The best boutique hotels in Malaga

From Croatia to Dublin, Malta to London, Europe is renowned for its elevated boutique hotel offerings. Home to lavish art, an energetic gastronomic scene, and the enchanting Mediterranean sea—sun-soaked Málaga is also packed with an impressive collection of well-designed properties. Few sights are more iconic in Europe than the sprawling Andalusian aesthetic of stark white buildings, majestic archways, and light-filled spaces. Get the full experience and bask in the irresistible romance of of the south at our favourite boutique hotels in Malaga, Spain on your next getaway.

All best boutique hotels in Malaga, Spain

1. Finca Cortesin

Inspired by classic Andalusian architecture, Finca Cortesin is the glamorous seaside oasis of our dreams. The palatial resort pays tribute to iconic Spanish aesthetics, with blinding white walls, terracotta-tile roofs, and magnificent arches. Beautiful antiques and luxuriant fabrics fill the interiors, thanks to the accomplished hand of late Portuguese designer Duarte Pinto Coelho.

In the 67 suites, the work of designers Ana and Cristina Calderon add to the allure of this sophisticated boutique hotel. Expect sunlit interiors, soaring ceilings, and exquisite furnishings, including blissfully large beds! Villas feature fully equipped kitchens.

Hotel facilities are as world-class as they come, with manicured gardens, a splendid spa, a golf course, and a palm-lined Beach Club that captures the breezy Mediterranean vibe. There are multiple dining options on-site, but El Jardin de Lutz’s traditional Spanish cuisine and Kabuki Raw’s fresh Japanese dishes are absolute highlights. Truly, Finca Cortesin masters the marriage of old-world style and modern living.

Find out more about Finca Cortesin

2. Palacio Solecio

Palacio Solecio is an 18th-century Andalusian palace steeped in heritage and timeless style. Set on the historic Calle Granada near top tourist attractions, the luxurious boutique stay was built for Félix Solesio when he settled in Malaga to run the Macharaviaya playing cards factory.

Through the exemplary work of Spanish architect and designer Antonio Obrador, the majestic mansion has been lovingly restored and renovated. Original features like the grand staircase, beautiful marble pillars, wrought iron balconies, and two pretty courtyards remain as an ode to the building and Malaga’s rich past.

At the same time, modern perks like the well-equipped gym and free Wi-Fi keep it suitable for business and leisure travellers. Head to Balausta for an unparalleled dining experience, with the restaurant’s Andalusian menu courtesy of award-winning Michelin star chef José Carlos García.

Find out more about Palacio Solecio

3. Puente Romano Beach Resort

It’s all about embracing the good life at Puente Romano Beach Resort in Marbella. Boasting an idyllic Mediterranean backdrop of white-washed walls, palm-lined shores, bright blue skies, and the sparkling sea, this upscale resort gets our stamp of approval. Beautifully designed rooms, suites, and villas feature high-quality furnishings, refined décor, and lush natural views.

Step outside and bask in the sprawling subtropical landscape, a stunning playground for lovers of the sun, sand, and sea. During water sports season from April to October, the pleasant Mediterranean waters are perfect for activities such as paddle boarding, jet skiing, and sailing. Not your scene? Perhaps you’d like to play a match on the world-renowned tennis courts by the beach or pamper yourself at the spa. Other notable facilities include a seasonal kids club, a kiddie pool, a fitness centre, and a nearby golf club.

Oh, and don’t miss trying out a few of the resort’s multiple restaurant options! For a premium steakhouse experience, Leña by Michelin star chef Dani Garcia is a must-visit.

Find out more about Puento Romano Beach Resort

4. Nobu Hotel Marbella

Set on the famed Golden Mile just steps away from the dazzling waters of the Mediterranean, Nobu Hotel Marbella is a place of total indulgence. Chic travellers will feel right at home here, where Nobu’s cool Japanese-inspired style meets the warm vibrance of the Spanish coast.

Expect a perfect night’s sleep in open-plan rooms and suites fitted with soft hues, top-quality fabrics, and refined modern décor. Guestrooms also feature marble bathrooms, as well as spacious terraces overlooking buzzy La Plaza or verdant gardens. Notable hotel facilities include the Six Senses Spa, a heated adults-only pool, and a state-of-the-art health and fitness centre. Travellers booked here even get access to world-class tennis courts and swimming pools.

As a Nobu establishment, it’s no surprise that the food in this hotel is first-rate—in fact, many call it one of the best dining experiences in Marbella! Whether you’re itching to try Nobu’s signature black cod miso or up for a dish inspired by the Mediterranean setting, this acclaimed restaurant is worth all the hype. Hotel guests also enjoy perks like 24-hour in-room dining, priority seating, and preferred access to Nobu restaurant and the exclusive club La Suite.

Find out more about Nobu Hotel Marbella

5. Marbella Club Hotel

With aristocratic roots, romantic Andalusian-style architecture, and a breezy beachfront location in the Mediterranean, Marbella Club Hotel exudes an air of carefree luxury. The seaside hotel was the brainchild of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe and has played host to the vacations of top-tier celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. Thus, it’s no surprise that the design is exquisite. Even decades from Marbella Club’s debut, the legendary retreat hasn’t lost a beat.

Lush gardens and towering trees dot the sprawling grounds, while sunlit rooms dressed up in neutral hues and coastal-inspired furnishings make for a relaxing sanctuary. Follow terracotta-tiled paths throughout the resort for Instagram-worthy corners, from picturesque arches to pretty courtyards.

Dining options in Marbella Club are plentiful, but fine dining at the Grill is on top of our must-try list. The hotel also features a renowned wellness spa, a kid’s club, a gym, and swimming pools. For jet-setters looking for a glamorous vacation in the Mediterranean, this one’s as close to unbeatable as it gets.

Find out more about Marbella Club Hotel

6. Finca el Cerrillo

A list of the best boutique hotels in Malaga wouldn’t be complete without this gem. An escape at Finca el Cerillo feels a little bit like staying at an affluent friend’s stunning Spanish retreat; while gracefully designed, it’s as charming and homely as it is stylish. The 200-year-old farmhouse, which used to be an olive mill, has been beautifully restored to blend old-world allure and modern luxuries.

Each one of the 12 guestrooms is uniquely styled, so guests can get a fresh hotel experience with every stay. There’s an unmistakably Andalusian flair to the interiors, with bold colours, rich textures, eye-catching patterns, and prominent arches. And when you step outside, the flourishing terraced gardens and rolling mountains make for a postcard-pretty setting for a romantic getaway.

The lush outdoor spaces make it a pleasure to simply sit or take a stroll around the grounds, but guests looking for some activity can go for a refreshing dip in the pool or browse through the books in the well-stocked library. Food is excellent with generous servings of local produce, while the Honesty Bar offers a wide selection of spirits 24/7.

Find out more about Finca El Cerrillo

7. Hotel Claude Marbella

The first boutique hotel in Marbella, Hotel Claude is an elegant sanctuary where travellers can experience the real Marbella. Overflowing with history and style, this 17th-century mansion is the former residence of Empress Eugenia de Montijo, the wife of Napoleon III. The property has been thoughtfully restored as a seven-room boutique hotel, but original artworks and decorative pieces remain to reflect the building’s precious heritage and the vibrant Andalusian settings.

No two rooms in Hotel Claude are the same. Instead, each one is individually designed to showcase a different side of Andalusia. The common spaces are just as inspired, whether you’re hanging out at the dreamy patio gallery or the chic Claude Café. And we think there’s something special at the Claude Library, where painters’ classic muses hang on the walls and hotel guests can steal away for a quiet moment or two. If you’re up for a more social setting, the breezy rooftop terrace may be more your scene.

Find out more about Hotel Claude Marbella

8. Room Mate Valeria

Room Mate Valeria is a fashionable designer hotel in an urban setting that’s close enough to the cobbled streets of the old town that travellers can experience Malaga like a true local. It’s housed in a thoughtfully restored building with façades from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Inside, everything is modern and bold. Inspired by nature, particularly Malaga’s famous gardens, designers Victoria and Sylvia Melián Randolph used plenty of strong colors and tropical prints in putting together the unique striped rooms of Room Mate Valeria. The result? Fresh, stylish, and unforgettable spaces that capture the lively energy of Malaga.

If you’re in the mood to hang out, escape to the roof terrace where locals and travellers often converge for cocktails and city views. Facilities in the property include a gym, a seasonal swimming pool, and a business centre.

Find out more about Room Mate Valeria

9. Hotel Carabeo

Take a breath and relax in Hotel Carabeo, a stylish boutique property perched on a picturesque cliffside location in Nerja. The sweeping views of the Mediterranean are impressive, especially framed by abundant flora and vibrant bougainvillea. Featuring only seven rooms and suites, this luxuriously renovated schoolhouse is the ideal retreat for travellers seeking a tranquil escape in Malaga.

Design lovers will be infatuated by the seamless mix of antique and contemporary pieces throughout the hotel. Rooms and suites come in various sizes, with each one individually decorated and named after the pretty beaches dotting the Nerja coast. Plush beddings, warm lighting, and unique artworks make these spaces an elegant and cozy cocoon for solo travellers and couples alike.

One of the biggest draws of Hotel Carabeo is the top-rated dining establishment, Restaurant 34. It is one of the best spots in the area for a taste of high-quality Spanish cuisine and local ingredients—and if you come during the summer, al fresco dining overlooking the Mediterranean is on the table. A tapas bar and a swimming pool are also available on-site.

Find out more about Hotel Carabeo

10. Petit Palace Plaza Malaga

In the historic heart of Malaga is Petit Palace Plaza, a 20th-century mansion within easy reach of the shopping destination Calle Larios. Some of the building’s original architectural features are preserved, such as the well-crafted wooden doors and handsome marble pillars. These details offer a lovely old-world touch to the elegant hotel, while the interiors are decidedly more contemporary.

Every room in the boutique property is smartly designed, with smooth lines, light woods, and modern amenities. The occasional splash of colour—say, a bright chair or a mural on a crisp white wall—adds a bit of jazz to the sleek space. Larger rooms fit for families are available, as well as rooms with views of the iconic Malaga cathedral.

While there is no on-site restaurant, breakfast is served in the classic Andalusian courtyard. Don’t worry about meals; Petit Palace’s convenient location means there are plenty of awesome dining options within walking distance of the hotel.

Find out more about Petit Palace Plaza Malaga

11. Palacio Blanco

Travellers interested in an authentic Malaga experience will want to check out Palacio Blanco. Beautifully renovated yet charmingly rustic, this 18th-century palace is nestled in Velez-Malaga that’s known for traveler-friendly attractions without being overwhelmed by the usual tourist rush. The centuries-old property used to be a bishop’s palace, with a classic Andalusian layout that includes a light-filled courtyard—our favourite spot for morning coffee and good conversation.

Décor throughout the nine-bedroom boutique hotel is classic, with clean white walls and wooden features. Ensuite rooms are spacious and light-filled, with ultra-comfy beds. Head up to the roof terrace, where an honesty bar and a swimming pool offer a pleasant space to unwind after sightseeing.

Find out more about Palacio Blanco

12. Casa Luz del Sur

Discover the magic of southern Spain in this beautiful Spanish villa in Alhaurin el Grande. This adults-only boutique property features five luxuriously appointed rooms, providing guests with utmost privacy and upscale relaxation surrounded by stunning valley vistas. With limited guestrooms, every corner of the sprawling gardens feels like your own personal summer residence.

Casa Luz del Sur takes inspiration from classic Andalusian design, with white-washed walls, terracotta tiles on the roofs, and natural materials used throughout the grounds. Décor in the spacious bedrooms is warm and diverse. Mammoth beds promise a good night’s sleep every night.

The poolside area is the best place to hang out in the hotel with views of rolling hills in the distance. Besides the pool, guests enjoy access to a breakfast buffet in the morning and a laidback lounge bar for drinks.

Find out more about Casa Luz del Sur

But wait, there’s more…

We review magical Keemala in Phuket
These are the trendiest boutique hotels in Crete right now
And ever wanted to stay on a boat hotel?