For Malaga visitors wanting access to a swimming pool to complement the gorgeous shoreline of the Costa del Sol, there are plenty of hotels with pools to pick from.
(Photo: Gran Hotel Mirimar)
The bustling port city on Spain’s southern coast has plenty to tempt you away from your choice of accommodation, including jaw-dropping architecture, charming gardens, and the picture-postcard winding streets of the old town. But when it comes to places to stay, one consideration for many is whether there’s an on-site swimming pool to provide refreshing respite from the almost year-round sunshine that Malaga enjoys. We’ve picked out 5 of the best hotels with a pool that the city has to offer.
Gran Hotel Mirimar
Malaga is home to several five-star accommodation options, but nothing says soulful seaside glamour like Gran Hotel Miramar, located in the La Caleta area, between Paseo de Reding avenue and the seafront, just five minutes from the city’s top museums. Said to be the oldest luxury hotel in the city, it was opened by King Alfonso XIII in 1926. Since then, it’s seen the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway pass under its century-old balustrades. Designer Aneta Mijatovocic has creatively reimagined the space, pairing Neo-Arab and traditional Andalusian influences with stark white walls and 21st-century luxury touches. Bedrooms are equally sumptuous, with some boasting marble balconies overlooking the sea. The hotel is a stone’s throw from the beach, and there are outdoor and indoor pools, including a children’s pool, with views of the sea too. From €271 per night.
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro
(Photo: Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro / Courtesy Booking.com)
Perched high up on the Gibralfaro hill, around six kilometres from the city centre, this hotel is renowned for its dazzling sea views. It’s neighbours with the spectacular Gibralfaro Castle, built in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba citadel. The boutique is Malaga at its most atmospheric and charming; think centuries-old antiques, original Picasso artwork and palm-fringed courtyards. There are 38 guest rooms to choose from, each kitted out with luxurious toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. Best of all is the enticing rooftop pool, which features colourful potted plants, sunbeds and views over the surrounding countryside and out to the glittering Mediterranean sea. From €200 per night.
AC Hotel by Marriott Malaga Palacio
Positioned between Málaga Cathedral and Paseo del Parque, in the heart of the city centre, this 4-star high-rise hotel features an alluring rooftop swimming pool that affords scenic views of Málaga’s vibrant port area. Other notable amenities include a gymnasium, a restaurant serving authentic Spanish cuisine including hearty breakfasts, a lounge, and a bar on the 15th floor’s terrace. Guest rooms are no less impressive, containing a TV, a minibar and air conditioning. The prestigious Picasso Museum is seconds away on foot and La Alcazaba Castle is a just a little further on. From €186 per night.
Hotel Picasso
(Photo: Hotel Malaga Picasso / Courtesy Booking.com)
If you’d prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Hotel Picasso is a great option. Situated close to Malaga International Airport, the hotel offers 13 spacious guest rooms, each featuring antiques, coffee-making equipment and air-conditioning. Prices include a generous breakfast buffet, too. If you’re travelling in the summer months, the outdoor pool and charming terrace with sunbeds is a blessing. Guests can rent bikes from the property and, for guests arriving in their own transport, private on-site parking is free. From €103 per night.
Hotel Eliseos
A brisk 5-minute walk from La Alcazaba Castle, and close by to many of the city’s other main attractions including the beach, this unpretentious hotel combines a great location with some top-notch facilities. Among them is a rooftop terrace complete with a small, seasonal swimming pool looking out over the architecturally-striking bullring opposite. Guest rooms are characterised by simple wood furnishings, and come with flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, while some also have balconies and kitchenettes. The Picasso Museum is a few minutes’ walk away. From €64 per night.