Best Luxury Hotels in Malaga, Spain

The ultra-modern, stylishly designed, just plain fun 221-room Barcelo Malaga is located in the same building as the Malaga high-speed rail station, making it ideal for travelers on a layover or in town for just a few days. The large, tricked-out convention and meeting facilities, combined with a handy location, make it a great spot for business travelers -- and the cool bars and restaurants are ideal for client meetings.

The 103-room Hotel Molina Lario, which consists of two refurbished 19th-century buildings with their original facades, and one modern building, is a four-pearl, mid-range hotel near the harbor in Malaga. While the location isn't on the water, the port is within walking distance. A rooftop pool and bar offer great views of the city and its famous cathedral, which sits opposite the hotel, while Cafe de Bolsa serves a buffet-style breakfast and Spanish items a la carte for lunch and dinner, either indoors or on the gorgeous terrace.

The 109-room Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio is an upscale hotel that offers subtle, thoughtful decor; high-quality furnishings; and a chic gastrobar -- with the extraordinary added feature of archeological ruins preserved beneath the building. Remains of centuries-old sections of the city's Roman and Arab walls and other artifacts are on view, and the Wall Bar has a glass floor so patrons can gaze upon Malaga's past while sipping champagne.

A 214-room hotel on a busy corner in central Malaga, the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio by Marriott is an excellent anchor for exploring the city's vibrant street life. With a location near the port and attractions, this is a popular pick for tourists and large groups (it also accommodates meetings and conferences frequently). Rooms are bright and minimal with minibars and flat-screen TVs. The rooftop restaurant, bar, and pool offers spectacular views of the city (it is sometimes closed for parties) but parking is expensive and the pool lacks privacy.