ICON Malabar, Málaga

Pros

• Your location in Málaga's Soho neighborhood places you steps away from boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as metro and bus stops.
• Dine on Mediterranean cuisine at Salsa Menta Café, which caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
• The Málaga Tourist office is around the corner, as is the waterfront and the leafy Paseo del Parque, and popular museums and the Málaga Cathedral are about 10 minutes away on foot.
• Rooms are bright, some with balconies facing the street, while other units look into the inner courtyard.
• A family-friendly hotel, you can book a Quadruple Room for parties of four.
• ICON Malabar promotes sustainability efforts with its Too Good To Go program, which reduces food waste and encourages environmental conservation.

Cons

• There isn't a pool or spa, but the hotel's central location means you're just a short trip from Playa la Malagueta and local wellness centers.
• While on-site parking isn't available, the hotel offers discounted rates at nearby parking facilities.

Authenticity

Though a relatively new boutique hotel (established in 2021), ICON Malabar sits in a historic building once owned by a prominent merchant of the 19th century. The hotel creatively restored the ​​Andalusian home with contemporary touches that nod to British colonial architecture found in India (and subsequently, the home base of the Icon Hotel chain). Eclectic interiors pay homage to the city's Roman and Moorish past with neo-Classic busts on display and trippy modernized Mudejar courtyards decked out in black and white azulejos. Salsa Menta Café serves up Mediterranean fare with locally inspired dishes, and its name nods to Málaga's historical significance as a center for garum production in the Roman Empire.

Location

The trendy Soho district is home to boutique hotels, hip bars, international restaurants, and plenty of mural art. You'll be right in the center of it all on a picturesque pedestrian street just a 10-minute walk from the city's historic center, which includes the Málaga Cathedral, Picasso Museum, and Calle Larios shopping street. The waterfront is a stone's throw away, opposite of which is the open-air Paseo del Muelle Uno shopping center (about a 20-minute walk), and in about 5, you can access the treelined Parque de Málaga. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel offers six room types, including two suites, all with tranquil vibes, neutral tones, and rose-gold accents. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with white marble and gray tiling. Some rooms feature private balconies with street views, and the family rooms sleep four people with bunk beds.

Amenities

ICON Malabar is quite basic when it comes to its amenities, but there are still some perks for travelers. Not only is there free WiFi in the hotel, but you can take advantage of their city-wide "MiFi." And while there's no on-site parking, you can get a discounted rate for nearby parking spots. Accessible rooms are available and there's also an elevator to the upper floors.  

Family-Friendliness

ICON Malabar welcomes families, allowing children up to age 12 to stay for free. Quadruple Rooms are ideal for families, accommodating up to four travelers. Cribs are available upon request (subject to availability), and the property is stroller-friendly.

Other Highlights

Enjoy a daily breakfast buffet focusing on healthy foods, and take your other meals from the on-site restaurant, Café Salsamente. The eatery serves Mediterranean food and ​​honors the city's past as the Roman Empire's first center for Garum production, a flavorful additive that forever influenced the future of cooking. Relax in the common areas, such as the lobby lounge or inner courtyard.