Where to stay in Malaga
Picking a place to stay in Malaga is quite easy because, as it usually happens with a city that becomes fashionable, there are countless accommodations (hotels, tourist apartments, hostels, etc.). Determine well your budget and the purpose of your trip, and on that basis, you can decide between the following areas:.
All these areas are well connected to the historic center, and you can easily reach it by public transport or even by car (but once in the center, you will have to use, almost always, paid parking).
💡 Look carefully if the dates of your trip coincide with any event in the city, such as the Malaga Fair (August), Easter (March or April), Christmas, or the Malaga Film Festival (March-April). On these dates, prices increase drastically, and you have to know how to look for deals.
1. Malaga historic center, the best area to stay in Malaga
The historic center is the busiest and best place to stay in Malaga. It is the center of the city, and almost everyone stay here to be close to everything that goes on. It’s great to stay here. You’ll be within walking distance of all the monuments and places to visit in Malaga, and you’ll have entertainment, restaurants, and bars literally at your feet.
It is a more bustling area, perhaps noisy (especially depending on the season: Easter, Christmas, the Feria), and always with lots of atmosphere.
Staying here, you will have illustrious neighbors such as the Cathedral, the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum, Calle Larios, or the Jewish quarter with its narrow streets full of charm. Therefore, if you have a day to visit Malaga, it is a very good option.
Recommended hotels in the historic center
If you opt for the historic center, here are several options for different budgets:
- $: La Casa Mata Central. Hotel on the outskirts of the historic center with single, double, and triple rooms. Some have shared bathrooms, and others have private bathrooms.
- $: Málaga City Suites. This hotel has double rooms and suites. All of them are nicely decorated, and one of them has a terrace. There is a common area, and activities are organized.
- $$: Hotel del Pintor. A 3-star hotel located near the Plaza de la Merced that offers single, double, and triple rooms. The accommodation has a bar and a very pleasant terrace to relax. Breakfast is served.
- $$: Hotel Don Curro. This 3-star hotel is conveniently located near the Plaza de la Marina. It has single, double, triple, quadruple, and suite rooms. There is a bar, restaurant, and breakfast service.
- $$$: Vincci Larios Diez. Beautiful 5-star hotel located in the historic center. You can choose between several double and triple rooms, some with views. There is a lovely terrace and restaurant, and a fantastic breakfast is served. If you can afford it, it is a great option to stay in Malaga.
💡 If you feel like it, you can leave some time during your visit to take a free tour of the city. In addition to showing you the key points, they will tell you the unique curiosities of each place.
2. Soho, another great option to stay in Malaga
A few years ago, Soho wouldn’t have been included in this list of places to stay in Malaga. In fact, until recently, this “neighborhood” or space between the old town and the port was not even called that.
But, a few years ago, this collection of tiny streets took a completely new turn, and now it’s not only pleasant to explore and stroll around it, but it’s also developed into a fantastic substitute for sleeping in Malaga’s downtown.
You can reach the historic core and the heart of the city by just crossing a lovely boulevard, as Soho is located only over the Alameda Principal. The harbor and the sea are located directly across the street on the opposite side.
You’ll discover a more free-spirited vibe in Soho, which is attempting to establish itself as Malaga’s creative and artistic hub. Soho draws a diverse range of artists due to the influence of the mayor and City Hall, as well as the backing of Antonio Banderas, who has located his theater in the area.
Its hotels have a lot of vibe, and the streets are full of energy, light, and color.
Recommended hotels in Soho
In Soho, you can consider the following hotels:
- $: The Lights City Room. Hotel located between the historic center and Soho, with double, triple, and studio rooms. In addition, there is a bar, terrace, and lounge for common use.
- $$: Hotel Sur Málaga. 2-star hotel located in Soho offering double rooms. There is a lounge area, private parking on site, and breakfast is served.
- $$$: Room Mate Valeria. Charming 4-star hotel nicely decorated. You can stay in one of the private rooms or suites. There is also a rooftop terrace with a small pool, gym and rooftop bar.
3. La Malagueta
Just east of the historic center is this stately neighborhood of the capital. La Malagueta is the extension of the center that enjoys the beach and tranquility just a few steps away from the bustle of the old town.
In La Malagueta, you will find special places such as the Paseo de la Farola, where the Lighthouse of Malaga is located. The Plaza de Toros with all its atmosphere of restaurants and cafes, the Malagueta Beach itself with the beginning of the promenade, the cemetery of the English, or the Paseo de Sancha are other charms of this area.
If you want a quiet stay but are nestled right between the historic center and the beach, this is your area. It is more “stately” and classic, but it is really comfortable.
Recommended hotels in La Malagueta
These are the hotels we recommend in La Malagueta:
- $$: Hotel Ms Maestranza. 4-star hotel offering double rooms. It has a rooftop terrace, a whirlpool bath, a bar-restaurant, and breakfast service.
- $$$: Gran Hotel Miramar. 5-star hotel located in a beautiful protected building of the twentieth century. It is located in front of the beach and has an outdoor swimming pool, bar, restaurant, private parking, and spa. You can choose from one of its double rooms, triple rooms, or suites.
4. Pedregalejo, where to stay in Malaga
This is always my best option and choice to stay in Malaga. It is an area with a lot of charm, right on the beach. A very seafaring beach with a very open mind to diversity. Its promenade is full of bars and restaurants to have breakfast looking at the sea, eat fresh and good fish, or enjoy the “tardeo” in flip-flops.
Pedregalejo is also very well connected to the city center. Located in the easternmost part of the city, from it you can reach the historic center by bus (it is a straight line) in about 15 minutes and without parking problems.
In this area, you will find the Baños del Carmen, some old baths that are now an ideal leisure space to end the day with a cocktail while enjoying the sunset with your feet in the sand. And of course, La Chancla, the part of the promenade where, if I’m in Malaga, I usually spend most of the day (a nice quiet breakfast at dawn in La Galerna is a must).
For those of you who are thinking of doing routes and outings to villages in the east of Malaga (Frigiliana, Nerja, Torrox, etc.) or even reach the coast of Granada (Almuñecar, Salobreña, Motril, etc.), this is your neighborhood. The eastern highway leaves from here, and you avoid crossing the city every day.
Recommended hotels in Pedregalejo
Some of the best hotels in Malaga located in Pedregalejo are the following:
- $: Apartamentos La Perla Azul. Accommodation with apartments for 4 people located on the coast. All options have a balcony or terrace with sea views. The decoration is modern and pleasant. There is no parking.
- $$: Hotel Elcano. Very colorful and lively 2-star hotel, 250 meters from the beach. They offer several types of double rooms. It also has a garden and serves breakfast.
- $$$: Hotel La Chancla. 3-star beachfront hotel with double rooms, bar, restaurant, terrace, and breakfast service. The rooms have sea views.
5. Sacaba Beach – Huelin
Now, let’s discuss two “less known” places to stay because they are not in the center, but considering them at least as a possibility might be helpful and intriguing depending on your travel style, your objectives, and most importantly, the time of year you visit Malaga.
As I was telling you about Soho, Sacaba Beach in Huelin is another of the areas that have risen from the ashes and now have become very popular places in the city.
Sacaba Beach in Huelin is another neighborhood that has emerged from the ashes to become a highly visited destination in the city, similar to Soho, which I was discussing with you earlier.
It is a very quiet area from which you can also walk to the historic center. If you like to walk along the beach at sunrise or sunset and if you are going to focus your stay on enjoying the beach while visiting the monuments of the city, this is a great option.
As I stated earlier, this area was quite trashed until a few years ago, which is why the hotels and flats are relatively new. It is now a “very nice” and lovely spot to stay in peace and quiet in Malaga. In addition, the costs are lower than in the old town and the center.
This neighborhood is ideal if you plan to visit primarily the white villages in the west of the province (Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Marbella, Ronda, Mijas, etc.) because it offers direct access to the highway in that direction, saving you from having to travel through the city center.
Recommended hotels in Sacaba Beach
For those who prefer this area, the following accommodations may be considered:
- $: Hotel Solymar. Simple 2-star hotel with single, double, and triple rooms. There is a shared lounge with a seating area, microwave, kettle, and vending machines.
- $$: Luxury Home Poseidón. Hotel that offers spacious apartments for 4 or 6 people, very complete. There is a terrace and patio, and it is located 8 minutes walk from the beach.
- $$$: Vincci Málaga. A 4-star hotel located on the seafront with double, triple, and suite rooms. There is a bar with an outdoor terrace, a restaurant, private parking, and breakfast service.
6. Teatinos
This is the last location on my list of suggested places to stay in Malaga; it’s a less-traveled neighborhood but still worth a look. These days, during August’s Feria de Malaga, you may find reasonably priced hotels and, most importantly, apartments. The Real de la Feria is conveniently located nearby.
It is a more secluded area of the historic center but now very well connected with the metro—a streetcar that takes you in less than 12 minutes and without traffic jams or parking hassles.
It is one of the new housing areas in Malaga that grew up around the university. Now there is the City of Justice, one of the most important hospitals in Malaga, and it has all the services you may need (a shopping center, cool restaurants like Spaghetteria Circus, or trendy cocktail bars).
Located in the western part of the city, the airport is only 5 minutes away by car, and Torremolinos and its beaches are only 10 minutes away. If your trip is for work, you like the west side of the province more, or your budget is tighter, this area is very good.
Recommended hotels in Teatinos
These are the hotels we recommend in this area of Malaga:
- $: Teatinos Sky Garden. Hotel with apartments for 2 people with equipped kitchen. There is a terrace and swimming pool.
- $$: iloftmalaga Ciudad de la Justicia. Hotel offering well-equipped 2 or 3 bedroom apartments. Free private parking, outdoor swimming pool, and terrace.
I’m confident that after showing you the best places to stay in Malaga, selecting your hotel will be much simpler for you. We have provided you with a list of hotels in the vicinity so you can view these and other options.
💡 If you want to visit the most unique villages in the province, check out this selection of the most beautiful towns near Malaga. You will love them!
Map of best areas to stay in Malaga
To help you find a good hotel option, we have prepared this map with all the hotels and areas mentioned in this post.
If you are going to Malaga and need any particular recommendation regarding accommodation or any other aspect of the trip, do not hesitate to write me. I will help you with everything I can.
