Palacio Solecio is the hotel to choose if you want to step out of the door and be in the middle of historic Málaga. It stands on Calle Granada, one of the main lanes of the old town, so close to the Picasso Museum that the walk takes a couple of minutes, and the cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre are all within about five minutes on foot. The building is a historic palace that has been converted into a hotel, and it belongs to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, a group of independent properties chosen for their character. Inside, the mood mixes the grandeur of the old house with modern comforts, so you can expect tasteful furnishings and rooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with views over the old town roofs, a seasonal outdoor pool for hot afternoons, a 24-hour gym and the Balausta restaurant and bar, which serves Mediterranean cooking and drinks at the centre of the hotel. Buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge, which suits travellers who prefer to choose between the buffet and the many cafés outside. It is a good choice for couples, for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere and for anyone who values a grand setting without leaving the centre.
Location and getting around
Very few hotels in Málaga are better placed for sightseeing. The Picasso Museum is about two minutes away, Málaga Cathedral about three, the Alcazaba around five and the port about eight minutes on foot, while La Malagueta beach is roughly a ten to fifteen minute stroll. Calle Larios, the Plaza de la Constitución and the Carmen Thyssen Museum are all close, and there are countless tapas bars within a few steps.
The airport is about a half-hour drive, and a taxi from the airport or the station is the easiest way to arrive, since many of the surrounding streets are pedestrian.
The rooms
The rooms and suites vary in size and style, with classic touches that reflect the building’s history. Rooms on the higher floors catch more light and have the best outlook, and families can ask about connecting options when they book. Air-conditioning is helpful in the summer months, and the bathrooms are well kept. It is worth asking for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper, because lanes in the old town can be lively late in the evening, particularly during festivals.
Who it suits and good to know: couples, culture lovers and travellers who want a distinctive, elegant base in the old town. The rooftop terrace is the place for a drink at sunset, and the seasonal pool is a welcome retreat from the summer heat, though its opening period depends on the weather, so ask when you book.
Parking is not part of the standard amenities, so drivers should check with the hotel in advance and consider using a public car park nearby. Breakfast is charged separately, and a few of the best bakeries and coffee shops are only a short walk away. Prices rise sharply for Easter Week and the August fair, so reserve early for those dates.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic palace building
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓Balausta restaurant and bar
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Two minutes from the Picasso Museum
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Where is Palacio Solecio?+
It is on Calle Granada in the heart of Málaga’s old town. The Picasso Museum is about two minutes away on foot and the cathedral about three.
Does Palacio Solecio have a pool and a rooftop?+
Yes, there is a seasonal outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace with views over the old town. Ask the hotel when the pool is open on your dates.
Is breakfast included at Palacio Solecio?+
A buffet breakfast is available, but it is usually charged as an extra, so check the rate you book. There are also plenty of cafés and bakeries within a few minutes’ walk.
