Hotel La Chancla

The first impression at Hotel La Chancla is vibrant and charming -- enough to draw in everyone from families enjoying a little downtime to singles and couples seeking a casual getaway. Providing pristine sea views, its atmosphere is equal parts beachfront budget hotel and buzzy social venue, despite having only nine rooms. Just beyond the small lobby is a cozy, comfortable gathering spot, complete with plenty of seating and a contemporary fireplace. It’s dotted with plush armchairs and little wooden tables, along with several offbeat wingback chairs whose patchwork fabrics and warm spice tones add a little splash of color to the otherwise relatively restrained color palette. Adjacent to the lounge space is the restaurant and bar, a lively spot featuring regular live musical performances that draw in guests and those cruising the boardwalk just outside. 

Hotel La Chancla is situated directly on the beachfront in the former fishing district of Pedregalejo, under five minutes on foot from the shops and restaurants along Calle Bolivia. The neighborhood has a charming, small-town quality and is filled with flat-roof homes and Old-World detailing. In addition to providing direct access to the beach, the hotel is about a 10-minute drive from the heart of Malaga and the historic Malaga Cathedral. The city is an emerging arts destination as well, and is home to the Centre Pompidou Malaga, also near downtown in the La Malagueta neighborhood. The nearest shopping mall is Muelle Uno, a contemporary, open-air center on the Malaga Port. There’s a bus stop with transportation into town just five minutes from the hotel, while Malaga Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car.

Rooms as bright and cheeful as these are a good indication that you’re in the right place for a beach getaway. They're also a pleasant step up from most budget rooms we've seen in our travels. Each of the nine rooms has a quirky, colorful mural of a map depicting some of Malaga's most noteworthy sites. The rest of the decor is minimal, but modern, with hardwood floors and orb lights adding design-conscious twists. Basic amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and desks, are all included. All rooms are also air-conditioned. Some have slanted ceilings with skylights directly above the bed, which could prove cumbersome for taller guests. Several of the rooms also offer direct sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Bathrooms are functional, albeit a bit plain and cramped. Most have no counter space, although the Junior Suite bathroom is more spacious and features a chic, rounded vessel sink on a roomy countertop. Keep in mind that some rooms over the hotel's restaurant and boardwalk may pick up noise into the night, though windows generally keep out most of the noise.

From its down-to-earth bar to its low-key restaurant, Hotel La Chancla is a budget property that has the easygoing vibe down to a science. The on-site restaurant and bar is relaxed, with cushy leather chairs and hardwood tables in a wide-open dining room that looks out over the water. There’s a seafront patio extension with plenty of outdoor seating -- it's a great spot to enjoy the hotel's continental breakfast (which isn't included in room rates). Part of the daily morning routine is regular live music, courtesy of an assortment of cellists, violinists, or guitarists who serenade guests on the patio. Things are even more relaxed up on the hotel's roof. In addition to a hot tub and comfy seating, there’s an honor bar where guests are welcome to the drinks of their choice (with the expectation they’ll note their selections on a tab and be billed later). Personal beachfront cabanas are available to rent for a fee, as are bicycles. The business area is of limited size, but the small desk, printer, and computer are nestled in a rather charming nook with an alcove window. In any case, Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Public parking is a short walk away, which is worth noting for travelers with heavy luggage.