Hotel del Pintor

Hotel del Pintor is the best-value way to stay in the middle of Málaga’s old town with a bit of personality. It is a small boutique hotel on Calle Álamos, in the La Merced area at the northern edge of the historic centre, a few minutes from the Plaza de la Merced where Picasso was born. Its name, the painter’s hotel, comes from the work of the Málaga artist Pepe Bornoy, whose bold pieces in red, black and white decorate the interiors and give the hotel a distinctive, graphic look. There are seventeen rooms, each with its own bathroom, air-conditioning and heating, and a choice of double or king-size beds. It now operates under the Hoteles con Cultura label, which also runs the neighbouring Suites del Pintor apartments.

Location and getting around: Calle Álamos runs just north of the Plaza de la Merced, so the Picasso Birthplace Museum, the Picasso Museum, the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba are all within a five to ten minute walk, and the cathedral and Calle Larios about ten minutes. The area is full of tapas bars and restaurants. The Centro-Alameda station, for trains to the airport, is about 15 minutes away on foot, or a short taxi ride.

The rooms: rooms are compact and simple but well kept, with the artist’s designs on the walls, modern bathrooms and air-conditioning for the hot months. They are not large, so travellers with lots of luggage should choose a larger room type. Rooms at the back are quieter than those facing the street, which is lively in the evenings.

Who it suits and good to know: budget-minded couples, solo travellers and anyone who wants to be in the old town without paying big-hotel prices. Breakfast is served à la carte at the table, with early and late options, rather than as a buffet. There is no pool or gym, and driving in this part of the old town is difficult, so arrive by taxi and use a public car park if you have a car. Book early for Easter Week and the August fair, when prices rise sharply.