Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Most hotels on the developed stretch between Torremolinos and Fuengirola offer large, functional rooms near the sea at competitive rates, but the area's popularity as a budget destination means that most such hotels are booked in high season by package-tour operators. Finding a room at Easter, in July and August, or over holiday weekends can be difficult if you haven't reserved in advance. In July and August many hotels require a stay of at least three days. Málaga is an increasingly attractive base for visitors to this corner of Andalusia and has some good hotels. Marbella, meanwhile, has more than its fair share of grand lodgings, including some of Spain's most expensive rooms. Gibraltar's handful of hotels tends to be more expensive than most comparable lodgings in Spain.
There are also apartments and villas for short- or long-term stays, ranging from traditional Andalusian farmhouses to luxury villas. An excellent source for apartment and villa rentals is Spain Holiday (952/204435 www.spain-holiday.com). For Marbella, you can also try Nordica Rentals (952/811552 www.nordicarentals.com), and, for high-end rentals, The Luxury Villa Collection (656/668710 www.theluxuryvillacollection.com. Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect a private bath, phone, and TV in your room.
In full view of the cathedral, this small hotel combines traditional charm (it has kept many of its original mid-19th-century features, including a stunning arched entryway) with modern elegance. Rooms are simply furnished but have comfortable beds and a handy computer. The rooftop terrace with plunge pool has lovely cathedral views, as does the outside dining area.
A touch of Asia comes to Torremolinos at Spain's only Japanese hotel, tucked away at the western end of the resort and a few minutes' walk from La Carihuela. Most of the spacious rooms are functional and European style, except for the Japanese Suite, with its futon and Furo tub (six times larger than a regular tub). The small gardens and pool area provide ideal relaxation space away from the crowds at the beach. Extras include free parking (a big bonus in Torremolinos) and a heated pool. Japanese food is served at all meals, although breakfast is European-style.
On the beach at the far end of La Carihuela, in one of the most pleasant parts of Torremolinos, this low-rise resort hotel has a loyal following for its friendly and homey style and comfortable, bright rooms. A tropical theme runs throughout: purple passionflower climbs cover the brickwork, exotic plants and bamboo furniture decorate the common areas, and warm color schemes and dazzling white fabrics make the guest rooms cheerful. Note that there's a minimum four-night stay in July and August. The beachfront restaurant has a good selection of meat and fish dishes.
Surrounded by lush subtropical gardens and fronting the beach, the Hurricane is one of the best-loved hip hotels on this stretch of coastline, famous for its Club Mistral wind- and kitesurfing school and its horseback-riding center. Rooms are upbeat and simply furnished, making good use of white, cream, and natural terra-cotta tiling, and fit in well with the surroundings. Those facing the highway are cheaper but can be noisy with traffic.
Within a few minutes' walk of the historic center, this parador provides a welcome oasis of calm for relaxing after sightseeing, and panoramic vistas of the Peña de los Enamorados can be seen from the gardens, restaurant, and some rooms. The style is reminiscent of a typical Andalusian estate, but with a modern edge, with steel and sharp contour details. Rooms are spacious and minimalist, with white and beige touches. Plenty of lounge chairs surround the pool in the manicured gardens.
