'Life is an art. To go away from life to find art is a blatant form of snobbery and stupidity that I've tried hard to keep myself away from. My work celebrates life and I'm very much proud of it!,
Pablo Picasso, perhaps the greatest artist of the 20th century, was a man who was born and raised in Malaga, the largest city in Andalusia, a Southern Province in Spain. Having a connection to Malaga seems to have had a profound impact on how the art career of Picasso panned out. That distinct trait of loving life to the fullest is definitely evident not only through his art, but also through the way he spoke and the ideas he bore.
It's only fair to say that Malaga has never received its due share of value and importance as far as tourism in Spain is concerned. Having occupied the backseat forever, Malaga has flown low, under the radar, to become a sleeper hit of tourism. Of course, it may not be as glamorous and Madrid or as culturally rich as Barcelona, it also may not be as vibrant as Ibiza or as lively as Majorca, the fact that over one million tourists still choose to Malaga every year is a testament enough for its beauty and potential.
Being a city that chooses to be understated, it's also to be expected that you won't find too much of variety in Malaga hotels. But whatever seems to be available is indeed sufficient to make your stay in Malaga pleasant and satisfactory.
To know more, you will have to skim through “ albeit very quickly “ this quick-guide to hotels in Malaga.
Budget Hotels and Lodges in Malaga
There are no fewer than 50 lodging options in Malaga that can be deemed to be affordable and decent. Most of these are simple Spanish bed and breakfast establishments, while a handful pose themselves as curious hybrids between inns and resorts.
What you need to be aware of while choosing cheap hotels here is that you are not going to be able to get the best of hospitality (in terms of facilities made available to you). As they say, you get what you pay for “ and the prices you will be paying (around $50 to $70 a night), only basic facilities with clean and spacious rooms can be expected.
A detailed research of cheap hotels in and around Malaga that we carried out for the convenience of our research has yielded two fabulous value-for-money options.
The first one is Ibis Malaga. As we know, Ibis has a good reputation of operating excellent and affordable lodges all over the world. So, going with this one shouldn't really be a tough ask.
The next choice has to be Hotel Plaza del Castillo. Apart from its easily accessible location and courteous staff, its low room tariffs are going to be sure shot winners for tourists!
Taking a Step Ahead: Luxury Hotels in Malaga
Malaga, as you may well have guessed by now, is not a flashy city by any means. The only thing, however, that comes out in a sharp contrast to this ground reality is the fact that Malaga features some of the most exorbitant and extravagant resorts in all of Spain.
Finca Cortesin Hotel easily tops this category with a sprawling property that looks more like a palace than like a hotel. Its majestic corridors feature world-class decor and its luxurious suites scream of opulence from every corner. Add to this overpowering luxury a touch of in-house amenities like round the clock bars and hot-spas “ not to forget the spacious golf course for guests “ and you are looking at a truly fabulous hotel!
If you are a fan of resorts with golf courses and swimming pools, then, in addition to Finca Cortesin, we have another good pick for you. Westin La Quinta in Marbella (just outside Malaga) knows every trick in the book of luxurious hospitality to keep you pleased and content throughout your stay!
Top 5 Malaga Sights and Activities
- Alcazaba is a millennium old Moorish castle that is situated smack-dab in the middle of the city. It's a marvellous sight to climb atop of the castle and experience the panorama around you. Apart from its impressive stone-sand building, an equally thrilling amphitheater right by the base of the castle is worth checking out.
- Gibralfaro Castle is another castle not too unlike Alcazaba. The only difference is that it is situated on a taller mound of earth, and provides an even better view of the city from its top.
- Picasso Museum is an ode to the most famous son of Malaga. It features a number of premium artworks created by the maestro himself. A quick history of Spanish art can also be explored through various corridors of this intimate museum.
- La Conception Botanical and Historical Garden is a premier horticulture and botanical garden that features some of the most exotic species of plants from across the globe. With its lush green expanses, it provides a great relaxation spot in a city that's otherwise always on the go.
Costa Del Sol Malaga Airport is the only international airport that services the city. It connects Malaga directly with important cities in Europe, and handles over 10 million passengers yearly.
Located at a distance of about 10 km from the city center, the airport has frequent shuttle services to and from Malaga. That said, if you are looking to score some good Malaga hotels near the airport, you can choose one of many budget motels-cum-inns that are scattered in the vicinity of the airport.
Getting Around in Malaga
The most entertaining and efficient way of getting around in Malaga is on bicycles.
Many hotels in Malaga offer free bicycle rents to their rents, in a bid to keep vehicular movement in the city down to the minimum.
Other public transport systems (buses and taxis) can be used as well, especially if you are not physically fit to ride bicycles.
FAQs about hotels in Malaga