury hotels in Málaga, Spain
If you’re dreaming of a slower pace, sun-warmed streets and a city that balances old-world charm with luxury Mediterranean flair, Málaga might just be your kind of place. Over the last few years, this hidden gem in the Andalusia region of Spain has quietly reinvented itself – not just as a gateway to the Costa del Sol but as a destination with its own distinct rhythm. The hotel scene? It’s caught up in the best way possible. If you’re looking for something beyond the standard hotel experience – places that offer history, design and a touch of luxury – you’ll want to consider these standout boutique and luxury hotels.
Top photography courtesy of Palacio Solecio
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Palacio Solecio is a restored 18th-century palace located in Málaga’s Old Town. Originally built by Italian nobleman Félix Solesio, the building was designed by José Martín de Aldehuela, the architect behind Ronda’s Puente Nuevo bridge. The palace’s architectural and interior design, overseen by architect Antonio Obrador, reveres the palace’s 1789 origins. Obrador restored original elements like the double-arched zaguán courtyards and the grand staircase. A striking feature we love about this hotel is the restored sun mural above the central balcony, a direct reference to Félix Solecio’s coat of arms. The 116 rooms and suites, arranged around the central patio, boast high ceilings and subtle colour accents that elegantly evoke the Andalusian spirit. For a unique experience, book the exceptionally private Tower room on the top floor, which boasts 360-degree city views, including the cathedral and ancient marketplace.
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Photography courtesy of Palacio Solecio
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Gran Hotel Miramar, inaugurated in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII, is a historic hotel located in Málaga. Designed by architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan, the hotel interiors feature a unique décor inspired by the distinct styles of the Miramar Palace itself – Arabic, Mediterranean, Classical and even Nasrid influences. This multi-layered design approach creates a visual experience that is both historically resonant and luxuriously appointed. Hotel Miramar offers an array of luxury amenities, including two outdoor pools, a sun terrace and a chill-out area with magnificent sea views. All surrounded by 9,000 square metres of lawns and gardens. The hotel boasts five restaurants, including the Príncipe de Asturias for exquisite fine dining, Mediterráneo for a buffet of Mediterranean dishes and the Botánico Pool Bar & Restaurant, specialising in fish, meat and paella. Also, don’t miss the on-site Botanic Spa by Sisley, which offers a full water circuit, individual and exclusive double massage cabins – some with private saunas and Turkish baths.
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Miramar
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The Only You Hotel Málaga inhabits Málaga’s iconic La Equitativa building, a landmark structure from the 1950s that once housed a prominent insurance company. Transformed in 2021, the hotel showcases a striking Art Deco-meets-Mediterranean architectural style. The interior design is sophisticated with warm neutral tones, natural wood accents and subtle reflections of Andalusian culture. We love the 8th-floor rooftop pool and lounge, Lolita Sky View, Pool & Lounge, an exclusive space with an infinity pool and sun loungers where you can enjoy views of the city and mountains. Foodies will also enjoy the Lola Restaurant, located on the 7th floor, an eclectic space with a charcoal oven, providing indoor-outdoor dining options and stunning city sunset views.
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Photography courtesy of Only You Hotel Málaga
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If you’re looking for a stay in the heart of Málaga’s historic centre, look no further than Hotel Molina Lario. Strategically positioned for unparalleled views of Málaga’s majestic cathedral, Hotel Molina Lario offers a compelling mix of old and new. This recently built hotel integrates two refurbished 19th-century buildings, preserving their original facades, with a third, completely new structure. The rooms feature large windows that allow plenty of natural light to fill the rooms, enhancing the bright and airy feel, with views of the historic centre or the port. We think the hotel’s prime location is one of its most compelling attributes. It is exceptionally positioned in the centre of Málaga, directly opposite the iconic La Manquita – you can wake up to stunning views of this architectural marvel. Other amenities include a rooftop terrace with an outdoor swimming pool, sun deck and a rooftop bar offering views of the sea and the cathedral.
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Molina Lario
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The Icon Malabar, located in Málaga’s Soho district, is a colonial-style boutique hotel bursting with character. Housed in a building that once belonged to Tomás Heredia Livermore, a significant 19th-century merchant, it pays homage to the city’s diverse historical influences. This is evident in the design elements, such as Phoenician eyes in mirrors, Carthaginian and Roman ornamentation and geometric patterns on floors and walls that reference Andalusian Málaga. The interior design also incorporates ceramics and panelled woods, creating an authentic colonial setting. The hotel features a grand central foyer, two Andalusian courtyards bathed in natural light and the Salsa Menta Café. Even the fountain in the Salsa Menta Café is inspired by Arabic designs, simulating water movement to connect with Málaga’s port and sea, while some tiles are inspired by Picasso’s Guernica.
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Photography courtesy of Icon Malabar
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