16 Best Hotels in Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, and Costa de Almería, Spain

Fully restored to its full 1930s neo-Mudejar glory, this castlelike hotel is one of the city’s most atmospheric and romantic—a Málaga version of The Arabian Nights. Moorish decor runs through the communal areas, all rooms, and gardens that contain ruins of the 17^th-century fortress and have Alhambra-style paving and fountains. Panoramic views of the city and bay are standard in many rooms, where you’ll find exquisite attention to detail. Splurge on a suite for a private terrace with your very own sea views. If you don’t have your own transport, use the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to the beach and city center.

The grande dame of Marbella hotels offers luxurious rooms, tropical grounds, and sky-high rates; the sense of seclusion is emphasized by its lofty palm trees, dazzling flower beds, and a beachside tropical pool area. It was a creation of the late Alfonso von Hohenlohe, a Mexican-Austrian aristocrat who helped turn the town into a playground for the rich and famous. The bungalow rooms vary in size, but come with fully fitted kitchens and their own gardens, and some have private pools. The main restaurant has a classy, eclectic menu of modern Mediterranean cuisine; if you don't want to eat here, stop by for a cocktail in the piano bar (open in the summer).

The attractive rooms at this cozy gray-stone parador are some of the best in Málaga, with spectacular views of the city and the bay, so reserve well in advance. Furnished with blue curtains and bedspreads and woven rugs on bare tile floors, the rooms feel classic, and they all have terraces to take advantage of a location that's on top of the Gibralfaro hill, 3 km (2 miles) above the city and surrounded by pine trees. The restaurant excels at classic Mediterranean dishes plus local specialties like fried fish and gazapachuelo (soup with monkfish and king prawns). On hot days, you can take in the views while cooling off in the rooftop pool.

Perched on the cliff above Burriana beach and with stunning coastal and ocean views, this parador sits in immaculate Mediterranean gardens, with a large pool and guest loungers. Rooms are spacious, and many enjoy the panoramic vistas from small private gardens or terraces. Some have hot tubs. Decor is classic Spanish, with ceramic floors and dark furniture. Central Nerja is a short walk away, and the guest elevator whisks you up and down to the beach in moments.

At the far western end of the Golden Mile (and a few minutes’ walk from the beach and Puerto Banús), Boho Club offers a chilled vibe in Scandinavian-style surroundings. Rooms (nine are suites in separate bungalow-type buildings) are spacious, with gold and green touches in the rich fabrics and decor; some have partial sea views, while the quietest enjoy panoramic vistas of La Concha mountain peak. Guests have the choice of two pools (one with live music and bar), both in exquisitely manicured gardens where two Richard Hudson sculptures blend into the pretty Mediterranean flowers and shrubs. A spa and wellness center opened in 2025, and guests can enjoy free yoga sessions.The hotel's restaurant offers Mediterranean dishes with creative touches and a substantial brunch, favored by locals. It won the Best Hotel Breakfast in Spain award in 2025.

With panoramic views of San José and the wide bay, these modern self-catering apartments make the most of their elevated position at the far west end of the village. All accommodations have exceptional sea views and come fully equipped and spotlessly clean. Choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom modules—the largest have private terraces. Guests have use of the generously sized pool and garage, and the on-site bar and restaurant provide good food (looking over the same views). The beautiful Playa de los Genoveses beach is a 10-minute walk down the nearby cliff.

Housed in a beautifully restored historic mansion, this family-run hotel offers cozy accommodations off a stunning central patio. The period rooms come with lofty ceilings, traditional beams, and eclectic furnishings. Rooms with exterior balconies are lighter and airier than those facing the patio and look out across the town center. The location could not be more convenient with Estepona’s charming old quarter and the beach on the doorstep. Guests have access to complimentary refreshments, snacks, and Nespresso coffee.

Enjoying a quiet location at the north end of the casco antiguo, this 17^th-century mansion is one of the resort’s longest-established boutique hotels, fully refurbished in 2020. Named for the French opera singer Claude Devoize, who lived here in the early 1970s, the hotel has many original features in marble and stone, particularly in the central patio, bedecked with original artworks including a giant hanging fish sculpture. Each of the seven rooms takes an Andalusian province as its decorative theme—Granada, aka the Chic Suite, is particularly grand. The intimate rooftop terrace has lovely views of the old quarter and makes a romantic spot for an evening drink or bistro supper.

On a hill to the west of the village, this modern luxury hotel has commanding sea views and is close enough to the main beach to walk (but far enough to enjoy peace and quiet). Rooms are spacious with stylish furnishings, a private balcony, and hot tub. The central pool is a perfect spot for sunbathing if you don't prefer the sand. 

One of the handful of adults-only hotels here, Hotel Fénix offers easy access to both the city center via the main entrance and El Bajondillo beach (one block away) via the first floor. Rooms are spacious and comfortable; those facing south have sea views. There's a pleasant pool area and rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi. Note that there's a four-night minimum stay in July and August.

Two blocks from the beach and a short walk from the casco antiguo stands one of Marbella's oldest hotels, which had a total overhaul in 2019 to elevate it to a four-star property. Additions include a gym and small rooftop pool. Rooms are large and light; the corner rooms are the largest.

This luxury resort, between the coastal highway and the sea, looks like a cross between a Moroccan casbah and a take on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, with tropical gardens and a succession of large swimming pools meandering down to the beach. The spacious rooms continue the North African theme, and all have balconies overlooking the Mediterranean. Nightly live music can be enjoyed during the summer, and there's a Sunday jazz brunch. Half-board plans are available.

This glossy hotel, refurbished in 2023, has a sophisticated edge on its high-rise neighbors, with light and airy rooms and private terraces overlooking the port and surrounding beach. Expanses of glossy marble in the lobby are crowned by a stained-glass dome, and glass elevators give dramatic views of the coast and mountains en route to your room. The rooms have pale parquet floors and pleasant floral fabrics. Service is generally excellent. 

Right on the main drag, this hotel sits on the edge of the old quarter and just five minutes' walk from the beach. Originally one of Marbella's most veteran lodgings, Óbal Urban Hotel has transformed Hotel Don Cristóbal into a modern, tech-stuffed place to stay and upgraded its star rating to four. All rooms are spacious (even the regular doubles have 216 square feet and the premier run to 377 square feet), with ubercomfy king beds and decorated in neutral tones with ocher and slate gray color pops. Those on the fifth to seventh floors have sweeping sea or mountain and city views—the mountain-facing rooms on the fifth floor have large terraces, perfect for taking in the vistas. On-site facilities include an excellent restaurant (with a value weekday lunch dish of the day for €12), Sky Bar 360º rooftop terrace with plunge pool, and a small gym.

On the central Plaza de la Constitución, in the middle of a sophisticated shopping area, this elegantly restored 19th-century building holds luxuriously furnished rooms. They have spacious black-and-white marble bathrooms, and several also have balconies overlooking the busy shopping street below. The rooms also have carpeting throughout and king-size beds. The separately owned roof terrace bar (open evenings in spring and summer) has stunning views of the cathedral. Book a street-side room during Easter week for a bird's-eye view of the processions.