Gran Hotel Miramar, Málaga

Pros

• You'll be staying among history, as the hotel opened in 1926 under the commission of King Alfonso XIII and the design of architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan.
• The hotel is just across the street from Malagueta Beach and near one of the area's best-rated Chiringuitos (traditional fish stand right on the sand).
• Though you'll be nearly beachfront, you can still walk to all the city sites, including the Paseo del Muelle Uno (waterfront promenade), Parque de Málaga, Centre Pompidou Málaga, and Castillo de Gibralfaro.
• You'll have plenty to keep you entertained at the hotel, including two outdoor swimming pools, a large sun deck and terrace, an inner courtyard lounge, a coffee bar, a spa, and three on-site eateries.
• This property is an excellent option for families, as it provides a special kids' pool and summertime "Kids Club" with fun activities, plus childcare services.
• The hotel also understands that adults sometimes want a little peace and quiet, so you'll find a private lounge with sea views for those 16 years and older.
• All the rooms are huge, and some have beautiful sea views.
• The hotel provides covered parking and valet parking—a big perk if you have a car. 

Cons

• You won't be in the city's most historic area, and the beachfront can feel a little busy with tall apartment buildings and traffic.

Authenticity

King Alfonso XIII commissioned several luxury hotels during his reign, and this was one of them. Initially Hotel Príncipe de Asturias, it opened in 1926. The building maintains its grandiose past with a stunning courtyard, lobby, dining rooms, and entryway.

Location

Though you won't be in the city's historic core, the trade-off is the hotel's nearly waterfront location across the street from Malagueta Beach. Still, you'll be at the foot of Castillo de Gibralfaro, two blocks from the bullring, and within walking distance of other city sites, like the Parque de Málaga and Alcazaba, both less than 10 minutes away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll have your choice of seven room types, starting with the hotel's premier rooms. All are spacious with bright, airy, and refined decor, including pops of Art Deco design and decor. Bathrooms are large, modern, and come with colorful tiling. Some have seating areas or even separate living rooms; you can always request a unit with sea views. Book the top-floor Crown Suite in the building's fortified towers (complete with a private sun deck and hot tub) to feel like royalty.

Amenities

Gran Hotel Miramar feels like a resort with many common areas and amenities. Enjoy the hotel's two outdoor pools, an indoor Moorish spa with a thermal water circuit, a sun deck and lounge area with sea views (for those over 16 years), a private kids' pool and summertime activity center, and valet parking. The Miramar spa features several treatments, like chromotherapy, massages, body treatments, facials and more. There is also a gym that’s open 24 hours a day. The hotel features rooms accessible for wheelchairs and has elevators and ramps.

Family-Friendliness

Although the Gran Hotel Miramar focuses on luxury, it’s still family-friendly, with children under 11 staying for free. There are larger rooms that can accommodate families up to the age of four and a Kids Club for children.

Other Highlights

When hungry, you have three restaurants, some with luxurious dining rooms or terraces, two bars, and coffee and bar service in the beautiful inner courtyard lounge. Each restaurant has sea views, and you’ll find various culinary options catering to different dietary needs.