DMACJ

Hi,
We are planning to stay in Malaga for a week at the end of July. We have a young family, so although we'd like to be central, I am concerned about noise levels as pointed out by many reviewers (around Plaza de la Merced area). Any advice on where to stay so that we are close to good restaurants etc but perhaps a little quieter? Thanks

ympepe

Stay in Marbella, if you can make the switch. El Fuerte is in a super location and has 2 hotels at different price points.

WomBatt

You do not say what kind of accommodation you are wanting. I have no recollection, in many years of one or two night visits, of external noise disturbance and cannot speak of staying near that Plaza. There are plenty of s.c. and hotel accommodation a short bus ride or 5, 10 or 15 minutes walk from the city proper, and like La Malagueta plenty to eat in the vicinity - examples -http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/spain/S19654.htm and Hotel MS Maestranza I rarely stay anywhere else but the IBIS, the other side of downtown, but as I said, these last few years, only for a couple of nights.

isabel

This hotel is very central but I don't recall any noise, it's sort of on a side street. http://www.hoteldoncurro.com/pages/home

zippo

Hotel Larios is good - central but quiet, parking garage. Really quiet would be the Parador Gibralfaro at the top of the hill - beautiful but nowhere to walk in the evening, also the old fort itself is not safe to visit in the evening.

josele

What are you looking for, hotel or apartment?
City center shall be noisy at night, but it greatly depends on the area. I may suggest small hotels in the east, Pedregalejo, with a good nightlife only at the waterfront, and 15 min by bus from the city center. But it greatly depends on what you're looking for or your budget. Please be more specific.

DMACJ

Thanks everyone. We are looking at renting an apartment - one in particular I like is on Plaza de Arriola, so quite central. Does anyone know if this area is ok? Thanks again.

fransByairtickets

Malaga is great, my bigger concern would be the heat. Check the teleratures in July, it can be very hit there. Specially for littje children.

As fir the noise: Spain is spain, you love it or you like it but you cannit avoid their loud way of living..

Frans

WomBatt

re: Plaza de Arriola - ok for what? Are there no reviews or testimonials for this apartment? As you have recognised, it is minutes from many 'sites' and the shopping area. You have the bonus of the Ataranzas market as a near neighbour for any catering.

josele

Yes, it is "minutes" from every place, but "seconds" from Malaga Central market, in noisy operation from very early in the morning. If the windows open to the street, I do not rec. it. Please tell me exact address. And tell me other options you have.

Bedar

Josele - what are some names of hotels in Pedregalejo ? We lived in the area many years ago, but, of course, things have changed. Want to eat conchas finas, grilled sardines, and chanquetes (if still available). Is the restaurant Antonio Martin still extant ? Thanks.

stevelyon

Pedregalejo is very atmospheric but its not central to Malaga and not nearly as nice as Torremolinos. Not far from Malaga and probably the same distance as Pedregalejo is Torremolinos which gets a very unfair bad press, but to me its a fantastic area to stay - with La Carhuela with its many fish restaurants a short stroll away along a wonderful promenade bustling with people, and lined with barbecues grilling sardines.

Bedar

Thanks, Stevelyon. Pedregalejo is rather a barrio of Malaga. Torre is much farther. I agree that Torre gets a bum rap. More people should stay there. It has alot to offer. I lived there in the 60s. Just looking for a different place to stay for Sept. Who knows, what with all the new roads and faster travel, we'll probably drive straight thru from Almeria to Algeciras and wind up at the Reina Cristina.

cruiseshmooz

Check out Novotel Suites. It's just on the other side of the river, quiet & very close to everything. The rooms are "suites", but very small. I think there may be a few larger ones for families.

josele

Bedar, hotels in Pedregalejo are mostly 3star, extant houses turned into hotels, but they are nice, La Chancla, right on the waterfront; more quiet streets: Las Acacias, H. Pedregalejo, H. Elcano.
Chanquetes you can have but are from fish factory or the like, not exactly the real thing (but I know where to get them, of course!). Antonio Martin exists but it is now Dani García's La Moraga.

Pedregalejo is a Malaga neighborhood, in the east part of Malaga, it is in the very city I mean, 5 min by car from city center. Torremolinos is a town, you have to exit Malaga, a 20-30 min drive. Mostly tourists.

Bedar

Many thanks, Josele ! Pedegalejo is mentioned in today's travel section of the Telegraph - the Maricuchi restaurant - as is La Moraga. You should become a travel guide for the Malaga/Costa del Sol area ! We'll also eat at La Consula in Churriana. The house used to belong to my husbnad's cousin. And, we'll seek out a seafood bar for conchas finas right off the Plaza in Torremolinos. Have forgotten the name, and it's probably out of business, but we must find conchas finas. They are divine !

ekscrunchy

I hope you all will report back! Especially about the quest for conchas finas.

Bedar

Josele - I did some research with the help of a friend who has a terrific memory. The name of the seafood place/bar in Torre is "Vina P." Evidently it is one of the original bars there. Dates from 1951. Conchas finas are difficult to clean, and this place served them without any trace of sand. Our friend said that Vina P was still there in '98, so who knows. Maybe it's still there.

josele

I was a regular of Maricuchi for some months that El Caleño was under renovation, I prefer Caleño anyway.
Conchas finas is very common in Malaga, good quality served in many places. I recall the La Viña P, but regardless the proximity, I have not been to Torremolinos for years. Check: http://www.aqueltorremolinos.com/27.html
I know the Consula too, I used to paint there before it became the Hosteleria School. A really nice place and food, do not forget to make the reservation well in advance!