Where to stay in Malaga: hotels and accommodation by neighbourhood

The city of Málaga may not be the most beautiful or the most famous in Andalusia, but it represents a perfect compromise for anyone who wants to experience the Andalusian spirit in all its nuances. If you decide to spend a few days here, you’ll have the chance to combine time on the beaches of the Costa del Sol with the artistic vibrancy and the historical and cultural heritage of a lively, exciting city.

Most of the city’s most popular accommodation is located in the historic centre of Malaga and close to the city’s main beach (the Malagueta), within easy reach of the city’s principal monuments and museums. Unlike in other Andalusian cities, travellers are less likely to choose accommodation in outlying areas, as these are not always on a par with the beautiful barrios popular in cities such as Seville, Granada or Córdoba.

It is worth singling out those who travel to Málaga not only to discover its historical and cultural roots, but who — above all — have chosen it as a destination for their beach holidays: in this case, the list of hotels located in the districts overlooking Málaga’s coast (El Palo, Pedregalejo, Huelin) and in the immediate vicinity of the city is very extensive.

In light of these brief preliminary notes, you will have realised that, if you are looking for an place to stay in Malaga, you will need to be very careful when choosing the most practical and comfortable option, whether for sightseeing in the city, for enjoying the renowned beach life on the beaches of Malaga and the surrounding area, or, if necessary, for just one of the two activities. So, which is the best area where to stay in Malaga?

All available properties in Málaga

Guide to the neighbourhoods

The Historic Centre, an ideal place to stay in Malaga

As you can read in our in-depth guide on what to see in Malaga, all the city’s main cultural attractions are within very short distances.  So, if you book your hotel anywhere in the Centre of Malaga, you won’t need to use public transport; you can easily get around on foot, reaching the various points of interest in a few minutes (the Manquita di Malaga, the Alcazaba, the Roman amphitheatre, the Picasso Museum of Malaga…). Moreover, from the historic centre you’ll also be able to reach easily the Playa de la Malagueta and Calle Larios, where you can go shopping or enjoy an aperitif while strolling amid the flow of locals.

If you’ve hired a car for your trip to Malaga, bear in mind that it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to find parking in the city centre: when booking your hotel, I therefore recommend checking that the search filters include an option for parking. An alternative might be to use the large car parks at the shopping centres near the centre – free, open-air, but clearly unguarded.

Here is a selection of interesting hotels to stay in Malaga Centre:

• Hotel Molina Lario: Located 100 metres from the cathedral, you will find this remarkable modern hotel, offering every comfort. It’s hard to find any fault with this property: perhaps only its character, which is more European than Andalusian.
• Hotel Carlos V: this hotel is also just a short walk from the cathedral. As it is a 2-star hotel, prices are fairly modest, but the property is well-maintained and the rooms are comfortable. It can be an excellent choice for those who want to stay right in the centre without spending too much.
• Petit Palace Plaza: in addition to its enviable location, this hotel is, by all accounts, known for its peaceful atmosphere, despite being close to the bustling Calle Larios. The décor is quirky yet elegant: if you manage to book a room, try to get one with a view of the cathedral. The central Andalusian patio is lovely.
• Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro: it’s better to say “above” rather than “near” the Alcazaba of Malaga, as this elegant parador is situated beside the Castillo de Gibralfaro! This charming property has its pros and cons: on the one hand, it offers a wonderful view over Malaga; on the other, it isn’t easy to reach on foot.
• Vinnci Selección Posada del Patio: Vinnci hotels are a safe bet; this one is considered one of the best in Málaga and is among the city’s few five‑star hotels. Just a stone’s throw from the centre, on the Guadalmedina canal, it offers every comfort and boasts an outdoor pool on the fourth floor that delights every traveller.
• Hostal Victoria: an option for every budget. A more-than-decent hostal in a pedestrianised area, in an excellent location for exploring the city centre and getting to the sea. The rooms have private bathrooms. Among Malaga’s budget accommodation, this is one of the best.
• Hostal Vidamia: it’s hard to find many other cheap options for staying in the centre of Malaga and so close to the Cathedral. This hostel has the advantage of also offering double rooms with private bathrooms, at better prices than hotels and with the added bonus of a lively communal lounge.

All available accommodation in Málaga city centre

La Malagueta: hotels in the centre of Málaga, yet just a stone’s throw from the sea…

If you’re the sort of traveller who… “I can’t give up the sea on holiday!”, you might look for a hotel near the city’s famous and popular beach, known to tourists across Spain and Europe: the Playa de la Malagueta in Malaga. Although hotels in the Centre are also close to this beach, choosing accommodation in this area of Malaga will immerse you in the beachy, youthful atmosphere that characterises the city’s coastal neighbourhoods.

You can stroll among the shops and restaurants of the shopping centre Muelle Uno, find the Plaza de Toros of Malaga just a stone’s throw away and enjoy the wonderful, shaded Paseo del Parque. Moreover, the presence of the Centre Pompidou Malaga will appeal to anyone who doesn’t want to miss out on an artistically stimulating stay.

Furthermore, if you’re seeking luxury accommodation in Malaga, the Malagueta neighbourhood is the place for you: here you’ll find some of the city’s most exclusive sea‑view apartments and suites.

Even in this area, it won’t be easy to find an on-street parking space near the property, so it’s advisable to check whether the property provides one or has a favourable arrangement. The link below lists car parks in the neighbourhood and elsewhere, should the hotel you choose not have one.

Car parks available in Málaga

Here are some interesting options:

• Hotel Maestranza Malaga: a hotel which, as well as enjoying an excellent location between the city centre and the sea, offers spacious, comfortable rooms, a sumptuous breakfast and a sun terrace from which to enjoy a lovely view.
• Gran Hotel Miramar GL: this five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. The rooms are fitted with every comfort, the breakfast is excellent and it also offers guests a gym, swimming pool, spa and wellness centre.
• Apartments and holiday homes La Malagueta is an area where self‑catering apartments and holiday homes are plentiful. For stays of several days they are an ideal solution: you’ll feel at home and have a kitchen at your disposal, helping to keep costs down.

All available accommodation in La Malagueta

SoHo, the street art neighbourhood

Also known as ‘Arts Quarter’, SoHo represents the cultural soul of Málaga. Geographically, it forms the clearly identifiable triangle on the city’s map bounded by the Carretera N-30 (in the stretch directly in front of the port), the Alameda Principal and the Guadalmedina river. Its position, wedged between the historic centre and the port, has always made it a neighbourhood brimming with activity and exchange, both commercial and cultural. It was once, as with many pre‑port areas in seaside cities, a run‑down district. From the early 2000s the local residents themselves set about revitalising it, managing to secure institutional support. Now it is one of Málaga’s most youthful and fashionable neighbourhoods.

Today the numerous graffiti that adorn its buildings have made it the symbol of underground culture, and the best area in which to look for unusual and alternative shops and venues. SoHo is, however, above all the place to go in search of art. Turn a corner and you may stumble across a gallery or an atelier where you can immerse yourself in contemporary art, even if you are not visiting a specific museum. For museum‑lovers, there is also the CAC (Contemporary Art Centre of Malaga), a very well organised contemporary art museum.

The neighbourhood’s artistic bent is also evident in hotels and restaurants, which more often than not favour curious, picturesque décor, so much so that they attract the interest of passers-by as well as customers. Staying in this area is therefore ideal for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a lively artistic setting. And if you happen to be here on the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss the ‘Made in Soho’ market — where craft and design come together and antiques and vintage pieces mingle, making it one of the most colourful markets in Spain.

Here are some options:

• Soho Boutique Bahía Málaga: this hotel, just 300 metres from the Centre for Contemporary Art and 1 kilometre from Málaga Cathedral, is one of the most interesting places to stay. The real gem is the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy an aperitif while admiring one of the best views of the city.
• Soho Boutique Malaga: for those who appreciate attention to detail, this is the ideal hotel. Excellent location, in a historic building where the wooden ceiling beams sit alongside the most modern amenities.
• Mariposa Hotel Malaga: Museums aren’t enough for you, but you want your hotel room to be a work of art too? In this hotel, the Art Deco-style designer rooms won’t disappoint.

All available accommodation in SoHo

Perchel, where to stay near the railway station

The Perchel district is separated from the historic centre by the Guadalmedina river and is itself divided into two sub-districts, Perchel Sur e Perchel Norte, respectively to the south and north of the Avenida de Andalucia. The advantage of staying here is considerable for those travelling around Andalusia by public transport. Located exactly between the railway station and the centre, by staying here you can reach the city’s main attractions in a few minutes, while at the same time being able to depart for and return from other cities thanks to the rail connections. If you fly into Málaga and want to use the city as a base from which to travel on to other towns by train, this is the best neighbourhood.

Here are some suggestions:

• Madmar Maria Zambrano: if you’re looking for a stylish apartment and perhaps a romantic terrace, you’re unlikely to be disappointed by this option.
• Ilunion Malaga: on the seafront, a 5-minute walk from the station, in an eco-efficient building that is environmentally conscious, while also offering a fully equipped wellness area and spa.

All available accommodation in Perchel

Pedregalejo, the nightlife neighbourhood

To the east of the centre there are kilometres of beaches that, during the summer — and not only then — are lively day and night. The neighbourhood of Pedregalejo is one of the liveliest in the city, despite being relatively far from Malaga’s centre. The trendiest bars and the most popular nightclubs on Malaga’s coast are right here. Suitable for those seeking beach life and excellent restaurants, it is above all the favourite destination for holidaymakers after nightlife, with drinks and dancing until dawn.

Where to stay in Pedregalejo?

• Hotel Castillo de Santa Catalina: this is more or less how a king and queen must feel on holiday. This hotel is a superb 20th‑century palace with sea views, a dream residence where everything is carefully attended to: from the warm welcome of the staff to the very spacious, superbly appointed rooms. On‑site parking is available, making it easy to drive into the city centre.
• Hotel La Chancla: a stone’s throw from the seafront, this hotel is ideal for those who want to enjoy a beach holiday in a modern property at reasonable prices. The sun terrace with sea views is particularly noteworthy.
• Hotel Elcano: a simple hotel in an excellent location near the sea, furnished in a soberly traditional style and by no means expensive. A perfect solution for those on a tighter budget.

All available accommodation in Pedregalejo

El Palo: kilometres of beaches in East Malaga

Still further east than Pedregalejo lies the elegant El Palo area, also a destination for the pilgrimages of thousands of travellers who want to enjoy a carefree holiday, between bathing in the sea, nights out at local venues and seafood dinners in some of the best where to eat in Málaga . Here are some recommended apartments where to stay in Málaga East in the El Palo area:

• Pleasant house with private garden: located in the inner part of the neighbourhood, it is perfect for couples. Small, pretty, with a garden and in a quiet area.
• Spectacular Apartment Malaga Beach and Pool: the tranquillity of an apartment to enjoy a relaxing holiday, but also some excellent facilities, such as the large private swimming pool.

All available accommodation in Málaga Este

Huelin, a family-friendly neighbourhood by the sea

Huelin is one of the city’s quietest neighbourhoods, ideal for a stay if you’re travelling as a family and want to avoid the chaos of the nightlife, or if you’re looking for a relaxing beach just a stone’s throw from the centre. The life of this area, which stretches from the metro stop of the same name down to the sea, revolves around the beach and its long promenade, which is pleasant to walk along at any time of year.

On the seafront, every third Sunday of the month a large market is held where, in addition to the traditional stalls, you can find affordable local food and children’s workshops. The focal point is the La Tabaclera building: in this area flour and tobacco were once processed, alongside the earliest metallurgical and textile industries.

Below are a couple of good options for staying here:

• Hotel Solymar: this 2-star hotel is perfect for those who don’t want to spend much while still having a nice, well-kept place to stay. It is right opposite the beach and is also great for groups and large families, as it offers triple rooms with single beds.
• Huelintown: if you’re a family looking for comfortable accommodation at an affordable price, this is the place for you. Close to Malaga’s best beach for families with children, with the option to cook in your room.

All available accommodation in Huelin

Carretera de Cádiz: seaside accommodation close to the airport

If you need to find a hotel in Málaga near the airport, you could choose Carretera de Cádiz, a district of Málaga south of Huelin that is ideal for those who want to wake up with a sea view, just a few kilometres from both the city centre and the airport. What do you think of these two accommodation options?

• Vincci Malaga: another Vincci hotel, but this time by the sea. A modern luxury hotel with comfortable, spacious and superbly equipped rooms, located 3 km from the city centre and on the road to the airport.
• Apart-Hotel Dream: This, on the other hand, is a good hotel located near Misericordia Beach. It also offers a shared kitchen for guests staying in the various rooms.

All available accommodation in Carretera de Cádiz

Map of Available Accommodation with Prices