13 best hotels in Màlaga from luxury to budget-friendly

Luxury hotels in Malaga near the beach? Nobu qualifies. This adults-only hotel on the Golden Mile isn't just letting its famed brand name do the talking; it sets out to impress across all areas, from the Japanese-inspired interiors to the expansive terraces overlooking La Plaza and signature dishes from their acclaimed Asian restaurant – like the black miso cod and rockfish tempura – best served alongside a botanical cocktail. 

The mood? Oriental luxury.  
Location perks? The nearest beach is under half a kilometre away, and Plaza de los Naranjos is reachable within two miles. 
Budget range? A major treat. Honeymoon, perhaps? 

Want to truly get away from it all? You’ll feel like you’ve entered not just another world but a different era in this 18th-century former Andalusian palace. Have breakfast under carved stone archways and tiled ceilings in the opulent Moorish central atrium, dine on meals in the Balausta restaurant cooked by revered Málaga chef José Carlos García and rest easy in elegant rooms. Plus, the splendid pile is slap bang in the middle of Màlaga’s historic centre, just a stone’s throw from the Picasso Museum and the ancient ​​Alcazaba.

The mood? Fit for royalty. 
Location perks? Awarded Best Urban Hotel in 2022 by Condé Nast Traveler, this absolute beaut is a peaceful retreat just lapping with character, charm and stunning rooftop vistas.
Budget range? A decent price when you book a little in advance.  

Inspired by its artsy, bohemian Soho location, this brilliant white 4-star tower which sprung from a formerly abandoned spot in the city centre, is filled with geometric tiles, abstract prints and Surrealist-inspired furniture. Make a beeline for the rooftop terrace for a sweeping plunge pool, sunbeds shaded by scalloped-edged umbrellas and dazzling sun-soaked views over La Malagueta Beach. 

The mood? Cosy 'n' modern. 
Location perks? No need to rely on transport, here you'll have easy access to the city's main attractions, meaning more time to lounge by the pool. 
Budget range? Low-cost, yet incredibly stylish. 

Rustic Mediterranean chic is the vibe of this romantic spot, housed in one of Soho’s charming terraces. All muted teracottas accents and soft white furnishings, each of its 70 rooms is a tranquil haven with vibrant views over the city. It’s also one of the best hotels in Malaga for families, with rooms featuring extra bunk beds.

The mood? The clean and cosy aesthetic. 
Location perks? This interior design oasis means you can enjoy a peaceful retreat right in the buzzy centre.
Budget range? A super affordable short break for those who want convenience and comfort. 

Deep jewel hues and striking geometric patterns fill your eyes as soon as you enter the lobby of this edgy Soho spot. Even the bedrooms are filled with colourful stripes running up the walls and ceilings. The vibrancy is continued on the stunning rooftop terrace which is kitted out with a fun plunge pool and stylish bar perfect for after-dinner cocktails over views of the city’s harbour.

The mood? Cool, urban, chic. 
Location perks? Stunning sea and city views on the terrace while you kick back and enjoy a sangria or two.
Budget range? Mucho bueno on price. 

You can’t miss Malaga’s ziggurat La Equitativa building which rises from the city with its distinctive white towers and golden spire. Its relaxed gastro-pub style restaurant Carmen, dining spot Lola with DJ nights and tapas and swanky rooftop lounge Lolita with infinity pool and hammocks are popular meeting spots for locals. Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere, its elegant rooms oozing with minimalist Scandi style are the ultimate retreat. 

The mood? Art Deco chic. 
Location perks? Anyone else find Only YOU Malaga's ultra-cool interiors super calming? Virtually every room is the perfect photo-op – and only a few short steps from the beach.
Budget range? Lavish rooms with a modest price tag. 

This listed 1932 villa simply oozes charm and history and many of the original features remain. The rooms are spacious, with large double beds, climate control AC and either marble or tiled bathrooms. Some even have a terrace or sea view too. There's free on-site parking and La Caleta Beach is a ten-minute walk away, while the city centre is a 15-minute drive. And with all that going on, how could this not be one of the best boutique hotels in Malaga?

The mood? Quaint country house meets the Mediterranean.
Location perks? That view of Málaga Bay. Delightful.
Budget range? Mid- to high-end.

Don’t be fooled by this Old Town hotel’s official two-star rating. The rooms here are clean, bright and super comfy with a slick modern edge but a homely boutique feel. Get your day started with a continental spread in the sunny breakfast room, enjoy the view from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and relish in the fact you’ve managed to snag an affordable stay a stone’s throw from the Roman theatre and Moorish Alcazaba fortress.

The mood? Scandi-esque. 
Location perks? Situated in Old Town with a variety of restaurants close by as well as Malaga Cathedral. 
Budget range? Great for a dirt-cheap stay. 

The big draw of this super conviently located hotel is up on its 15th floor, where you’ll find a suntrap of a rooftop terrace with pool, swish bar and restaurant and – most importantly – staggering panoramas of Málaga’s port, old town and the mountains beyond. If you can tear yourself away, the Atico restaurant serves food with cinematic views, the rooms are smart and tranquil and you’re just a stumbling distance away from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The mood? Scenic views.
Location perks? Drink in the serene cliffside views while you grab a bite in the AC lounge. 
Budget range? A for affordability. 

Laidback luxury is the name of the game at this stylish hotel in a handsome 19th-century building with romantic wrought iron balconies and shuttered windows. Inside, the marble-clad lobby and El Taller De Larios restaurant with mirrored ceilings and stone pillars scream old-school glamour and the rooms are accented with natural wood and soft tones. Step outside and you're in the middle of Màlaga’s atmospheric shopping district or sit on the roof terrace and admire the city from above with a wine in hand.

The mood? Swanky and bright.  
Location perks? Visitors love Calle Larios for its historical charm and its vibrant shopping district. People also flock here for the occasional fair accompanied by the fragrant sound of folk flamenco music. 
Budget range? A bargain steal. 

A vibrant villa in El Limonar, a laidback residential area that's just five-minutes' drive northeast of the city centre. As well as providing a bit of quietude, the house is just five minutes' walk from the beach and has its own pool. There are just seven rooms, so it won't be heaving with strangers, and each of them come with AC, TV, coffee machine and more. Enquire about the rental bikes (yellow to match the abode), as a good alternative to driving into the centre is the ten-minute cycle.

The mood? Homely.
Location perks? Quiet suburban vibes, with conveniences on your doorstep.
Budget range? Affordable.

One for groups of friends and families, Casual’s crisp, funky-furnished rooms sleep up to four with a mixture of individual single beds and bunks. There’s even baby and pet packages available for ultimate ease. Rates are affordable, a great buffet breakfast is available every morning and you’re only a short walk away from the sights and sounds of central Málaga.

The mood? Bright and quirky. 
Location perks? Rooms here are clean, spacious and close to everything you need – ideal if you're looking for something economical. Besides, all the real action is outside. 
Budget range? Kind on the wallet. 

Gran Hotel Miramar is a beachfront beauty flaunting all kinds of luxurious details; from giant palm trees lining the pathway to the entrace, to those impressively high ceilings and a rooftop Jacuzzi, there's plenty of obsess over at this 5-star hotel in Malaga. The palace-esque property boasts surprisingly cosy rooms, with everything from sea views to Bluetooth sound systems. Two outdoor pools and a sun terrace make for added bonuses, and the three restaurants serve a variety of cuisines to keep things exciting throughout your stay. 

The mood? Royal luxury. 
Location perks? You're a 10-minute walk away from the city centre and a short drive from the airport. 
Budget range? A great deal for a five-star establishment.